Remembering Shelley Duvall: ‘The Shining’, ‘Nashville’ star dies at 75 due to diabetes

Shelley Duvall, an accomplished actress known for signature roles in “The Shining” and “Nashville,” dies at 75

Shelley Duvall, a distinguished actress revered for her compelling portrayals in “The Shining” and “Nashville,” has passed away at the age of 75 due to complications from diabetes. Renowned for her distinctive large, expressive eyes and her exceptional talent to embody both neurotic and utterly terrified characters, Duvall was a bold figure in Hollywood cinema. Her death took place in her Blanco, Texas home where she took her last breath peacefully in her sleep.

“My dear life partner has left us,”

Dan Gilroy, the actress’s longtime partner, expressed his sorrow and offered an emotional tribute to Duvall. In his statement, he said, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”

Duvall’s acclaimed performances in “The Shining” and “Nashville”

Shelley Duvall was immortalized in cinema history through her harrowing performance as Wendy Torrance opposite Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s classic thriller “The Shining”. Her influence extended to Robert Altman’s musical satire “Nashville,” where she showcased her brilliance by playing a multifaceted character amidst an ensemble cast of talented actors.

Duvall’s career beginnings and eventual Hollywood stardom

The actress’s journey into the film industry was influenced by Altman who launched Duvall’s career in 1970 with the film “Brewster McCloud.” Having no prior acting experience, she made regular appearances in Altman’s movies including “McCabe and Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville” and “Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson.”

Impressive filmography leading to a successful career

Throughout her illustrious career, Duvall displayed an array of intricate characters in over 28 films, some of which included “Annie Hall,” “3 Women,” “Popeye”, and posthumously, “The Forrest Hills”. She even owned her own production company, serving as a key player in the development of award-winning children’s programs.

Duvall’s mental health struggles and return to the screen

Bearing an open struggle with mental health issues, Duvall gracefully departed from Hollywood in the early 2000s. However, after a two-decade-long hiatus, she made a triumphant return to the screen in 2023, playing the character of Mama in the indie horror film “The Forrest Hills.”

Achievements and recognition

Over the course of her life, Duvall was garnished with an impressive number of awards. These accolades included a Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival, two Primetime Emmy Awards, Film Critics Association Awards, and a Peabody Award among many others which further cemented her place in Hollywood.

Remembering Shelley Duvall

The world mourns the loss of this luminary, her enduring influence on cinema will forever be remembered. Shelley Duvall’s tenacity, distinctive style, and exceptional talent remain deeply etched in the history of Hollywood cinema.