Shelley Duvall, the actress best known for starring in Robert Altman’s “Nashville” and “3 Women,” and in Stanley Kubrick’s horror opus “The Shining,” has died, her partner Dan Gilroy told ABC News. She was 75.
Her life partner of 34 years, Gilroy said “Shelley loved animals, especially birds, now she’s free to fly.” He went on to say, “She’s been suffering for many months, as much as I miss her, my life partner for thirty-four years, I’m glad she’s not suffering anymore.”
Duvall won the Cannes best actress award for her role in “3 Women” and later won a Peabody for producing and hosting the children’s anthology series “Faerie Tale Theatre.”
Shelley Duvall as Lily Miniver, in the made for television movie, “Lily.” Originally broadcast June 14, 1986.
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Born in Texas in 1949, Duvall was a regular figure in the films of Robert Altman, having appeared in seven of the director’s films, beginning with 1970’s “Brewster McCloud” — her first film role — and most famously in 1975’s “Nashville” and 1977’s “3 Women.”
Duvall’s last film with Altman was 1980’s “Popeye,” in which she played Olive Oyl, the girlfriend of Robin Williams’ titular character.
Amid her collaboration with Altman, Duvall also appeared alongside Diane Keaton in Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” in 1977.
Shelley Duvall in the film ‘The Shining’, 1980.
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Duvall was probably best known to audiences for her role in Kubrick’s “The Shining.” In the 1980 Stephen King adaptation, Duvall played tormented housewife Wendy Torrance who must fend off her unstable husband — played by Jack Nicholson — in a haunted hotel in the Rocky Mountains. The movie endeared Duvall to horror fans, although she later expressed mixed feelings about the difficulties in filming the movie under Kubrick’s famously iron-fisted direction.
Some of Duvall’s other film roles included Tim Burton’s 1984 short film “Frankenweenie,” the Steve Martin and Daryl Hannah rom-com “Roxanne” in 1987, Jane Campion’s 1996 film “The Portrait of a Lady” and as Hilary Duff’s witchy aunt in 1998’s “Casper Meets Wendy.”
Shelley Duvall attends the Fourth Annual American Cinematheque Award Honoring Steven Spielberg on April 1, 1989 at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.
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Duvall hosted several anthology television series, including “Shelley Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre” in the ’80s and “Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories” in the ’90s, the latter of which earned her an Emmy nomination.
Beginning in the early aughts, Duvall had largely remained private both in public and private life. The actress had also been open about her struggle with mental illness in recent years.
Actress Shelley Duvall, best known for her roles in iconic films such as ‘Nashville’ and ‘The Shining’, has passed away at the age of 75. Duvall’s unique talent and quirky charm made her a beloved figure in the world of cinema, and her passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood.
Born on July 7, 1949 in Houston, Texas, Duvall began her acting career in the early 1970s, quickly gaining recognition for her distinctive looks and offbeat acting style. She caught the attention of director Robert Altman, who cast her in his critically acclaimed film ‘Nashville’ in 1975. Duvall’s performance as the fragile country singer Loretta Lynn earned her widespread praise and established her as a rising star in the industry.
Duvall’s most famous role came in 1980, when she starred opposite Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror film ‘The Shining’. Her portrayal of Wendy Torrance, the terrified wife of a deranged writer, remains one of the most memorable performances in cinematic history. Duvall’s ability to convey fear and vulnerability on screen made her a standout in a film filled with chilling moments.
Throughout her career, Duvall continued to work with some of the most respected directors in the industry, including Woody Allen, Tim Burton, and Terry Gilliam. Her eclectic filmography includes roles in cult classics such as ‘Popeye’ and ‘Time Bandits’, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her work on the big screen, Duvall also found success on television, starring in the popular children’s series ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’ in the 1980s. The show, which featured Duvall as host and producer, adapted classic fairy tales with a star-studded cast that included Robin Williams, Jeff Goldblum, and Anjelica Huston.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Duvall’s later years were marked by personal struggles and health issues. In 2016, she made headlines when she appeared on the talk show ‘Dr. Phil’, where she discussed her battle with mental illness and the challenges she faced in seeking treatment.
Duvall’s passing has left a void in the entertainment world, but her legacy as a talented and fearless actress will continue to inspire future generations of performers. Her unique talent and unforgettable performances will be remembered by fans and critics alike for years to come. Rest in peace, Shelley Duvall.
