Shelley Duvall, known for her role in the classic horror film “The Shining,” died last Thursday in her sleep following complications of diabetes. Her partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed the sad news.
Duvall was born on July 7, 1949. Duvall was discovered by famous filmmaker Robert Altman and cast in the 1970’s dark comedy film “Brewster McCloud.” Shelley Duvall also starred in the 1977 drama 3 Women, for which she was nominated for a Bafta and won the award for best actress at the Cannes Film Festival.
She is best known for her partnership with Altman for most of her career. The director once told her, “I knew you were good, but I didn’t know you were great.” She said that remark was the reason she continued acting.
Ever since, Altman has stuck with Duvall and stated, “She was able to swing all sides of the pendulum: charming, silly, sophisticated, pathetic, even beautiful.” This emphasizes how well they work together.
Duvall made a cameo in 1977’s “Annie Hall” by Woody Allen and Aldman’s 1980 live-action rendition of “Popeye.”
However, her role in the film adaption of Stephen King’s horror novel, “The Shining,” was one of her highest-profile roles. During the film’s shooting, Duvall shared the grueling work within the set with one story about how Kubrick had her crying for 12 hours a day for weeks on end.
Her last film was 2023’s independent horror-thriller “The Forest Hills,” before she immediately dropped acting altogether. This led to many speculations, many regarding her mental health and aged appearance.
“I was a star; I had leading roles. People think it’s just aging, but it’s not. It’s violence.” Duvall stated in one of her last interviews. “How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime…they turn on you?”
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Gilroy said, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Shelley Duvall was 75 years old.
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