Shelley Duvall Passes at 75: How ‘The Shining’ Profoundly Changed Her

Shelley Duvall, the celebrated actress renowned for her unique roles in an array of Robert Altman films, passed away on Thursday, July 11, at the age of 75. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed her death due to complications from diabetes at her home in Blanco, Texas. In a heartfelt message to The Hollywood Reporter, Gilroy expressed, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”

Reflecting on Duvall’s life and career, it’s clear that one film, in particular, had a significant impact on her both professionally and personally—Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.”

Shelley Duvall was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1949. Her journey to Hollywood was almost fortuitous when she met director Robert Altman at a party in 1970. At the time, Altman was filming “Brewster McCloud” in Texas and spontaneously offered Duvall a role. This chance encounter catapulted her career, leading to roles in Altman’s “3 Women,” “McCabe and Mrs. Miller,” and “Nashville,” among others. However, it was her role in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” that became the most defining—and controversial—of her career.

In 1980, Duvall starred as Wendy Torrance in “The Shining,” opposite Jack Nicholson’s Jack Torrance. Although the film is now considered a masterpiece, its production was notoriously arduous. Kubrick’s rigorous methods pushed Duvall to her limits. The film took 56 weeks to complete, and one particular scene still holds the Guinness World Record for the most retakes for a scene with dialogue. Duvall reportedly endured 127 takes for the scene where Wendy swings a baseball bat at her deranged husband.

“The Shining” was both a pinnacle and a turning point in Duvall’s career. The stress of the role left her mentally and physically drained. “It’s the most difficult role I’ve ever had to play,” she confessed in “The Complete Kubrick.” The persistent crying, the demanding 15-hour days, and Kubrick’s harsh treatment took their toll. “I had to cry 12 hours a day, all day long, the last nine months straight, five or six days a week,” she recalled to Roger Ebert in 1980. “I was there a year and a month, and there must be something to primal scream therapy because after the day was over and I’d cried for my 12 hours, I went home very contented. It had a very calming effect. During the day I would have been absolutely miserable.”

Kubrick’s directorial style on “The Shining” has been the subject of much debate. Reports suggest he bullied Duvall on set, treating her differently from other actors. His daughter, Vivian Kubrick, captured some of this tension in her documentary “Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures,” where Jack Nicholson described Kubrick as “a different director” when dealing with Duvall. The prolonged stress of filming led to severe health impacts for Duvall, both mental and physical. Actress Dee Wallace once explained in an interview with “Eli Roth’s History of Horror” that the body does not differentiate between a perceived threat and an actual threat, which likely explains Duvall’s extended stress and subsequent health issues.

After “The Shining,” Duvall continued to act, appearing in a range of films and television shows for the next 22 years. She notably played Olive Oyl in Altman’s “Popeye” alongside Robin Williams. However, by 2002, Duvall chose to step away from acting, citing immense stress and a desire for a quieter life.

Despite her retreat from the spotlight, Duvall remained a topic of intrigue in Hollywood. In 2016, she appeared in a controversial interview with Dr. Phil, where she spoke about her declining mental health. The interview was widely criticized for its exploitative nature, and Duvall later expressed regret about participating. “I found out the kind of person he is the hard way,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021. “My mother didn’t like him, either. A lot of people, like Dan, said, ‘You shouldn’t have done that, Shelley.'”

In 2023, Duvall made a brief return to the screen in the indie horror film “Forest Hills.” She expressed joy at acting again, saying, “Acting again, it’s so much fun. It enriches your life.” Her return was met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, who were thrilled to see her back in action.

Shelley Duvall’s career spanned over three decades, during which she brought a unique presence and vulnerability to her roles. Her performance in “The Shining” remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication. Yet, it also serves as a stark reminder of the pressures and sacrifices that come with the craft.

Duvall’s story is one of triumph and tragedy. She achieved legendary status through her work, but the cost was significant. Her experience on “The Shining” highlights the darker side of filmmaking and the toll it can take on an actor’s well-being. As we remember Shelley Duvall, we honor her contributions to cinema and acknowledge the profound impact of her most famous role—a performance that, while iconic, deeply changed her forever.

Source: Hollywoodlife, The Hollywood Reporter, Roger Ebert