Shelley Duvall legendary actress and star of “The Shining” died today Thursday July 11 2024 at 75. She passed away in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas due to complications from diabetes. Although Duvall had largely stepped away from acting, she has left an indelible mark on the world of television and cinema.
Duvall is best known for her role in “The Shining” opposite Jack Nicholson, but some of her other major movies include “Popeye” opposite Robin Williams, “Brewster McCloud”, “McCabe & Mrs. Miller”, “Thieves Like Us”, “Nashville,” “Buffalo Bill and the Indians” and “Annie Hall.”
It was in her home town of Houston Texas where she met director Robert Altman who cast her in “Brewster McCloud”. She would go on to appear in several other of Altman’s films such as “Thieves Like Us,” “Nashville, “Popeye,” “Three Women” and “McCabe & Ms. Miller.” Altmans unconventional style of emphasizing character over plot allowed Duvall to develope into her characters roles that ultimately endeared her to fans and critics alike.
Although Duvall was not your conventional Hollywood movie star, she was gaunt and gawky with wide expressive eyes and a quirky persona which made her a starlett throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. She brought complexity and authenticity to her roles.
Duvall also had success in television where she was host and produced “Faerie Tale Theatre” from 1982-1987. The series adapted classic fairytales into a live action adaptation which featured a star studded cast. It was after this in the early 1990’s that Duvall began retiring from acting, retreated from public life and moved back to Texas.
As we reflect back on the life and career of Shelley Duvall, it has to be said what a remarkable talent she was and she will surely be missed.
Leave a Reply