Shelley Duvall’s journey into acting began during her junior college years in Houston when she was discovered by Altman’s team.
Shelley Duvall, renowned for her wide-eyed, distinctive presence in seven Robert Altman films and for her unforgettable role in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, passed away on Thursday at the age of 75.
Duvall succumbed to complications from diabetes, passing peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas.
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“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” said Dan Gilroy, her partner since 1989.
In a poignant appearance on Dr. Phil in November 2016, a disheveled Duvall revealed her struggles with mental illness, stating, “I am very sick. I need help.”
Before retreating to her native Texas in the mid-1990s, Duvall enjoyed a flourishing career as a versatile actress and the head of Think Entertainment, her own production company. Her innovative children’s programming for cable television earned her two Emmy Award nominations.
Shelley Duvall’s journey into acting began during her junior college years in Houston when she was discovered by Altman’s team. She made her debut as Suzanne Davis in Brewster McCloud (1970), a role that set the stage for her unique career.
A decade later, Duvall starred opposite Robin Williams as Olive Oyl in Altman’s live-action adaptation of Popeye (1980), showcasing her ability to bring iconic comic-strip characters to life.
Shelley Duvall’s collaborations with Altman were varied and memorable: from her role as a mail-order bride in McCabe & Mrs. Millero (1971) to a groupie in Nashville (1975), and from President Grover Cleveland’s wife in Buffalo Bill and the Indians (1976) to a fantasizing health spa attendant in 3 Women (1977). Her performance in 3 Women earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
When asked by The New York Times in 1977 why she continued to work with Altman, Duvall replied, “He offers me damn good roles. None of them have been alike. He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me.”
Altman admired Duvall’s versatility, noting that she could portray everything from “charming” to “pathetic” to “beautiful.”
Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy Torrance in The Shining was both harrowing and iconic. The grueling 13-month shoot in England pushed her to her limits, with Kubrick demanding emotionally intense performances day after day. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “I will never give that much again. If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.”
The intense filming schedule, which included performing the baseball bat scene 127 times, left a lasting impact on Duvall. She often used a Sony Walkman to listen to sad songs before scenes, drawing on deep emotional reserves to deliver her performance.
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Duvall’s filmography is filled with diverse roles, including a rock journalist in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall (1977), a role in Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits (1981), and Steve Martin’s supportive friend in Roxanne (1987). Roger Ebert once praised her for playing a wide array of characters, noting her unique screen presence.
After a two-decade hiatus, Duvall returned to acting in 2022 with a role in The Forest Hills.
About Shelley Duvall
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Shelley Duvall was the eldest of four children. Her father, Bob, transitioned from cattle auctioneer to attorney, while her mother, Bobbie, worked as a realtor. The family moved to Houston when she was five, and Duvall later attended South Texas Junior College with aspirations of becoming a research scientist.
Her discovery by Altman’s crew at a party led her to Hollywood, where she carved out a remarkable career. Duvall’s notable works include Bernice Bobs Her Hair (1976), Frankenweenie (1984), Changing Habits (1997), and Home Fries (1998). She also produced the acclaimed children’s series Faerie Tale Theatre and Tall Tales & Legends.
Duvall’s personal life included a marriage to artist Bernard Sampson, a relationship with musician Paul Simon, and a partnership with Dan Gilroy. She is survived by her brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane.
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Shelley Duvall’s legacy as a distinctive and versatile actress will be remembered by her fans and peers alike.