On July 11, actress Shelley Duvall died. She died in her sleep at home in Blanco, Texas, at the age of 75. Her death was caused by diabetes problems, according to Dan Gilroy, her life partner since 1989, who shared details of her death with The Hollywood Reporter.
Duvall had a three-decade career as an actor, earning numerous accolades and nominations. The ’80s saw her emerge as a starring actor, including in 1980’s live-action version of Popeye and the film adaption of Stephen King’s The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us,” Gilroy wrote in a statement to THR. “There’s been too much pain lately; she’s finally free. Fly away, sweet Shelley.”
After stepping away from her successful profession for several years, Duvall returned to the spotlight in a now-infamous Dr. Phil interview, which viewers, including Kubrick’s daughter Vivian, condemned as “appallingly cruel” and blatantly “exploitative.” During the conversation, Duvall stated, “I am really unwell. “I need help.”
Duvall, a Texas native, was born on July 7, 1949, and rapidly proved to be as lively as she was artistically gifted, earning the nickname Manic Mouse from her mother. Her initial interests were in the sciences, which she fully meant to pursue as a teenager.
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However, she met Robert Altman at a party while he was filming Brewster McCloud, and Duvall quickly captured the eye and curiosity of the other cast members. Duvall was “swept away” by the encounter, which led her to pursue a completely different career.
Fans and critics alike were taken away by her performances, one after the other, and Duvall received several awards for her abilities. They include the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and a Peabody Award, as well as nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards and a British Academy Film Award.
Rest in peace, Shelley Duvall.
