Meet Sandy Duncan, a Texas native whose unstoppable can-do attitude has driven her through an illustrious career in show business. Her big break came in 1966 when she wowed legendary choreographer Agnes de Mille during a Broadway revival of Carousel. In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Sandy recalls, “I didn’t think I could do it, and I did it. It gave me the confidence that if I worked hard enough, I could achieve greatness.”
This confidence propelled Sandy into a diverse career spanning films, TV sitcoms, and Broadway, where she became a household name as Peter Pan. Beyond the glitz and glamour, her journey is marked by resilience, especially after overcoming a brain tumor at the age of 24. Despite losing vision in one eye, she emerged stronger, calling it a turning point that made her a “better person.” Sandy shares, “It gives you an attitude of strength and hope. I consider myself lucky to have survived.”
Read also:Hedy Lamarr A Brilliant Mind Beyond Beauty
Sandy and her husband, Don Correia. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
Today, Sandy continues to shine on stage, most recently performing in Love Letters. Offstage, she enjoys a loving marriage to her third husband, Don Correia, with whom she shares two sons, Jeffrey and Michael. In this exclusive Q&A, Sandy opens up about her remarkable journey, her family, and even her meeting with Valerie Harper, the actress she replaced on TV decades ago.
From Broadway to TV: A Journey Through Six Decades
When asked about her enduring career, Sandy laughs, “I wouldn’t call it retired. I’ve been performing since I was 12, but at 72, I don’t commit to eight shows a week unless I truly love the material.” She explains that while Broadway is her passion, she hasn’t found a role that excites her enough for a long-term commitment. Instead, she opts for limited engagements, allowing her to balance her career with personal life.
Her perseverance hasn’t been without challenges, but Sandy attributes her success to a mix of luck and determination. “The work was hard, but my career progressed so smoothly—it almost feels unfair to admit!” she jokes. Among her most cherished roles is Peter Pan, which she performed in over 1,000 shows from 1979 to 1981 without missing a single performance. “It’s a role people still associate me with, even if they couldn’t have all seen it!”
Overcoming Adversity: Sandy’s Battle with a Brain Tumor
Sandy’s career took an unexpected turn in the early ’70s when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. During the final episodes of her TV series Funny Face, she endured excruciating headaches, yet she finished the season despite her worsening condition. It was her family doctor who finally uncovered the truth: “He told me, ‘Honey, there’s something going on behind your eye.’” The surgery was intense, involving removing part of her skull for 10 hours to extract the tumor and the orbit of her left eye, leaving her blind in that eye.
Though the experience was traumatic, Sandy approached it with resilience. “A lot of people might ask, ‘Why me?’ and spiral into self-pity, but I didn’t. You just have to keep moving forward,” she reflects. While she admits to occasional complaints, her overall attitude remains positive. Now, she’s preparing for another surgery to address the symmetry of her eye, but she remains optimistic. “Wish me luck!” she says with a laugh.
Read also:Shania Twain Spills The Beans On Her Most Embarrassing Moments
A Family Legacy: Marriage and Motherhood
Sandy’s personal life is as colorful as her career. Her first marriage to rock singer Bruce Scott ended after three years, shortly before her brain tumor diagnosis. During her recovery, she met physician Thomas Calcaterra, leading to a seven-year marriage. However, it wasn’t until she met Don Correia that she found lasting love. “We met while working on a nightclub act. There was no instant spark, but we grew to enjoy each other’s company, and two years later, we got married,” Sandy recalls fondly.
Don and Sandy’s partnership extends beyond romance. “We laugh a lot and share similar interests. As dancers, there’s a natural trust between us—he catches me every time I flip!” she jokes. Their two sons, Jeffrey and Michael, continue to bring her joy. Jeffrey recently secured a role in Disney World cruises, while Michael, now married, works in commercial insurance. Sandy hints at a possible move closer to Michael in New Jersey, adding a new chapter to their family’s story.
Revisiting the Past: Meeting Valerie Harper
In 1987, Sandy famously replaced Valerie Harper in the TV series Valerie, which was renamed The Hogan Family. Despite initial concerns, Sandy found the transition seamless. “It was a breeze. The cast and I hit it off from day one,” she says. However, it wasn’t until three years ago that she finally met Valerie Harper at a red carpet event. “We hugged and laughed about how we hadn’t met in all these years. It was wonderful to see her still going strong,” Sandy shares.
Life Lessons and Reflections
As Sandy reflects on her life, she acknowledges the blessings and challenges that have shaped her. “Depression has always been a part of my life, but I’ve learned to appreciate the moments of joy. Making a list of the incredible people I’ve worked with—Danny Kaye, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby—reminds me how blessed I am.”
Her mood today? “I’d rate it an 8. Things don’t upset me as much anymore. I used to worry about what others thought, but now I focus on what truly matters.”
For more insights into Sandy Duncan’s remarkable life, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for exclusive updates!
