by Venus Sanders
Image Credit: CBS Photo Archive | Getty Images
Shelley Duvall, a cherished figure in American cinema and a standout character actor known for her eclectic roles in films such as The Shining, Annie Hall, and Popeye, has passed away shortly after celebrating her 75th birthday. Duvall's passing occurred peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes, as confirmed by her long-time partner, Dan Gilroy.
Reflecting on their life together, Gilroy shared: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Related articles: Print Exclusive: 'Grown-Ish' Actress, Daniella Perkins
Related articles: Best Actress In a Leading Role: The Oscars 1990 - 2023
Duvall's illustrious career began in the 1970s, marked by a series of significant collaborations with director Robert Altman, who discovered her while she was in college in Houston, Texas. She made a memorable debut in Altman's Brewster McCloud as a teenage tour guide, followed by a role as a mail-order bride in McCabe & Mrs. Miller in 1971.
Duvall and Altman's partnership flourished, leading to notable films such as Thieves Like Us, Nashville, Buffalo Bill and the Indians, and 3 Women, where she played a fantasizing health spa attendant. Her performance in 3 Women earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, and Altman praised her ability to embody a wide range of characters, calling her "charming, silly, sophisticated, pathetic, even beautiful."
Image Credit: Bert Stern | Getty Images
Related articles: Happy Women's History Month: Celebrating Actresses Who Transitioned from Acting to...
Related articles: 'Blonde' star Ana de Armas's Astonishing Portrayal as Marilyn Monroe
In a 1977 interview with the New York Times, Duvall expressed her admiration for Altman, stating, “I love him. 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, and he doesn’t put any restrictions on me or intimidate me.” She also recalled Altman's first piece of advice to her: “Don’t take yourself seriously,” a mantra that helped her navigate the pressures of her career.
Perhaps Duvall's most iconic role was that of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining (1980). The film's demanding 13-month shoot was particularly grueling for Duvall, who endured a famously challenging scene that required 127 takes, as Nicholson's character tormented her with a baseball bat. In a 1981 interview with People magazine, Duvall reflected on the experience, saying, “Kubrick had me crying 12 hours a day for weeks on end. I will never give that much again. If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.”
Related articles: Florence Pugh Faces Shocking Incident During "Dune: Part Two" Panel
Related articles: Gwyneth Paltrow's Oscar: From Academy Award to Doorstop
Duvall's filmography also includes notable comedic roles, such as her part in Woody Allen's Annie Hall (1977) as a Rolling Stone reporter and her performance opposite Robin Williams in Altman's live-action Popeye (1980). Her rendition of the song "He Needs Me" from Popeye was later revived by Paul Thomas Anderson for his 2002 film Punch-Drunk Love.
Shelley Duvall's remarkable career spanned diverse genres and roles, leaving an indelible mark on cinema. Her ability to breathe life into a variety of characters, coupled with her unique screen presence, ensured her place as a beloved and respected figure in the film industry. As we remember her contributions, her legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.