Shelley Duvall Dies a Few Days after Her 75th Birthday – Details & Her Last Interview

Shelley Duvall will be remembered for unforgettable performances in her iconic roles. With her wide eyes and unique screen presence, she became a beloved Hollywood figure. But even with her early success, Duvall faced many challenges, especially with her health in later years.

In her final interview, conducted just two months before her passing, Duvall candidly reflected on her life and career. She spoke openly about her struggles, the impact of her health issues, and the “violence” she experienced in Hollywood. This interview offers a rare glimpse into the thoughts and experiences of the actress during her final days.

Shelley Duvall’s Early Career and Rise to Fame

Duvall’s career spanned decades, showcasing her unique ability to bring quirky and memorable characters to life. Her journey began when director Robert Altman discovered her. With her distinctive look and natural talent, she quickly became one of Altman’s favorites, starring in seven of his films.

She debuted in “Brewster McCloud” (1970). After that came her memorable performances in “McCabe & Mrs. Miller” (1971) and “Nashville” (1975). Her other Altman films included “Thieves Like Us” (1974) and 3 Women (1977). The latter earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Duvall’s most iconic role came in 1980. She starred as Wendy Torrance, a tormented wife and mother in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Her performance alongside Jack Nicholson became legendary. The role was intense and demanding but that did not deter Duvall.

The role’s nature and Kubrick’s exacting directorial style showcased Duvall’s dedication and talent. Her portrayal of Wendy, a mother trying to protect her son from her increasingly unhinged husband, remains a defining moment in horror cinema.

Her role as Olive Oyl in “Popeye” (1980) showcased her comedic talents and added to her diverse portfolio.

In the mid-1980s, Duvall expanded her horizons by founding her own production company, Think Entertainment. She created, produced, and hosted children’s programming, featuring star-studded adaptations of classic fairy tales.

Her work included the Emmy-nominated series “Faerie Tale Theatre” and “Shelley Duvall’s Tall Tales and Legends.” They both became beloved children’s series featuring star-studded casts and innovative storytelling. Her contributions to children’s television earned her two Emmy Award nominations.

She also produced a short series, “Nightmare Classics,” which was well-received. Duvall’s success continued throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with her work in both acting and production.

As her career progressed, it brought new challenges and opportunities. However, the pressures of Hollywood and personal struggles began to take a toll, leading to big changes in her life and career.

Mid-Career Achievements and Challenges

Despite her professional success, Duvall began to experience the pressures and challenges of Hollywood. By the mid-1990s, she retreated from the spotlight and returned to her native Texas.

Her last film role was in “Manna From Heaven” (2002), after which she retired from acting. The reasons for her withdrawal remained largely mysterious, leading to much speculation about her life away from the public eye.

Years after she retreated from the limelight, Duvall’s mental health became a focal point of public scrutiny in 2016. This was due to her rare public appearance on the talk show “Dr. Phil.”

The episode was titled “A Hollywood Star’s Descent Into Mental Illness: Saving The Shining’s Shelley Duvall.” It was filmed without the knowledge of her close family and portrayed Duvall in a state of distress.

“I’m very sick. I need help,” she pleaded, to which Dr. Phil responded, “Well, that’s why I’m here.” She also made several bizarre statements, including claims of receiving messages from a “shapeshifting” Robin Williams.

This rare TV appearance was meant to highlight her struggles. But instead, it led to public scrutiny and gossip about her mental state. The episode never aired in full, but the damage was done.

Duvall’s distressing appearance sparked widespread concern and caused her to withdraw further from the public eye. But even with all the talk and speculations, her earlier contributions continued to be celebrated, and she remained a beloved figure in the industry.

Following the Dr. Phil episode, Duvall’s health struggles became a constant challenge in her later years. Her long-time partner played a crucial role in supporting her through these difficulties, as she battled health issues that affected her daily life.

Health Struggles, Last Interview, and Passing

In her later years, Duvall battled significant health issues, including diabetes and an injured foot that severely limited her mobility. These challenges often confined her to her home and vehicle.

Fortunately, she was not alone during these difficult moments. Dan Gilroy, her partner since 1989, provided steadfast support. He helped her with daily activities and provided much-needed companionship.

Gilroy openly discussed the pain they suffered due to the speculation and gossip that surrounded Duvall. He particularly spoke about what followed her controversial appearance on “Dr. Phil.”

The couple felt weary from the constant internet chatter about Duvall’s mental health and appearance. “Everyone’s always interested in downfall stories,” he stated, emphasizing the hurtful nature of such scrutiny.

In April, just over two months before her death, Duvall gave a final interview to The New York Times. This interview offered a rare glimpse into her life and thoughts. Despite her health struggles, Duvall remained imaginative and reflective.

She shared memories from filming “The Shining” and the antics on the set of “Popeye,” while showing old headshots and cast photographs she kept in her car.

Due to her health problems, Duvall often spent her days driving to local nature spots, visiting drive-throughs, and chatting with locals. Her car, filled with takeout containers and coffee cups, was her mobile refuge.

Reflecting on her retreat from Hollywood in the mid-1990s, Duvall expressed sadness over how quickly the industry’s attitude towards her had changed.

“I was a star; I had leading roles,” she said, her voice tinged with regret. She described the industry’s sudden shift as a form of violence that deeply hurt her.

When asked to explain “violence,” Duvall illustrated the abruptness with which people who had once been kind to her suddenly turned against her.

“How would you feel if people were nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you? You would never believe it unless it happened to you,” she expressed. This profound sense of betrayal played a significant role in her decision to leave Hollywood.

Despite the challenges she faced, the interview revealed Duvall’s strong spirit and profound insights into her experiences. Her reflections provided a touching conclusion to her remarkable life.

On Thursday, July 11, 2024, Shelley Duvall passed away peacefully in her sleep. She died at her home in Blanco, Texas, due to complications from diabetes. She had celebrated her 75th birthday just four days earlier.

Her partner, Dan Gilroy, expressed his grief and love for her, saying, “My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”

Shelley Duvall leaves behind a legacy of distinctive performances and innovative contributions to television. She will be remembered as a one-of-a-kind talent who brought magic and authenticity to every role she played.