Shelley Alexis Duvall, co-star and target of Jack Nicholson’s ax in ‘The Shining‘, died in her sleep due to complications from diabetes on Thursday at age 75, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Who Was Shelley Duvall?
Duvall, born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, is an American actress renowned for her distinctive and often eccentric character portrayals. Her unique looks, characterized by large eyes, a lanky build, and an engaging smile, coupled with her innate talent, made her a standout figure in Hollywood during the 1970s and 1980s.
Duvall’s entry into the world of acting was serendipitous. In 1969, while attending an engagement party in Houston, she was spotted by location scouts working for director Robert Altman. Despite having limited acting experience, Altman was intrigued by Duvall’s unique appearance and offered her a part in his upcoming film, “Brewster McCloud” (1970). This chance encounter marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between Duvall and Altman that would span several years and multiple films.
Following her debut in “Brewster McCloud,” Duvall continued to work with Altman, appearing in “McCabe and Mrs. Miller” (1971), “Thieves Like Us” (1974), “Nashville” (1975), and “3 Women” (1977). Each film allowed Duvall to further develop her acting skills and showcase her versatility. Her breakthrough came with Altman’s cult film “Nashville” (1975), which garnered critical acclaim.
Duvall’s performance in “3 Women” (1977) earned her widespread recognition and accolades. She won the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress and received a nomination for the British Academy Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. This performance caught the eye of other prominent directors, including Woody Allen, who cast her in a supporting role in his Oscar-winning film “Annie Hall” (1977).
Duvall In The 1980s
The 1980s marked a significant period in Duvall’s career, featuring some of her most iconic roles. She starred as Olive Oyl in Robert Altman’s live-action adaptation of “Popeye” (1980), opposite Robin Williams. However, it was her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror film “The Shining” (1980) that would become her most recognized role.
Duvall’s experience working on “The Shining” has been the subject of much discussion and speculation over the years. While some reports suggested that Kubrick’s demanding directorial style had a negative impact on Duvall, she herself has stated that while Kubrick was tough, he was also “very warm and friendly” to her. She acknowledged Kubrick’s perfectionism but emphasized the importance of the work they were doing.
Following “The Shining,” Duvall continued to act in various films, including Terry Gilliam’s “Time Bandits” (1981), Tim Burton’s short film “Frankenweenie” (1984), and the comedy “Roxanne” (1987). However, in the latter half of the 1980s, Duvall began to shift her focus towards producing television programming aimed at children and youth.
Duvall’s venture into television production proved highly successful. She created and hosted several acclaimed programs, including “Faerie Tale Theatre” (1982-1987), “Tall Tales & Legends” (1985-1987), and “Nightmare Classics” (1989). Her work on “Tall Tales & Legends” earned her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1988, further cementing her reputation as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry.
Throughout the 1990s, Duvall’s acting career became more sporadic. She took on supporting roles in films such as Steven Soderbergh’s “The Underneath” (1995) and Jane Campion’s adaptation of Henry James’ “The Portrait of a Lady” (1996). Her last performance before a long hiatus was in “Manna from Heaven” (2002).
Heading Into Retirement
Following her retirement from acting in 2002, Duvall largely retreated from public life. She returned to her home state of Texas, embracing a quieter lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. During this period, Duvall kept her personal life private, though her health issues occasionally garnered media attention.
In 2016, Duvall made a controversial appearance on “Dr. Phil,” which sparked concerns about her mental health and criticism of the show’s handling of the situation. However, a subsequent interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2021 painted a different picture, noting that her memory was “sharp and full of engrossing stories”.
After a 21-year hiatus from acting, Duvall made a comeback in the horror film “The Forest Hills” in 2023. This return to the screen was met with interest and excitement from fans and industry professionals alike, marking a new chapter in her career.
Throughout her career, Shelley Duvall has been recognized for her unique contributions to film and television. She received several accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award, a Peabody Award, and nominations for a British Academy Film Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards.
Duvall’s impact on the entertainment industry extends beyond her on-screen performances. Her work in children’s television programming, particularly “Faerie Tale Theatre,” has left a lasting legacy, introducing classic stories to a new generation of viewers.
In retrospect, Shelley Duvall’s career is characterized by her ability to portray quirky, eccentric characters with depth and authenticity. Her collaborations with renowned directors like Robert Altman and Stanley Kubrick produced some of the most memorable performances in American cinema. Despite the challenges and controversies that have sometimes overshadowed her work, Duvall’s contributions to film and television remain significant and enduring.