Shelley Duvall, the acclaimed actress remembered for roles in films such as “The Shining,” “Annie Hall,” and “Nashville,” has passed away at 75. Her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed the news to the Hollywood Reporter. He mentioned her health had been deteriorating recently. Her death was due to complications related to diabetes.
Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Her career in acting started in the early 1970s after being discovered by director Robert Altman. Her breakout role was in Altman’s “Brewster McCloud” in 1970. Duvall went on to work with Altman on many films, such as “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” and “Nashville.” Her performance in “3 Women,” a 1977 Altman drama, fetched her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and a BAFTA nomination.
Duvall’s role as Wendy Torrance in the 1980 Stanley Kubrick horror film “The Shining” is among her most notable performances. She once spoke about the grueling filming process, stating that she had to cry 12 hours a day for nine months straight, five or six days a week.
That same year, Duvall took on the role of Olive Oyl in Altman’s film adaptation of “Popeye,” acting opposite Robin Williams. Her distinctive features, including her large brown eyes and unique charisma, made her a standout figure in Hollywood.
Duvall continued to diversify her roles throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. She was part of Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits” and played a significant part in the 1987 romantic comedy “Roxanne” with Steve Martin. Duvall also moved into production, creating and hosting the children’s TV show “Faerie Tale Theatre,” which was very popular during its run.
However, Duvall’s acting roles started to decline by the mid-1990s. Her last notable role was in Jane Campion’s “The Portrait of a Lady” in 1996. After a small part in “Manna from Heaven” in 2002, Duvall retired from acting and stayed away from the public eye. The New York Times reported in an April 2024 article that her withdrawal was due to a 1994 earthquake that damaged her Los Angeles home and her brother’s health issues.
Concerns about Duvall’s mental health were raised in 2016 when she appeared on the TV talk show “Dr. Phil.” During the interview, Duvall stated, “I’m very sick. I need help.” Her partner, Dan Gilroy, told the media that she had become paranoid and delusional during that time.
Duvall returned to acting in 2023 with a role in the independent horror film “The Forest Hills.” Discussing her comeback, Duvall said, “I wanted to act again. And then this guy kept calling, and so I wound up doing it.”
Throughout her life, Duvall had relationships with artist Bernard Sampson, singer-songwriter Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, and her longtime partner, musician Dan Gilroy, whom she met on the set of the Disney Channel movie “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme” in 1989. Duvall lived with Gilroy in Blanco, Texas for over three decades until her death.
Despite the challenges she faced, Duvall has left a lasting impact on the film industry. Her work is recognized for its originality and emotional depth. Director Scott Goldberg, who worked with her on “The Forest Hills,” described Duvall as “radiant, very kind and witty,” highlighting her charisma and talent.
Duvall will be remembered as a distinctive and talented actress who brought a unique presence to every role she played.