Shelley Duvall, an iconic actress renowned for her roles in seminal films such as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” and Robert Altman’s “3 Women,” has passed away at the age of 75, as confirmed her partner of 34 years, Dan Gilroy. Duvall, whose acting career spanned several decades, died after enduring prolonged illness.
While the immediate cause of her death was not disclosed, Duvall’s legacy in the film industry remains notable. At Cannes, she received the Best Actress award for her performance in “3 Women” and was also a Peabody winner for her efforts in children’s television, particularly through her work on the anthology series “Faerie Tale Theatre.”
Born in 1949 in Texas, Duvall became a prominent figure in the 1970s and 1980s Hollywood scene, often collaborating with director Robert Altman. She made her film debut in Altman’s “Brewster McCloud” in 1970 and was a regular in his subsequent films, including “Nashville” and “Popeye,” where she starred alongside Robin Williams.
Her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in “The Shining” is perhaps her most enduring role, bringing her acclaim within the horror genre despite her own mixed feelings about the intense production process under Kubrick’s direction.
Duvall’s other notable film roles included appearances in “Annie Hall,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” and “Casper Meets Wendy.” Besides her film career, Duvall produced several television series aimed at children, earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for “Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories.”
Retiring from the public eye in the early 2000s, Duvall settled back in Texas and spoke openly about her challenges with mental health in later years.
Duvall’s death marks the end of a significant era in film, leaving behind a legacy of influential performances across a broad range of cinema.