Shelley Duvall, Star Of “The Shining,” Dies At Age 75

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Actress Shelley Duvall, Star Of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, Has Died

Following a legendary career, actress Shelley Duvall of The Shining fame died on Thursday (July 11) at the age of 75.

Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas. Her life changed at age 20 when she met director Robert Altman’s crew at a party for her then-fiancé. They introduced her to Altman, who offered Duvall a role in his film Brewster McCloud. 

Duvall continued to work with Altman on multiple projects, including 1971’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller and 1974’s Thieves Like Us.

Her breakthrough occurred after she appeared in another Altman movie, 1975’s Nashville. She played Martha “L.A. Joan” in the film, which followed a large cast of characters in the country and gospel music scene in Nashville, Tennessee.

Duvall earned a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in 1977’s 3 Women, another Altman-directed film. The project also starred Sissy Spacek, who’d go on to play Loretta Lynn in Coal Miner’s Daughter.

In 1980, Duvall played Olive Oyl opposite Robin Williams’ Popeye in the live-action Popeye movie. Also in 1980, Duvall appeared in her most memorable project, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, based on the Stephen King novel of the same title.

Duvall played Wendy Torrance, the wife of Jack Nicholson’s character, Jack Torrance.

Actress Shelley Duvall dies at age 75
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Duvall further cemented her legacy with roles in Roxanne, Time Bandits, The Underneath, and Portrait of a Lady.

Additionally, Duvall produced and hosted multiple children’s TV shows, including Faerie Tale Theatre, Tall Tales & Legends, and Nightmare Classics. 

Duvall’s Life Partner Says “Now She’s Free” Following Her Death On July 11

Duvall retired following the release of the movie Manna from Heaven in 2002. She returned to acting in 2022 when she appeared in the horror film The Forest Hills. It was her final performance.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Shelley Duval died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas on July 11. Her death resulted from complications associated with diabetes.

Duvall’s life partner of 35 years, Dan Gilroy, confirmed the news of her passing:

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy told the publication.

Duvall is survived by Gilroy and her three brothers, Scott, Stewart, and Shane. May she rest in peace.