Shelley Duvall, Hollywood Legend, Dies at 75
Shelley Duvall, the fearless, Texas-born movie star whose wide-eyed, charming presence was a staple in Robert Altman’s films and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” has died. She was 75 years old.
Duvall died Thursday in his sleep at his home in Blanco, Texas, his longtime partner Dan Gilroy announced. Her friend, publicist Gary Springer, said it was due to complications from diabetes.
“My sweet, beloved, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night,” Gilroy said in a statement.
Duvall was attending junior college in Texas when Altman’s crew members, preparing to film “Brewster McCloud,” encountered her as at a party in Houston in 1970. They introduced her to the director, who cast her in “Brewster McCloud” and made her his protege.
Duvall will appear in Altman’s films including “Thief Like Us,” “Nashville,” “Poppy,” “Three Women” and “McCabe and Miss Miller.”
“He gives me . . . good roles,” Shelley told The New York Times in 1977. None of them have been the same. He has great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me, and he doesn’t restrict me or intimidate me, and I love him. I remember the first piece of advice he gave me: ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously.’
Shelley, Gaunt and Gawkey, were no traditional Hollywood starlets. But he had a deceptively frank manner and exuded a singular naturalism. Film critic Pauline Keel called her “the female Buster Keaton”.
At her peak, Duvall was a regular star in some defining films of the 1970s and 1980s. In “The Shining,” she played Wendy Torrance, who watches in horror as her husband Jack (Jack Nicholson) goes mad while their family lives in isolation at the Overlook Hotel. It was Duvall’s screaming face that formed half of the film’s most famous image, along with Jack’s ax coming through the door.
But Duval disappeared from films almost as quickly as she arrived in them. By the 1990s, he began to retire from acting. His last film role was in 2002 in “Manna from Heaven”. Duvall withdrew from public life. Earlier this year he gave his first interview in years.
“How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime” – he snapped his fingers – “they turn on you?” Duvall told the Times. “You’ll never believe it until it happens to you. That’s why it hurts, because you can’t really believe it’s true.”
Who was Shelley Duvall?
Shelley was a Texas-born actress known for her wide-eyed, charming presence and memorable roles in films by Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick. She starred in movies like “The Shining” and “Popeye.”
How did Shelley Duvall pass away?
Shelley passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from diabetes. She died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas.
What are some of Shelley Duvall’s notable films?
Some of Shelley’s notable films include “The Shining,” “Popeye,” “Brewster McCloud,” “Nashville,” “3 Women,” and “McCabe and Mrs. Miller.”
Why did Shelley Duvall retire from acting?
Shelley began to retire from acting in the 1990s and withdrew from public life. She faced personal and professional challenges her life was not smooth although she was so strong, including the way people in the industry treated her, which contributed to her decision to step away.
How did Shelley Duvall get her start in acting?
Shelley Duvall was discovered by members of Robert Altman’s crew at a party in Houston in 1970. They introduced her to Altman, already she was so pretty and telented so Altman cast her in “Brewster McCloud” and made her his protege, leading to a successful career in film.
