Shelley Duvall, Actress of ‘The Shining’, Dies at 75
Shelley Duvall, an American actress known for her iconic roles in films such as "The Shining" and "Popeye", has passed away at the age of 75. The news was confirmed by her life partner, Dan Gilroy, who stated that Duvall died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes.
Let’s Review Shelley Duvall’s Great Career
Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Houston, Texas. She was discovered by director Robert Altman’s team while attending college in Houston and was convinced to submit a screen test. Her screen debut came in 1970 with the film "Brewster McCloud".
Duvall continued to collaborate with Altman, appearing in films such as "McCabe & Mrs. Miller", "Thieves Like Us", "Nashville", and "3 Women", for which she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Character That Made Her a Legend
However, it was her role as Wendy Torrance in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s "The Shining" that cemented her status as a legendary actress. Directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson, the film is widely regarded as a horror classic.
Her Retirement, the Controversy with Dr. Phil, and Her Last Film
In the late 1980s, Duvall ventured into television production, creating and presenting children’s programs such as "Faerie Tale Theatre", "Tall Tales & Legends", and "Nightmare Classics". She also appeared in series for adults, including "Frasier" and "LA Law".
After a 32-year career in entertainment, Duvall retired to her native Texas in 2003. However, she made a comeback in 2022 with the film "The Forest Hills", an independent horror-thriller.
Duvall’s participation in the Dr. Phil show in 2016 caused controversy, with many criticizing the program for exploiting the actress at a vulnerable time in her life. The controversy sparked an open letter from Vivian Kubrick, daughter of Stanley Kubrick, and comments from actress Mia Farrow, who called the situation "disturbing and unethical".
Legacy
Shelley Duvall’s legacy in film and television is undeniable. She will be remembered for her iconic roles, her contributions to children’s programming, and her perseverance in the face of adversity.