Shelley Duvall, an actress known for her roles in Robert Altman films and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” passed away on Thursday at her home in Blanco, Texas. She was 75 years old. A family spokesperson attributed her death to complications from diabetes.
Shelley Duvall’s career began unexpectedly when she met Robert Altman during the filming of “Brewster McCloud” (1970). Despite having no formal training, she went on to appear in six Altman films, including “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” (1971) and “Nashville” (1975).
Her most memorable role came in Kubrick’s “The Shining” (1980), where she played Wendy Torrance opposite Jack Nicholson. Initially criticized, her performance has since been reevaluated and praised for its portrayal of a woman in an abusive relationship.
Beyond acting, Duvall founded Platypus Productions in 1982, producing the acclaimed “Faerie Tale Theater” series. She later created Think Entertainment, producing “Nightmare Classics” for older audiences.
Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall started off in pursuit of a career in science before stumbling into acting. Her unique appearance and quirky personality made her a standout in 1970s Hollywood.
In recent years, Duvall had retreated from the spotlight, living in rural Texas. Her last film appearance was in “The Forest Hills” (2023).
Shelley Duvall is survived by her partner, Dan Gilroy, and three brothers. Her legacy in film and television production continues to influence the industry today.