In news that’s got us all reaching for the tissue box and our VHS tapes of “The Shining,” the legendary Shelley Duvall has passed away at the age of 75. The actress, best known for her epic freak-outs alongside Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece and her appearances in seven—count ’em, seven—Robert Altman movies, has left the building.
Shelley’s longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed that she took her final bow peacefully in her sleep due to complications from diabetes at her home in Texas. “My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” he told The Hollywood Reporter, while we all collectively reached for another box of tissues.
Duvall’s filmography reads like a greatest hits of quirky and unforgettable films: from “Annie Hall” to “Nashville,” “Popeye” (where she rocked those Olive Oyl pigtails like nobody else), “Roxanne,” “Time Bandits,” and a treasure trove more.
After deciding that Hollywood wasn’t quite ready for her unique brand of awesome, Shelley took a sabbatical from the silver screen in the early 2000s. But like a horror movie villain, she came back! Just a few years ago, she returned to the genre that made her a household name. Why did she come back? Well, because sometimes you just have to remind the world who’s boss. In a rare interview last year, she explained her triumphant return to the big screen. In 2016, she also made a brave TV appearance to discuss her battles with mental illness, showing us all that behind those wide eyes was a warrior.
So, as we bid adieu to Shelley Duvall, let’s keep her films on repeat and her spirit in our hearts. Our thoughts are with her friends, family, and loved ones. Shelley, you were one-of-a-kind. RIP.
P.S. Jack Nicholson probably just smashed another door down with an axe in her honor.
Shelley Duvall, muse of director Robert Altman and the star of ‘The Shining,’ has died. She was 75.
Read our full tribute to the actor: https://t.co/JJfSLoqRwv pic.twitter.com/WCpuL8OOi5
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) July 11, 2024