35 Facts About Patty Hearst

Early Life and Family

Patty Hearst's story begins with a life of privilege and wealth, being born into one of America's most influential families.

1. Patty Hearst was born Patricia Campbell Hearst on February 20, 1954, in Los Angeles, California.
2. She was the third of five daughters born to Randolph A. Hearst, the youngest son of media mogul William Randolph Hearst.
3. Her great-grandmother, Phoebe Hearst, was a renowned philanthropist, adding to the family's legacy of influence and charity.
4. William Randolph Hearst, her grandfather, founded Hearst Communications, which became the largest newspaper and movie-reel business in the world.

Education

Despite her family's wealth, Patty pursued her education with dedication.

5. Hearst attended private schools in Los Angeles, San Mateo, Crystal Springs, and Monterey, California.
6. She took courses at Menlo College before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley.
7. At Berkeley, she was studying when her life took a dramatic turn with her kidnapping.

Kidnapping by the SLA

Patty's life changed forever on February 4, 1974, when she was kidnapped by a radical group.

8. At the age of 19, Hearst was taken hostage by members of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) from her apartment in Berkeley, California.
9. The SLA aimed to use her abduction to further their political agenda and extort money from her wealthy father.

Transformation into "Tania"

During her captivity, Patty underwent a shocking transformation.

10. Hearst was allegedly coerced and brainwashed by the SLA, leading her to adopt their radical views.
11. She began making public statements condemning the capitalistic “crimes” of her parents.
12. Patty adopted the nom de guerre "Tania," inspired by Haydée Tamara Bunke Bider, a revolutionary who fought with Che Guevara.

Criminal Activities

Patty's involvement with the SLA extended beyond just rhetoric.

13. Hearst became an active participant in the SLA's activities, including robbery and extortion.
14. The SLA extorted $2 million from her father, Randolph Hearst, as part of a food giveaway to the poor.
15. She participated in at least two robberies, one at a San Francisco bank and another at a Los Angeles store.

FBI Capture

After months on the run, Patty was finally captured.

16. On September 18, 1975, after more than 19 months with the SLA, Hearst was captured by the FBI in San Francisco.
17. She was arrested along with her confederates, including Wendy Yoshimura and the Harrises (William and Emily).

Trial and Conviction

Patty's trial was one of the most publicized of its time.

18. Hearst was tried and convicted in March 1976 for bank robbery and felonious use of firearms.
19. Her defense attorney was F. Lee Bailey, who argued that she had been coerced and brainwashed.
20. Despite the defense, she was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Sentence Commutation and Pardon

Patty's time in prison was cut short by presidential intervention.

21. In February 1979, President Jimmy Carter commuted her sentence, and Hearst was released after serving less than two years.
22. In January 2001, President Bill Clinton granted Hearst a full pardon, officially clearing her name.

Personal Life After Incarceration

After her release, Patty sought to rebuild her life.

23. Hearst married Bernard Shaw, a former member of her security detail during her trial and imprisonment.
24. They had two daughters, Gillian and Lydia, and maintained a relatively private life.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Despite her past, Patty turned to philanthropy and advocacy.

25. Hearst became involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly focusing on issues related to AIDS and other social causes.
26. Her name is often associated with forensic psychology and Stockholm syndrome, a condition where kidnapping victims sympathize with their captors.

Media and Cultural Impact

Patty's story has left a lasting mark on popular culture.

27. Hearst's story has been the subject of numerous films, documentaries, and television shows.
28. She appeared in films such as "Serial Mom" and "Cry-Baby," and guest-starred on TV shows like "Veronica Mars" and "Frasier".

Stockholm Syndrome

Patty's experience is often cited in discussions of Stockholm syndrome.

29. Hearst's case is widely attributed to Stockholm syndrome, where hostages develop positive feelings toward their captors.
30. This condition is thought to occur when victims' initially frightening experiences are later countered with acts of compassion or camaraderie by those same individuals.

Psychological Studies

Patty's case has provided valuable insights into the human psyche.

31. Her transition from victim to supporter has been extensively analyzed, offering insights into the complex dynamics of captivity.
32. Numerous psychological studies have been inspired by her experience, contributing to the understanding of Stockholm syndrome.

Books and Autobiographies

Patty has shared her story through writing.

33. Hearst wrote an account of her ordeal with Alvin Moscow titled Every Secret Thing (1982), providing a detailed and personal account of her experiences.

Public Perception and Legacy

Public perception of Patty has evolved over time.

34. Initially seen as a common criminal, she is now recognized as a complex figure whose actions were influenced by her captivity and coercion.
35. Her legacy continues to captivate audiences, inspiring new generations of scholars and media creators.

Patty Hearst's Remarkable Journey

Patty Hearst's life is a whirlwind of privilege, trauma, and transformation. Born into the wealthy Hearst family, her kidnapping by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974 shocked the nation. Her transformation into "Tania," an active participant in SLA's criminal activities, left many puzzled and fascinated. Despite her conviction for bank robbery, her sentence was commuted by President Jimmy Carter, and she was later pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

After her release, Hearst married Bernard Shaw, had two daughters, and shifted her focus to philanthropy and advocacy. Her story has inspired films, documentaries, and psychological studies, particularly around Stockholm syndrome. From a privileged heiress to a revolutionary icon, Patty Hearst's legacy continues to captivate and educate. Her life serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of human behavior under extreme conditions.