Iconic actress Shelley Duvall has passed away at the age of 75, her partner Dan Gilroy announced. Duvall, known for her memorable roles in films such as “The Shining,” “Popeye,” and “Nashville,” died in her sleep at her Texas home due to complications related to diabetes.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” Gilroy told The Hollywood Reporter. “Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
As news of her death spread, tributes began pouring in from fans and celebrities alike. Actress Riley Keough honored Duvall on Instagram, posting a picture of the late star with the caption, “legend.” Similarly, actress Rachel Zegler shared a photo of Duvall with a broken heart emoji.
Shelley Duvall’s impact on the film industry and her fans was profound. A dedicated fan named Sarah Lukowski, who runs the Shelley Duvall Archive online, shared her thoughts on social media. “I’ve seen the news about Shelley Duvall. I’m doing ok,” Sarah wrote, alongside a picture of the two together. “Shelley was having difficulties with her health over the past few months and I visited with her often. I’ll always be grateful for the memories I created with her and that I was able to give her comfort and companionship.”
Duvall had been open about her struggles with mental illness. In a 2016 appearance on “Dr. Phil,” she revealed that she was “very sick” and in need of help. The show even facilitated her transfer to a facility after she expressed fears for her safety.
The official X account for Stanley Kubrick, who directed Duvall in “The Shining,” also paid tribute to the actress. “Shelley Duvall, legendary character actor, and The Shining’s extraordinary Wendy Torrance has died at the age of 75,” the account shared. “Shelley’s career was varied and long. Despite being dogged with exaggerations of her treatment on set, Shelley was always vocal about her experience filming The Shining saying she ‘wouldn’t trade it for anything’ because ‘working with lovable Stanley was a fascinating learning experience.’ Our thoughts are with Shelley’s friends and family.”
Director Scott Goldberg, who worked with Duvall on her last film, “The Forest Hills,” in 2023, also expressed his sorrow. “Shelley leaves behind an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many people, myself included,” Goldberg told People. “I am proud of her for overcoming adversity to act again and will always be forever grateful for her friendship and kindness.”
Shelley Duvall’s filmography is extensive and includes notable titles such as “Brewster McCloud,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville,” “Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson,” “3 Women,” “Annie Hall,” “The Shining,” “Popeye,” “Time Bandits,” “Frankenweenie,” “Roxanne,” “Suburban Commando,” “The Underneath,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” “Countess,” “Changing Habits,” “Twilight of the Ice Nymphs,” “My Teacher Ate My Homework,” “RocketMan,” “Mrs. Randall,” “Tale of the Mummy,” “Casper Meets Wendy,” “Home Fries,” “The 4th Floor,” “Boltneck,” “Dreams in the Attic,” “Manna from Heaven,” and “The Forest Hills.”
Duvall’s partner, Dan Gilroy, shared the news of her death with The Hollywood Reporter. “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” he said. “Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Shelley Duvall met Dan Gilroy when they starred together in the Disney Channel film “Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme.” Gilroy played Gordon Goose, while Duvall portrayed Little Bo Peep. The couple had been together since 1989.
Fans took to social media to express their grief. “Rest easy and beautifully Shelley Duvall, this is so devastating,” one fan wrote. Another added, “We’re literally never going to get another actress like Shelley Duvall.”
Shelley Alexis Duvall was an American actress celebrated for her portrayal of unique and often eccentric characters. She received several accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award and a Peabody Award. She was also nominated for a British Academy Film Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas. She began her career in the entertainment industry in the 1970s after meeting director Robert Altman, who cast her in “Brewster McCloud.” Her performance in Altman’s “3 Women” earned her a Best Actress award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and a BAFTA nomination.
Her role as Wendy Torrance in “The Shining” remains one of her most iconic performances. Despite the challenges she faced during filming, Duvall spoke fondly of her experience working with Kubrick. “He was very warm and friendly to me,” she said in a 2021 interview. “He spent a lot of time with Jack and me. He just wanted to sit down and talk for hours while the crew waited.”
Throughout the 1980s, Duvall worked as a producer on several TV shows and founded her production company, Think Entertainment. She continued to act in both film and television throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s before taking a break from acting.
In October 2022, Duvall returned to acting with a role in the independent horror film “The Forest Hills.” She is survived by her partner Dan Gilroy and three younger brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane Duvall.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, People
