Hollywood mourns the loss of a shining star. Shelley Duvall passed away at her residence in Blanco, Texas, on Thursday, July 11, due to complications arising from diabetes, as reported by her partner Dan Gilroy to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety. She was 75 years old.
Shelley Duvall’s Illustrious Film Career
Shelley Duvall, who was born in Fort Worth, gained fame for her role in ‘The Shining’, her successful collaborations with director Robert Altman, and her children’s entertainment series. After 2002, she chose a more tranquil life in the Texas Hill Country.
Beyond her standout performance in ‘The Shining’, Duvall collaborated extensively with director Robert Altman, appearing in several of his films, including ‘Brewster McCloud’, ‘McCabe & Mrs. Miller’, ‘Thieves Like Us’,’ Nashville’, and ‘3 Women’, the last of which earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. Duvall also made her mark in children’s entertainment, producing and starring in the beloved series ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’ and ‘Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories’. Her eclectic career and distinctive contributions to film and television have left a lasting legacy.
Another defining role for Duvall was her role as Olive Oyl opposite Robin Williams in ‘Popeye’. With her lanky build and expressive eyes, Duvall is like a cartoon character brought to life, excelling in physical comedy. Yet, she also gives Olive Oyl a touching depth, making her character full of heartfelt longing.
Shelley Duvall and Her Struggle With Metal Health
In 2016, Shelley Duvall appeared on an episode of the “Dr. Phil” show titled “A Hollywood Star’s Descent Into Mental Illness: Saving The Shining’s Shelley Duvall.” During the episode, she openly shared, “I’m very sick. I need help.”
Phil McGraw and his team faced criticism for airing the interview. A spokesperson for ‘Dr. Phil’ said that their intention was to “document the struggle and provide remarkable resources to alter her path,” but noted that Duvall declined their initial offer for inpatient treatment.
Hollywood acting legend Shelley Duvall developed a heartfelt friendship with a fan in her later years, with this admirer sharing updates on social media to keep other fans informed about how the star was doing.
Duvall’s passing occurred just days after her 75th birthday on July 7. Sarah Lukowski shared what might be the last photo taken of Duvall, celebrating her birthday together.
The Hollywood Reporter quoted Duvall’s partner, Dan Gilroy, confirming that she had died on Thursday in Blanco, Texas, from complications related to diabetes.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. She endured too much suffering lately, and now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” he said.
