Shelley Duvall, Star of Popeye and The Shining passed away at 75

Shelley Duvall, the beloved American actress known for her iconic roles in Popeye and The Shining, has breathed her last at 75. Her long-time partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed this news with The Hollywood Reporter. According to Gilroy, Duvall passed away in her sleep at her Blanco, Texas, home due to diabetes complications.

Director Robert Altman discovered Duvall in the early 1970s. Altman cast her in seven films, including McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Nashville, and 3 Women. Duvall also worked with famous directors and gave memorable performances. One of her most famous roles was Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.

In an interview with the New York Times from 1977, Duvall spoke about Altman, saying,

“He offers me damn good roles. None of them have been alike. He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me, and he doesn’t put any restrictions on me or intimidate me.”

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Shelley Duvall and her career at a glance

Shelley Duvall debuted in Brewster McCloud in 1970. Her talent and unique style were quickly recognized. Her films with Robert Altman established her as a versatile actress taking up different roles.

She appeared in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film The Shining with Jack Nicholson. Despite the hard filming, her Wendy Torrance performance is considered one of her best. She played Olive Oyl opposite Robin Williams in Popeye the same year, sealing her Hollywood career.

Further, she mentioned in the same interview with the New York Times,

“I remember the first advice he ever gave me: ‘Don’t take yourself seriously.’ Sometimes I find myself feeling self-centered, and then all of a sudden that bit of advice will pop into my head and I’ll laugh.”

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The cause of her demise

Shelley Duvall died in her sleep from complications related to diabetes. Dan Gilroy, her partner since 1989, confirmed her passing, stating to The Hollywood Reporter,

"My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately; now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley."

Duvall's mental health became a concern in 2016 on Dr. Phil McGraw's show, sparking controversy. Some said the show exploited her condition in the interview, with many fans and actors coming to her support. Duvall was always regarded as a talented and beloved actress.

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Legacy and contributions

Throughout her career, Shelley Duvall worked with some of the most respected names in the industry. Her collaborations with Robert Altman resulted in several critically acclaimed films.

In 3 Women, her portrayal of a fantasizing health spa attendant won her the best actress prize at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting her exceptional acting abilities.

Duvall also made notable appearances in comedies such as Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, where she played a Rolling Stone reporter, and in the cult classic Popeye. Her rendition of the song He Needs Me in Popeye was later used by Paul Thomas Anderson in Punch-Drunk Love.

The entertainment industry lost Shelley Duvall, the star who impressed audiences with her unique style and memorable performances in The Shining and Popeye.