Photos: farewell to actress Shelley Duvall

Goodbye to actress Shelley Duvall
Life partner Dan Gilroy confirms the news
A chance meeting with a famous director helped launch her acting career
Duvall and Altman collaborated on many films
Duvall had a supporting role in 'Annie Hall'
Shelley Duvall and Paul Simon
Duvall is best known for her iconic role in 'The Shining'
Duvall starred in Robert Altman's 'Popeye'
'Faerie Tale Theatre' aired from 1982 to 1987
She continued to act throughout the 1990s
She battled mental health issues
Her final acting role was in 2023
Goodbye to actress Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday, July 11th, 2024 The Texas-born actress died in her sleep at the age of 75, due to complications from diabetes.

Life partner Dan Gilroy confirms the news

Gilroy, former singer for 'Breakfast Club,' and Duvall were together from 1989 until her death. Gilroy offered a statement 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."

A chance meeting with a famous director helped launch her acting career

In the early 1970s, director Robert Altman and Shelley Duvall met at a party in Texas where Altman was shooting the film 'Brewster McCloud.' Intrigued by her unconventional beauty and unique presence, Altman offered her a role in the film.

Duvall and Altman collaborated on many films

Throughout the 1970s, Duvall regularly worked with Altman, starring in many films including the critically acclaimed 'Nashville' and '3 Women' which also starred Sissy Spacek.

Duvall had a supporting role in 'Annie Hall'

Duvall was cast in Woody Allen's 1977 American film set in New York. The film remains a classic having received critical acclaim worldwide.

Shelley Duvall and Paul Simon

Duvall met singer Paul Simon while filming 'Annie Hall'. The couple were in a romantic relationship for two years and lived together. Duvall introduced Simon to 'Star Wars' actress Carrie Fisher. Simon left Duvall for Fisher shortly thereafter.

Duvall is best known for her iconic role in 'The Shining'

Duvall played the role of 'Wendy Torrance' in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 psychological thriller.

"Excruciating"

Duvall found working on 'The Shining' to be 'excruciating'. Her role was demanding and required her to repeatedly cry, scream, and show terror. In an interview with Roger Ebert in 1980, Duvall described working with Kubrick as 'almost unbearable.'

Duvall starred in Robert Altman's 'Popeye'

In a stark departure from her role in 'The Shining,' Duvall was cast as 'Olive Oyl' alongside Robin Williams as 'Popeye.' The actress showed her versatility as an actress in this commercially successful film.

'Faerie Tale Theatre' aired from 1982 to 1987

Duvall conceptualized, produced, acted and narrated this award winning children's television series that brought classic fairy tales to life.

She continued to act throughout the 1990s

Duvall continued to select varied roles in children's programming, comedy, and drama. In 1996, she played the role of 'Countess Gemini' in 'Portrait of a Lady' directed by Jane Campion.

She battled mental health issues

In the 2000s, Duvall took time away from acting and the public eye. She developed issues with her physical and mental health. In 2016, she was featured on the 'Dr. Phil' show and discussed her mental health struggles with the television psychologist. As People magazine recalls, many viewed the segment as exploitative to Duvall as she was in a vulnerable situation.

Her final acting role was in 2023

After over 20 years out of the spotlight, Duvall returned to the screen with a role in the indie horror film, 'The Forest Hills,' which also starred Edward Furlong. It was her last role on the big screen.

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