Shelley Duvall Hollywood Icon Dies at 75
Shelley Duvall, renowned for her captivating roles in classics like “The Shining,” “Annie Hall,” and “Nashville,” has passed away at the age of 75. The news was confirmed by her partner, Dan Gilroy, who expressed his sorrow and relief at her release from suffering. Duvall died peacefully in her sleep due to complications from diabetes at her Texas home.
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Shelley Duvall began her career with an association with director Robert Altman. Her first role was in Altman’s 1970 dark comedy “Brewster McCloud,” which was followed by “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” in 1971. Duvall’s unique presence, characterized by her large brown eyes and offbeat charisma, made her a distinctive figure in Hollywood.
Her breakthrough came with the 1977 drama “3 Women,” directed by Altman, where she played a talkative, trend-following health spa attendant. Her performance won her the Cannes Film Festival’s Best Actress Award and a BAFTA nomination. This role is often cited as one of the greatest performances of the 1970s.
Duvall continued her collaboration with Altman in other significant films such as “Nashville” and the musical “Popeye,” where she starred opposite Robin Williams as Olive Oyl. These roles solidified her reputation as a versatile and compelling actress.
The Shining and Hollywood Hiatus
Perhaps Duvall’s most iconic role was Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece “The Shining.” Her portrayal of a terrified wife to Jack Nicholson’s deranged hotel caretaker remains a significant highlight of her career. The filming process was notoriously grueling, with Duvall once recalling that she had to cry for twelve hours a day, six days a week, for nine months. This intense experience took a toll on her, both physically and emotionally.
After her intense work on “The Shining,” Duvall appeared in films like Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits” and “Roxanne” with Steve Martin. She also created and hosted the beloved 1980s children’s TV show “Faerie Tale Theatre.” Despite her success, Duvall’s roles started to diminish in the 1990s, leading to her eventual disappearance from Hollywood by 2002. Personal tragedies, such as a 1994 earthquake that damaged her Los Angeles home and her brother’s battle with cancer, contributed to her withdrawal from the spotlight.
A Bittersweet Return to Acting
After two decades away from the screen, Duvall made a brief comeback in 2023 with the film “The Forest Hills.” Her return was met with mixed reactions, but novelist Nicole Flattery highlighted in the Financial Times that Duvall’s magic had remained intact. Describing her as the “ultimate film star,” Flattery praised Duvall’s talent for portraying characters who mask their sadness with a daffy demeanor, showcasing her depth and versatility as an actress.
Concerns about Duvall’s health arose when she appeared on Dr. Phil in 2016, where she spoke about her mental health struggles. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, later explained that she had become paranoid and delusional during that period. Despite these challenges, Duvall’s decision to return to acting demonstrated her enduring love for the craft and her resilience.
In her final days, Duvall was remembered not only for her remarkable contributions to film but also for her strength in facing personal and professional adversities. Her death marks the end of an era for Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a testament to her enduring talent.
