Primetime Emmy-nominated actress Shelley Duvall passed away on July 11, 2024. She was 75 years of age at her time of passing. The iconic actress reportedly died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas due to complications from diabetes.
Duvall has often been described as a character actress, typically starring in smaller roles. However, she is widely known for her immersive role in the iconic movie, The Shining. So, in honor of her name, let’s explore the life and career of Shelley Duvall.
The Early Days of a Hollywood Icon
Shelley Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. After graduating from Waltrip High School, she began her career as a cosmetics salesperson, but her life took a dramatic turn when she was discovered by talent scouts at a local party in 1970. Director Robert Altman found himself enamoured by her natural talent and cast her in his film Brewster McCloud, marking her film debut. This led to a string of critically acclaimed performances in Altman’s subsequent films, including McCabe and Mrs. Miller (1971), Thieves Like Us (1974), and Nashville (1975). Her breakthrough role came in 1977 when she played the lead in Robert Altman’s 3 Women, showcasing her range and vulnerability as Mille Lammoroux. With Altman’s mentorship, Duvall’s acting career blossomed, establishing her as a unique and talented actress in the 1970s American New Wave cinema. However, her most iconic role was right around the corner.
Breaking Down Shelley Duvall’s Role in The Shining
Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick‘s 1980 horror classic, The Shining, remains her most iconic role to date. Her performance as the beleaguered mother trying to protect her family from the supernatural forces of the Overlook Hotel is both haunting and heartbreaking. Duvall’s immersion into the character’s desperation and terror is undeniable, leading many to believe that her fear on screen may have been genuine.
The rumor mill has long suggested that Kubrick’s demanding and intense filming style, as well as his supposed treatment of Duvall during the production, may have contributed to her distress. As a dedicated filmmaker, Stanley Kubrick was notorious for being a perfectionist and being somewhat neurotic and overbearing. In a 2016 interview with Dr. Phil, Duvall opened up about her struggles, saying “I am very sick. I need help.” She then opened up about the toll that being a Hollywood star took on her body and mind. However, she never pointed fingers to Kubrick. When speaking with The New York Times, she said: “How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you? You would never believe it unless it happens to you. That’s why you get hurt, because you can’t really believe it’s true.”
Despite some controversy and years of rumors, Duvall’s performance in The Shining has stood the test of time. The role earned her widespread critical acclaim and cemented her place as one of the most memorable horror movie heroines of all time. Even decades later, her portrayal of Wendy Torrance continues to send chills down audiences’ spines, making The Shining a masterclass in psychological horror and Duvall’s most iconic role.
Watch The Shining on Apple TV+
Tributes Pour In for Shelley Duvall
After the glaring success of The Shining, Shelley Duvall’s roles became less frequent. She went on to supporting roles in films like Popeye, Time Bandits, and Roxanne. She also starred in episodes of popular shows like The Twilight Zone, and L.A. Law. In 2022, she retired from acting after her role in the comedy movie, Manna from Heaven. However, in 2023, she returned to the screen in what will be her final role, starring opposite Edward Furlong (Terminator 2: Judgement Day) and Dee Wallace (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial) in the low-budget horror movie, The Forest Hills. The movie was poised to be a resurgence of faded movie stars but fell under the radar.
Despite her long break from acting, Duvall is still clearly in the minds and hearts of many moviegoers and colleagues from her time in the spotlight. In the wake of her passing, many have taken to social media to pay their respects. The popular horror outlet Bloody Disgusting took to X (formerly Twitter), writing: “We are deeply sad to hear that The Shining icon Shelley Duvall has passed away at the age of 75.”. Duvall’s long-term partner Dan Gilroy also issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, reading: “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.” The official Stanley Kubrick X page also paid their respects and shed some light on the supposed mistreatment on the set of The Shining:
Shelley Duvall, legendary character actor, and The Shining’s extraordinary Wendy Torrance has died at the age of 75. Shelley’s career was varied and long.
Despite being dogged with exaggerations of her treatment on set, Shelley was always vocal about her experience filming The… pic.twitter.com/q8ZYu08Uco
— Stanley Kubrick (@StanleyKubrick) July 11, 2024
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