Autopsy The Last Hours of... Season 4 Episode 7 Patty Duke
- June 7, 2020
- 44 min
Autopsy The Last Hours Of... season 4 episode 7 examines the final hours of American actress, Patty Duke, who rose to fame as a child star of the 1960s and had a career that spanned over five decades. Born in 1946, Duke made her acting debut at the age of 8 in the Broadway play, The Miracle Worker. She later went on to win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Helen Keller in the film adaptation of the same play.
Duke's life was not without its struggles, however. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982, she became a prominent advocate for mental health awareness and worked tirelessly to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. In addition to her advocacy work, Duke continued to act throughout her life, appearing in numerous television shows and films.
In this episode of Autopsy The Last Hours Of..., experts examine the events leading up to Duke's death in 2016 at the age of 69. The show delves into Duke's medical history, including her struggles with mental illness and addiction, as well as her physical health in the years leading up to her death.
Through interviews with friends and family members, as well as medical professionals who treated Duke, the episode paints a picture of the actress's final days. Viewers learn about the symptoms she exhibited in the weeks prior to her death, including fatigue, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. The show examines the emergency medical response to her deteriorating condition, and the medical interventions that were attempted to save her life.
Experts, including forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Hunter, explore the potential causes of Duke's death and consider the role that her medical history may have played. They examine the long-term effects of her bipolar disorder and the impact that her prescription medications may have had on her health. They also consider the possibility of undiagnosed underlying medical conditions.
As the episode progresses, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors that contributed to Duke's death. They learn about the physical toll of a lifetime of work in the entertainment industry, as well as the challenges of managing a chronic illness. Through interviews with Duke's loved ones, they gain insight into the actress's personality and spirit, as well as the legacy that she left behind.
Autopsy The Last Hours Of... season 4 episode 7, Patty Duke, is a thought-provoking examination of one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses. Combining expert medical analysis with firsthand accounts from those who knew Duke best, the episode offers a moving tribute to the life and career of a true icon.