LIVE Magazine #270 May 10, 2018

Paul and I spoke with Bill at length about his close
friendship with Patty, how the idea of writing the book
together came up, and the process itself.
Needless to say, we were fascinated! After we explained
what The Filmmakers’ Gallery is and does - that we
produce monthly screenings, events and book signings
at the Palm Springs Cultural Center - Bill expressed an
interest in coming out to Palm Springs (He lives with his
partner Vinny on the East coast). He said that the ideal
film screening to pair with his debut book signing would be
VALLEY OF THE DOLLS. BAM! We went to work, contacting
Among Friends and pitching them the idea that we could
join forces and make the event even bigger by adding the
book signing element to the cocktail party.
All was a GO! Bill and Vinny sold many books that evening.
We then brought him up on stage before the movie began
to introduce him to the audience and tell a few of his
favorite Anna stories (Anna was Patty Duke’s actual name).
This experience gave the eager audience an extra layer of
understanding Patty Duke and her career.
WILLIAM J. JANKOWSKI - Became fascinated with Patty
Duke at the age of eight, when he would watch her on
reruns of THE PATTY DUKE SHOW. He began collecting any
film or television program in which she was featured, and
ten years later he met Duke and a close friendship began
that would last eighteen years. Bill has been interviewed
for such publications as USA Today, and served as a
consultant on biographical television specials about Duke’s
work for ABC, A&E, Lifetime and E! in addition, he wrote
the speech given about Duke when she received her
star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, as well as her final
biography for Playbill magazine. You can visit Bill at:
WILLIAM J. JANKOWSKI
www.pattydukebook.com
STEVEN ROCHE - Is an award-winning producer and
writer, with over 25 years of experience in all areas of
the entertainment industry. He is a proud member of the
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, the Writer’s Guild
of America, the International Documentary Association
(former Board member and Vice President), and Film
Independent. He currently lives in Palm Springs with his
husband, Paul and their four (!) lovable Fur Babies. Steven
can be reached at: stevenfrancisroche@gmail.com. For
information on upcoming Filmmakers’ Gallery screenings
and events, please “LIKE” our Facebook page.
WILLIAM WITH VINCENT VOCATURO
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