Key Takeaways:
– Shelley Duvall, the celebrated actress known for her roles in The Shining and Popeye, has passed away at the age of 75.
– Duvall died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Texas due to complications from diabetes.
– She fell into acting accidentally while being a college student and went ahead to have an illustrious career spanning over five decades.
– Duvall retired from acting about twenty years ago but recently participated in an upcoming horror movie The Forest Hills.
It is with a heavy heart we report that the renowned actress Shelley Duvall, best recognized for her unforgettable performance as Wendy Torrance in the 1980 horror classic The Shining, has sadly passed on. According to The Hollywood Reporter and her life partner Dan Gilroy with whom she had been since 1989, Duvall died in her sleep from complications related to diabetes.
From Altman to Kubrick: Shelley Duvall’s Acting Career Hits
Born in Fort Worth, Texas on July 7 in 1949, Duvall was studying in college when her path crossed with the iconic director Robert Altman at a gathering. Altman, captivated by Shelley’s vibrant personality and unique looks, convinced her to play a role in his 1970 movie Brewster McCloud. This chance meeting led to Shelley unwittingly stepping into the world of acting.
Over her flourishing career spanning roughly five decades, Duvall played memorable roles in many films, including Nashville, Annie Hall, Time Bandits, Roxanne, The Portrait of a Lady, and 3 Women, a performance that earned her the Best Actress award at the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Of course, who can forget her roles in The Shining and Popeye, or hosting her own TV show, Faerie Tale Theatre?
Challenging Times and a Comeback
About two decades ago, Duvall retired from acting. In recent years, her battle with mental illness made headlines, including her appearance on the Dr. Phil show in 2016. Despite her health struggles, she did make a comeback of sorts recently, participating in the upcoming horror movie The Forest Hills.
The Loss of a Screen Icon
Many of us grew up watching Duvall in The Shining, Faerie Tale Theatre, and Popeye, becoming her fans. It’s terribly sad to know that she will no longer grace our screens. The industry mourns her loss, and there’s no doubt that her absence will be deeply felt.
Gilroy, her devoted partner for years, paid a poignant tribute: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. There was so much suffering lately, but now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.“
In Conclusion
We send our deepest condolences to Duvall’s family, friends, and followers. Her legendary performances will always be remembered, her roles ever-etched in the annals of Hollywood. The post R.I.P.: Shelley Duvall of The Shining and Popeye will always be cherished, even though she has left us at the age of 75. You’ll always be remembered, Shelley, for lighting up our screens and our lives.
