Patricia Campbell Hearst, commonly known as Patty Hearst, born on February 20, 1954, in San Francisco, California, not only inherits the Hearst fortune but stands as a symbolic figure in the tumultuous events that transpired post her abduction by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) in 1974.
Patty Hearst’s Biographical Insight
Full Name: Patricia Campbell Hearst
Nickname: Patty Hearst
Date of Birth: February 20, 1954
Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, U.S.
Age: 69 years
Parents:
- Father: Randolph Apperson Hearst
- Mother: Catherine Wood Campbell
Siblings: Anne Hearst, Victoria Hearst, Virginia Hearst Randt, Catherine Hearst
Education: University of California, Berkeley
Marital Status: Widowed (Married Bernard Shaw in 1979; he passed away in 2013)
Children: Gillian Hearst-Shaw, Lydia Hearst-Shaw
Patty Hearst’s Early Life
Patty, the third of five daughters, enjoyed a luxurious upbringing under the influence of her grandfather, William Randolph Hearst, a media tycoon. Despite her privileged life, the security lapses were evident. At the time of her kidnapping, Patty was a sophomore at the University of California, Berkeley, studying art history, and engaged to Steven Weed.
Measurements of Patty Hearst
- Height: 5 feet 7 inches
- Weight: 70 kg
- Bust: 34
- Waist: 32
- Hips: 34
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Brown
Patty’s Ordeal with the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA)
On February 4, 1974, at the age of 19, Patty fell victim to the SLA’s abduction from her Berkeley apartment. The group sought to exploit the Hearst family’s influence to secure the release of SLA members involved in the murder of Marcus Foster, the superintendent of Oakland public schools.
Patty Hearst: Captive or Collaborator
Held in a closet, blindfolded, and facing threats of death, Patty claimed she endured repeated assaults by SLA members. After weeks in captivity, faced with a dire choice – freedom or alignment with the SLA – she chose the latter, adopting the name Tania and participating in criminal activities, including a notorious bank robbery.
Legal Battles and Trial
Patty’s arrest on September 18, 1975, marked a turning point. Charged with offenses related to the bank robbery and a shootout at Mel’s Sporting Goods, her defense argued coercion and brainwashing during captivity. The trial, beginning on January 15, 1976, saw conflicting testimonies on her mental state, ultimately leading to her conviction for bank robbery and firearm use.
Imprisonment and Presidential Intervention
Initially sentenced to 35 years, later reduced to seven, Patty received a commutation from President Jimmy Carter, leading to her release on February 1, 1979, under strict conditions. President Bill Clinton later granted her a pardon on January 20, 2001.
Patty’s Life After Release
Two months post-release, Patty married Bernard Shaw, a policeman in her security detail, and they had two children. She delved into charitable work, particularly focusing on children with AIDS.
Media Ventures and Cinematic Presence
Beyond her turbulent past, Patty engaged in diverse media projects. Co-authoring her memoir, “Every Secret Thing,” she ventured into TV, producing a special on Hearst Castle, and collaborated on a novel. Surprisingly, she entered Hollywood with roles in films like “Cry-Baby” and “Serial Mom,” making appearances in documentaries and TV shows.
Personal Reflections and Cultural Impact
In her autobiography, Patty explores the psychological impact of her ordeal, claiming she was a coerced prisoner of war. Her saga inspired various artistic expressions, with songs, films, and TV episodes depicting her experiences.
Connect with Patty Hearst: Social Media Accounts
In Conclusion
Patty Hearst’s life unfolds as a gripping narrative, marked by tragedy, controversy, and eventual redemption. From opulence to captivity with the SLA, her journey reflects the complexities of human psychology and the enduring impact of societal expectations. Her post-release life showcases resilience, philanthropy, and unexpected forays into the media and entertainment world. Patty Hearst remains an enigmatic figure, symbolizing both victimhood and the human capacity for transformation.