The star of ‘The Shining,’ ‘3 Women,’ and ‘Annie Hall’ has passed away this July, bringing forth a wave of endless tributes from family, friends, and fans.
Shelley Duvall’s partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed that the actress died of diabetes complications last Thursday, July 11. It happened only four days after her 75th birthday.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley,” Gilroy stated to the press.
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An Inimitable Performer
Known for her collaborations with Robert Altman, she starred in seven films helmed by the director. In the 1970s, the two met at a party in Houston, Texas while Altman was filming Brewster McCloud.
Fascinated by her upbeat personality and unique features, he offered her a role in the film and whisked her away to Hollywood, where she would grow to be a versatile and beguiling actress.
In 1977, she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Altman’s drama film 3 Women. She has also received a Peabody Award and has been inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame.
Duvall continued to gain recognition in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, and Altman’s Popeye, among many other projects.
After the 2002 film Manna from Heaven, Duvall retired from acting, only returning for a cameo in the horror movie The Forest Hills in 2023, which became her final film role.
A fan named Sarah, who runs a successful account called Shelley Duvall Archive, had actually grown close to the actress over the years.
“Shelley was having difficulties with her health over the past few months and I visited with her often. I’ll always be grateful for the memories I created with her and that I was able to give her comfort and companionship,” she shared on X.
I’ve seen the news about Shelley Duvall. I’m doing ok. Shelley was having difficulties with her health over the past few months and I visited with her often. I’ll always be grateful for the memories I created with her and that I was able to give her comfort and companionship. pic.twitter.com/KT3Jc0vEG5
— sarah 🎀 (@sarahlovesthat) July 11, 2024
In a viral post, Sarah recounted how Duvall left Hollywood after the Northridge Earthquake in 1994 destroyed her Los Angeles home. Her brother was also dealing with spinal cancer at the time, which prompted the actress to move back to Texas.
She and Gilroy relocated to a quiet town where they lived in a ranch surrounded by their many animals and farm land. “It’s a peaceful life for Shelley and one she greatly deserves,” Sarah wrote back in June.
Remembering a Versatile Talent
Tributes to Duvall have been pouring in since the news broke. Recently, Molly Ringwald posted a photo of her on Instagram, writing “Farewell Shelley Duvall.”
The two actresses worked together briefly on Duvall’s Faerie Tale Theatre and Tall Tales & Legends. “I’ve always loved her style, idiosyncrasy, and her wide open smile. She was such a great model for unconventional beauty. One of a kind,” Ringwald continued.
Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis was also fortunate enough to work with Duvall on Tall Tales & Legends. “It was one of the first times I saw an actress pivot and become a creator and producer,” Curtis recalled.
“Shelley was a great example to me. She showed that you could change and grow and develop and, of course, now we see so many wonderful actresses and actors become producers and directors and creators. Thank you, Shelley Duvall. You are a legend.”
Stephen King, author of The Shining, took to X and wrote “Very sorry Shelley Duvall has passed. Wonderful, talented, underused actor.”
English filmmaker Edgar Wright posted “RIP to the truly iconic Shelley Duvall, who burned up the screen in many funny, intense and idiosyncratic roles.” He also described her performance in The Shining as “fierce” and “unforgettable.”
“Whatever horrors are conjured up in that film, its power stands and falls on Duvall’s terrified reactions. What an incredible screen presence she was,” he wrote.
Banner image via Wikimedia Commons.
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