The Star of “The Shining” Shelley Duvall Found Dead at 75

Hollywood mourns the loss of a true cinematic icon. Shelley Duvall, renowned for her unforgettable performance in “The Shining,” has passed away at the age of 75.

Fans around the world are grieving the departure of a beloved actress whose talent brought characters to life on the silver screen.

Who Is Shelley Duvall?

Shelley Duvall is an American actress, producer, and writer, best known for her roles in films such as “The Shining” (1980), where she played Wendy Torrance, and “Popeye” (1980), in which she portrayed Olive Oyl.

Duvall gained acclaim for her unique acting style and has appeared in several notable films throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

In addition to her film career, she produced and starred in the children’s television series “Faerie Tale Theatre.” Duvall’s career has been marked by both critical success and personal challenges, including her struggles with mental health.

Shelley Duvall Found Dead at 75

Shelley Duvall passed away in her sleep at home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes, as reported by her life partner, Dan Gilroy. He expressed his sorrow, saying she had suffered too much and was now free. Duvall was known for her slender physique, expressive eyes, and powerful performances.

Other Notable Work

Duvall continued to have memorable roles in Robert Altman’s films, including the ensemble cast of “Nashville” (1975) and “3 Women” (1977), the latter earning her the Cannes Best Actress Award.

In a 1977 Boca Raton News article, Robert Altman praised Shelley Duvall for her versatility, able to embody charm, silliness, sophistication, pathos, and beauty. Her notable works include “Annie Hall,” “Roxanne,” and “McCabe & Mrs. Miller.” Duvall also achieved early success as host and producer of Showtime’s “Faerie Tale Theatre” from 1982 to 1987. She had a long career in the entertainment industry before experiencing difficult times.

Shelley Duvall and Dr. Phil

In 2016, Shelley Duvall appeared on Dr. Phil’s show in an interview titled “A Hollywood Star’s Descent Into Mental Illness.” During the episode, she made alarming claims about her “Popeye” costar Robin Williams, asserting he was still alive and a shapeshifter. Duvall admitted, “I’m very sick. I need help.” The episode faced backlash, with many accusing the show of exploiting her struggles.

Recent Interview

In April 2023, Shelley Duvall, who hadn’t acted since 2002’s “Manna from Heaven,” gave a rare interview to the New York Times reflecting on her career and absence from film and TV. She expressed that her decline wasn’t just due to aging, but “violence,” noting the shock of people turning against her. At the time, she and Dan Gilroy were living in an “isolated but serene” one-story home in the Texas Hill Country.

Despite her struggles, Shelley Duvall maintained a large fanbase and returned to screens in 2023 with the horror film “The Forest Hills.” In her interview with the New York Times, she humorously noted that her desire to act again led her to take the role, mentioning that doing a horror film often leads to more horror film offers.

We mourn Shelley Duvall’s death and we send our condolences to her family and friends.

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