Shelley Duvall, star of “The Shining”, dies aged 75

The American actress, famous for her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick’s “Shining”, died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday July 11 at the age of 75.

A career marked by iconic roles

Shelley Duvall, also known for her portrayal of Olive Oyl in the adaptation of “Popeye” alongside Robin Williams, leaves behind an impressive career. The Hollywood Reporter reported her death at her home in Blanco, Texas, from complications of diabetes, according to her partner Dan Gilroy.

Robert Altman’s muse

In the 1970s, Duvall distinguished herself through her many collaborations with director Robert Altman, becoming a key figure in the cinema of the time. She appeared in seven of his films, including “John McCabe” (1971), “Nashville” (1975) and “Three Women” (1977), a role for which she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. She also played Olive Oyl in “Popeye” (1980), directed by Altman.

A grueling shoot

Shelley Duvall reached the pinnacle of her career in Stanley Kubrick’s “Shining” in 1980. She played Wendy Torrance, opposite Jack Nicholson, in a role that left a deep impression on her. The shoot, renowned for its harshness, saw the actress rehearse certain scenes up to 50 times, including the famous confrontation on the staircase. Years later, Duvall confides: “It was an incredible experience, but I’d never do it again.”

Gradual withdrawal from Hollywood

After the 1980s, Shelley Duvall gradually withdrew from cinema. She appeared in a few notable films, such as Terry Gilliam’s “Bandits, Bandits” and lent her voice to a Tim Burton short, “Frankenweenie”. In the 1990s, she appeared with directors such as Steven Soderbergh and Jane Campion, before retiring for good in 2002. In 2016, she resurfaced in a polemical interview on the Dr. Phil show, where she refuted the mental disorders attributed to her.

Last appearance

In 2023, Shelley Duvall accepted a final role in the horror film “The Forest Hills”, alongside Edward Furlong and Dee Wallace, making her final contribution to cinema.

Shelley Duvall leaves an indelible mark on the history of cinema, having made her mark with her talent and determination in the face of complex and demanding roles.