Shelley Duvall, the actress best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror classic “The Shining,” has passed away at the age of 75. Duvall died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes, as confirmed by her life partner, Dan Gilroy. “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” Gilroy said. “Too much suffering lately; now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Duvall’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1970s. She was known for her unique and often eccentric characters, which made her a standout in Hollywood. Her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in “The Shining” remains one of her most iconic roles. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King’s novel, showcased Duvall’s ability to convey intense emotion and vulnerability. Her performance, particularly in the film’s most harrowing scenes, left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall was the oldest of four children. Her father, Robert, was a cattle auctioneer before transitioning to a career in law, while her mother, Bobbie, worked as a real estate agent. Duvall’s journey into acting began somewhat serendipitously. While attending junior college in Texas, she was discovered by members of Robert Altman’s crew at a party in Houston in 1970. This chance encounter led to her being cast in Altman’s film “Brewster McCloud,” marking the start of a fruitful collaboration between the actress and the director.
Duvall went on to appear in several of Altman’s films, including “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville,” “Popeye,” “Three Women,” and “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.” Her performances in these films showcased her versatility and naturalistic acting style. In “3 Women,” Duvall’s portrayal of Millie Lammoreaux earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, further cementing her status as a talented and respected actress.
Despite her success, Duvall’s career was not without its challenges. Her experience working on “The Shining” was particularly grueling. Kubrick, known for his perfectionism, pushed Duvall to her limits, often requiring multiple takes of emotionally intense scenes. One scene reportedly took 127 takes to complete. The demanding nature of the shoot took a toll on Duvall, who later described the experience as emotionally and physically exhausting. “I will never give that much again,” she said in a 1981 interview with People magazine. “If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.”
By the 1990s, Duvall began to retreat from the public eye and eventually retired from acting in 2002. Her last appearance before her hiatus was in the independent film “Manna from Heaven.” During her time away from Hollywood, Duvall faced personal struggles, including mental health issues. In 2016, she appeared on Dr. Phil McGraw’s talk show, where she spoke about her mental health. The interview was widely criticized for being exploitative, with many, including Stanley Kubrick’s daughter Vivian, accusing Dr. Phil of taking advantage of Duvall’s condition for entertainment purposes.
Despite the controversy, Duvall remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. In 2022, she made a brief return to acting with a role in the indie horror film “The Forest Hills.” Reflecting on her return to the screen, Duvall expressed her joy in acting once again. “Acting again — it’s so much fun,” she told People magazine. “It enriches your life.”
Duvall’s personal life was as colorful as her career. She was married to artist Bernard Sampson from 1970 to 1974. She later had a long-term relationship with musician Paul Simon, whom she met during the making of Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall.” Duvall also dated Ringo Starr and eventually found lasting companionship with musician Dan Gilroy, with whom she remained until her death.
Throughout her career, Duvall’s performances left an indelible mark on the film industry. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters made her a standout actress of her time. From her early collaborations with Robert Altman to her unforgettable role in “The Shining,” Duvall’s legacy as a talented and unique performer will be remembered for years to come.
Shelley Duvall is survived by her partner, Dan Gilroy, and her brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane. Her contributions to film and television, as well as her distinctive presence on screen, will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Associated Press
