Shelley Duvall, a renowned actress known for her roles in films directed by Robert Altman and her iconic performance in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, has passed away at the age of 75.
Duvall, who had a thriving career as a versatile and unique actress, starred in several of Altman’s films, including Brewster McCloud, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Thieves Like Us, Nashville, and 3 Women, for which she won the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.
In The Shining, Duvall portrayed the besieged wife Wendy Torrance, who endured a harsh winter at the desolate Overlook Hotel with her husband, played by Jack Nicholson, who slowly descended into madness. Duvall’s performance in the film was intense, as she was required to cry for 12 hours a day for weeks on end during the 13-month shoot.
Duvall also had a successful career as a producer, creating star-studded and innovative children’s programming for cable television, including Faerie Tale Theatre and Tall Tales & Legends, which earned her two Emmy Award nominations.
After a long hiatus from acting, Duvall returned to the screen in 2022 with a role in The Forest Hills. Her unique and memorable performances, as well as her contributions to the entertainment industry, will be greatly missed.