Renowned actress Shelley Duvall, best known for her roles in “The Shining,” “Annie Hall,” and “Nashville,” has died at 75. Duvall’s longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed her death to the Hollywood Reporter, stating she had been struggling with health issues and eventually succumbed to complications from diabetes.
Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Her acting career kick-started in the early 1970s when she was discovered by famed director Robert Altman. Her breakout role was in Altman’s film “Brewster McCloud” in 1970. Altman cast Duvall in many of his films, including “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” and “Nashville.” Her performance in “3 Women,” a 1977 Altman drama, won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival and a BAFTA nomination.
Her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror masterpiece “The Shining” is among Duvall’s most notable performances. Reflecting on the demanding filming experience, Duvall revealed that she had to cry for 12 hours a day for nine months straight, for five to six days a week.
In the same year, Duvall starred as Olive Oyl alongside Robin Williams in Altman’s “Popeye” adaptation. Her unique looks, marked by her large brown eyes and unconventional charisma, made her a standout figure in Hollywood.
Duvall continued to demonstrate her acting versatility throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. She featured in Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits,” played a key role in the 1987 romantic comedy “Roxanne” with Steve Martin, and even delved into production with the children’s TV show “Faerie Tale Theatre,” which she created and hosted.
By the mid-1990s, however, Duvall’s acting roles dwindled. Her last significant role was in Jane Campion’s “The Portrait of a Lady” in 1996. After a minor role in “Manna from Heaven” in 2002, Duvall retired from acting and largely retreated from the public view. The New York Times claimed her retreat was due to a 1994 earthquake damaging her Los Angeles, California home and the stress from her brother’s illness.
In 2016, Duvall’s mental health came under scrutiny following her appearance on the TV talk show “Dr. Phil.” During the interview, Duvall admitted, “I’m very sick. I need help.” Gilroy revealed that Duvall had been suffering from paranoia and delusions at the time.
Duvall made a return to acting in 2023 with a role in the independent horror film “The Forest Hills.” Regarding her return, Duvall stated, “I wanted to act again. And then this guy kept calling, and so I wound up doing it.”
Duvall had relationships with artist Bernard Sampson, singer-songwriter Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, and her long-term partner, musician Dan Gilroy, whom she met on the set of the Disney Channel movie “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme” in 1989. Duvall and Gilroy resided together in Blanco, Texas for over 30 years until her passing.
Despite various challenges throughout her career, Duvall left a lasting imprint on the film industry with her unique performances and emotional depth. Director Scott Goldberg, who directed her in “The Forest Hills,” described Duvall as “radiant, very kind and witty,” emphasizing her enduring appeal and talent.
Duvall’s legacy will be remembered for her distinctive and talented performances that brought a unique presence to Hollywood.