Shelley Duvall, ‘The Shining’ Star, Dies at 75

Shelley Duvall, the fearless Texas-born actress known for her unique charm in Robert Altman’s films and her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” has passed away at the age of 75.

Duvall quietly passed away in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, as confirmed by her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy. Complications from diabetes were cited as the cause of death by her friend, publicist Gary Springer.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night,” Gilroy shared in a heartfelt statement. “Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley.”

Duvall’s journey into the world of cinema began serendipitously. While attending junior college in Texas, she was discovered by crew members working on Altman’s film “Brewster McCloud” at a Houston party in 1970. Impressed by her, they introduced the 20-year-old to Altman, who gave her a role in the film, marking the start of their fruitful professional relationship.

Over the years, Duvall became a regular in Altman’s films, including roles in “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville,” “Popeye,” “Three Women,” and “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.” In 1977, Duvall expressed her gratitude towards Altman in an interview, noting that he offered her diverse roles and never restricted or intimidated her. “I remember the first advice he ever gave me: ‘Don’t take yourself seriously,’” she recalled.

With her distinctive appearance and unpretentious style, Duvall was a refreshing departure from the traditional Hollywood starlet. Famed film critic Pauline Kael even dubbed her the “female Buster Keaton.”

Duvall shone brightly in the 1970s film scene, with her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in “The Shining” being one of her most memorable roles. The film’s iconic image, showcasing her terrified face as Jack Nicholson’s character breaks through a door with an axe, remains etched in cinematic history. However, the role came with a heavy toll due to Kubrick’s relentless directing style, which included over a hundred takes for certain scenes and led to Duvall crying for hours on end.

Reflecting on the experience in a 1981 interview, Duvall admitted she would never push herself to such extremes again, stating, “If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.”

As quickly as she arrived in Hollywood, Duvall also made her exit. By the 1990s, she began to withdraw from the spotlight and eventually retired.

“How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you?” Duvall shared in an interview earlier this year. “You would never believe it unless it happens to you. That’s why you get hurt, because you can’t really believe it’s true.”

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 7, 1949, Duvall was the eldest of four siblings. Her father, Robert, went from being a cattle auctioneer to working in law, while her mother, Bobbie, was a real estate agent.

Duvall married artist Bernard Sampson in 1970, but the couple divorced four years later. She later had a significant relationship with musician Paul Simon, whom she met while working on Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall,” where Duvall played a rock critic. Her romantic life also included a relationship with Ringo Starr. While filming the Disney Channel movie “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Roll” in 1990, she met musician Dan Gilroy, with whom she stayed until her death.

Her versatility was evident throughout the 1970s. She played varied roles, from a mail-order bride in “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” to Olive Oyl in “Popeye.” In “3 Women,” her role as Millie Lammoreaux earned her the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

In the 1980s, Duvall carved a niche in children’s television, producing and hosting series like “Faerie Tale Theatre,” “Tall Tales & Legends,” and “Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories.”

After moving back to Texas in the mid-1990s, Duvall gradually withdrew from Hollywood, with her last notable project being the comedy “Manna from Heaven” in 2002. Her reclusive lifestyle sparked many rumors, including speculations about trauma from filming “The Shining” or damage to her home during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.

Living in Texas Hill Country for about 30 years, Duvall wasn’t entirely in “hiding,” but her life and her circumstances puzzled both the media and many of her Hollywood peers. This changed in 2016 when she appeared on the “Dr. Phil” show, where she opened up about her mental health. The episode faced significant backlash for its perceived exploitation.

“I’m very sick. I need help,” Duvall admitted on the program, later expressing her disappointment with how the show handled her story.

In a bid to rediscover her passion for acting, Duvall participated in the indie horror film “The Forest Hills,” which filmed in 2022 and premiered in early 2023. Discussing her return to acting, she said, “Acting again — it’s so much fun. It enriches your life.”

Source: Gary Springer, The New York Times, People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter