Shelley Duvall, the beloved actress best known for her unforgettable role in “The Shining,” has passed away at the age of 75. Duvall died peacefully in her sleep due to complications from diabetes at her home in Texas, according to her longtime partner, Breakfast Club musician Dan Gilroy.
In an emotional tribute, Gilroy, 77, expressed his sorrow to the Hollywood Reporter, saying, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Born and raised in Texas, Duvall’s journey to stardom began in an almost cinematic fashion. In 1970, she met acclaimed director Robert Altman at a party, which led to her first onscreen role in “Brewster McCloud.” Reflecting on that moment, Duvall once said, “I simply got on a plane and did it. I was swept away.”
Duvall’s collaboration with Altman became a defining aspect of her career. She starred in several of his films, including “McCabe and Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville,” “Buffalo Bill and the Indians,” and “3 Women.” In a 1977 interview with the New York Times, she praised Altman, saying, “He offers me damn good roles. None of them have been alike. He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me, and he doesn’t put any restrictions on me or intimidate me, and I love him.”
Her versatility was further showcased in Woody Allen’s 1977 film “Annie Hall.” However, it was her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 psychological horror film “The Shining” that cemented her legacy. Duvall’s performance as the tormented wife of Jack Nicholson’s character left an indelible mark on cinema.
In a candid 1981 interview with People, Duvall revealed the grueling nature of filming “The Shining.” She recalled, “I was crying 12 hours a day for weeks on end. I will never give that much again. If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.” Her dedication to the role was evident, though it came at a personal cost.
Duvall opened up further about the difficulties of working with Kubrick in a 2021 interview with the Hollywood Reporter. She described the relentless nature of his direction, saying, “[Kubrick] doesn’t print anything until at least the 35th take. Thirty-five takes, running and crying and carrying a little boy, it gets hard.” She added that to prepare for emotional scenes, she would listen to sad songs or think about personal sorrows, which took a toll on her well-being.
Despite the challenges, Duvall’s career flourished. She appeared in “Popeye,” “Time Bandits,” “Suburban Commando,” and “The Portrait of a Lady.” She also produced and created various children’s shows, earning two Emmy Award nominations for her efforts.
Duvall retired from acting in 2002 after “Manna From Heaven,” but made a brief return for the 2023 indie horror movie “The Forest Hills.” Her later years were marked by struggles with mental health, which she publicly acknowledged in a 2016 episode of “Dr. Phil.”
The appearance on “Dr. Phil” was controversial. Duvall made several concerning statements, including claiming that her “Popeye” co-star Robin Williams, who passed away in 2014, was still alive as a shapeshifter. Gilroy, unaware of her participation at first, later criticized the show for exploiting her condition. “It did nothing for her. It just put her on the map as an oddity,” he said.
In response, a spokesperson for the “Dr. Phil” show defended their intentions, stating that their goal was to provide help and raise awareness about mental illness. Despite their offers of assistance, Duvall ultimately refused treatment.
Reflecting on her career and the challenges she faced, Duvall told the New York Times in 2021, “I was a star; I had leading roles. People think it’s just aging, but it’s not. It’s violence. How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime they turn on you?”
Shelley Duvall’s personal life was marked by notable relationships. She was married to artist Bernard Sampson from 1970 to 1974 and later had a relationship with singer Paul Simon. In 1989, she began dating Dan Gilroy, who remained her partner until her death. Duvall did not have any children.
As we remember Shelley Duvall, we celebrate her remarkable talent and the lasting impact she made on the film industry. Her roles captivated audiences, and her legacy as a pioneering actress will continue to inspire future generations. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.
