Shelley Duvall, the actress behind some of the most iconic and important performances of the 70s and 80s passed away at 75 years old on Thursday. She starred in seven films directed by Robert Altman and gave her most famous and illustrious performance in Stanley Kubrick’s take on The Shining alongside Jack Nickolson.
Duvall died in her sleep due to complications from diabetes at her home in Blanco, Texas. The news was confirmed by her life partner Dan Gilroy.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,”
Duvall appeared in numerous films, had a production company, Think Entertainment, that created children’s programming that netted her two Emmy Award nominations. She left that all behind to move into a private life in the mid-1990s.
She made her screen debut after a screen test for the Robert Altman film Brewster McCloud in 1970. That was the first of seven collaborations between the director and actress including McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Thieves Like Us, Nashville, Buffalo Bill and the Indians or Sitting Bull’s HIstory Lesson, 3 Woman, and Popeye.
Her most demanding, yet famous role came as Wendy Torrance in The Shining. The 13-month shoot was a grueling test for anyone, but Duvall gave her all to the role and it showed on screen. She put her body and mind through hell for the performance. Shelley Duvall wasn’t just known for roles in Altman films and The Shining, though; she also starred in movies like Annie Hall, Time Bandits, and Roxanne.
She returned to acting in 2022 with a role in the film The Forest Hills.
Shelley Duvall is survived by her brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane.
Join us in celebrating her life, career, and performances.
