Shelley Duvall, the beloved Texas-born actress known for her captivating performances in Robert Altman’s films and her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, has passed away at 75. Duvall died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday at her home in Blanco, Texas.
Her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed the news, attributing her death to complications from diabetes, as shared by her publicist, Gary Springer.
In his heartfelt statement, Gilroy expressed, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night… Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley.”
Duvall’s acting career began serendipitously while attending junior college in Texas. Discovered by Robert Altman’s crew during a party in Houston in 1970, she became Altman’s muse, leading to a string of memorable roles.
“He offers me … good roles,” Duvall toldin 1977. “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. I remember the first advice he ever gave me: ‘Don’t take yourself seriously.’”
Shelley Duvall, with her unconventional looks and unique charm, stood apart from the typical Hollywood starlets. Gaunt and gawky, she brought a naturalism and honesty to her roles that captivated audiences.
Film critic Pauline Kael famously referred to her as the “female Buster Keaton” due to her deadpan, expressive style.
At the height of her career, Duvall was a central figure in some of the most defining films of the 1970s and 1980s.
Her role in The Shining remains unforgettable, particularly the intense scene where Wendy Torrance, played by Duvall, watches her husband Jack (portrayed by Jack Nicholson) descend into madness. Her terrified face, alongside Nicholson’s “Here’s Johnny!” moment with an axe, became one of cinema’s most iconic images.
Despite her success, Duvall stepped away from acting in the 1990s, retreating from the spotlight. Her last film role was in Manna From Heaven (2002).
She largely disappeared from public life afterward, though earlier this year, she granted her first interview in years, reflecting on her life and career.
“How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime” — she snapped her fingers — “they turn on you?” Duvall told the Times. “You would never believe it unless it happens to you. That’s why you get hurt, because you can’t really believe it’s true.”
