Hollywood legend Shelley Duvall dies aged 75
Shelley Duvall, the iconic actor best known for her role in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, has died at the age of 75. Duvall was also celebrated for her many collaborations with director and industry mentor Robert Altman, including Nashville and 3 Women.
Duvall had struggled with health concerns for several years. It has been reported that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, from complications related to diabetes on Thursday, July 11th. Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, announced the sad news: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”
Though Duvall had been largely inactive for over two decades, since her final movie role, 2002’s Manna From Heaven, she did make a rare television appearance in November 2016 on an episode of the popular talk show Dr. Phil. During the poignant conversation, the actor revealed she had been suffering with mental health issues, telling the host, “I am very sick. I need help.”
During the somewhat distressing appearance, Duvall appeared dishevelled, sparking concern among her global fanbase. It was soon revealed that the actor suffered from schizoaffective disorder, which made her become reclusive during the latter years of her life.
In a rare 2024 interview with The New York Times, Duvall touched upon the matter once again. She suggested that her mental illness was more linked to the industry rather than growing older. “I was a star; I had leading roles,” she said. “People think it’s just ageing, but it’s not. It’s violence.”
The actor failed to elaborate on the alleged “violence”. However, it appears that she had experienced the dark side of Hollywood and felt sidelined by an uncompromising and often hostile movie business. “You would never believe it unless it happens to you,” she added. “That’s why you get hurt because you can’t really believe it’s true.”
Duvall made her screen debut in 1970 with an appearance in Altman’s fantasy comedy movie Brewster McCloud. Throughout the decade, in the run-up to her pivotal role opposite an unhinged Jack Nicholson in The Shining, Duvall continued to build her portfolio with Altman collaborations, including McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Thieves Like Us and the critically acclaimed musical satire Nashville.
In 1977, Duvall spoke to The New York Times about her attachment to Altman. “He offers me damn good roles,” she beamed. “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, and I love him. I remember the first advice he ever gave me: ‘Don’t take yourself seriously.’ Sometimes I find myself feeling self-centred, and then all of a sudden, that bit of advice will pop into my head, and I’ll laugh.”
Towards the end of her life, Duvall had severe mobility issues which was partially related to her diabetes as well as an injured foot. Earlier this year, she revealed that her days were largely spent driving her Toyota car through the local area, and on occasion, Duvall would even stay the night in the vehicle. While it was a far cry from the glamour of Hollywood, Duvall was comfortable in her new life away from the limelight.