‘The Shining Star’ American Actress Shelley Duvall Passes Away at 75
NEW YORK, United States — Shelley Duvall, the versatile actress celebrated for her roles in "The Shining" and her collaborations with director Robert Altman, has passed away at the age of 75. According to The Hollywood Reporter, citing her partner Dan Gilroy, Duvall died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes.
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall was discovered by Altman, the maverick filmmaker known for his rich characters and sharp social criticism. He cast her in the 1970 dark comedy “Brewster McCloud.” The wide-eyed actress quickly captivated audiences with her diverse roles, breaking through with the 1975 film “Nashville” and earning awards at Cannes for her performance in the acclaimed 1977 drama “3 Women.”
Duvall’s career was defined by her work with Altman, who she often praised for offering her excellent roles. “None of them have been alike,” she told The New York Times in 1977. Altman admired Duvall for her ability to portray a wide range of emotions, calling her capable of being “charming, silly, sophisticated, pathetic — even beautiful.”
However, Duvall is best known for her role in the 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King’s “The Shining,” where she starred opposite Jack Nicholson. Director Stanley Kubrick pushed Duvall to her limits in her portrayal of Wendy Torrance, a role she described as grueling and emotionally taxing.
Despite her admiration for Kubrick, Duvall openly discussed the hardships she faced during the 13-month shoot, including being required to cry for 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,” she told People in 1981.
Duvall also appeared in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” in 1977 and starred opposite Robin Williams in Altman’s 1980 live-action rendition of “Popeye.” Later in her career, she transitioned to children’s programming and made her final film appearance in the 2023 independent horror-thriller “The Forest Hills” after a two-decade hiatus.
Her withdrawal from Hollywood led to much speculation about her mental health and appearance. In a 2024 interview with The New York Times, Duvall and Gilroy expressed frustration over the treatment she received from the industry. She felt betrayed by the industry that once celebrated her, even as her body of work continues to earn her new fans.
“I was a star; I had leading roles,” she said. “People think it’s just aging, but it’s not. It’s violence.”
Gilroy, a musician who was part of the Breakfast Club band and had dated Madonna, was Duvall’s longtime partner. Reflecting on her passing, he stated, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
