Remembering Shelley Duvall: A Hollywood Icon Passes Away at 75. Shelley Duvall, the acclaimed actress known for her unforgettable roles in films like “The Shining,” “Nashville,” and “Popeye,” passed away at the age of 75. On July 11, 2024, she peacefully left us at her home in Blanco, Texas, succumbing to complications related to diabetes.
A Remarkable Journey
Born on July 7, 1949, in Texas, Shelley Duvall initially aspired to a career in science after high school. However, fate intervened when crew members from Robert Altman’s film “Brewster McCloud” discovered her. Her audition marked her first appearance onscreen, and soon she graced multiple drama movies, including “Thieves Like Us.” But it was her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece, “The Shining,” that etched her name into Hollywood history.
Setting Records: Duvall’s commitment to her craft knew no bounds. In “The Shining,” she achieved a remarkable feat: the Guinness Book of World Records recognized her for the most number of retakes in a film. Kubrick’s perfectionism demanded excellence, and Duvall delivered, even if it meant enduring dozens of takes. She once shared, “[Kubrick] doesn’t print anything until at least the 35th take. Thirty-five takes, running and crying and carrying a little boy; it gets hard, and full performance from the first rehearsal. That’s difficult”.
Tributes and Legacy
As news of Shelley Duvall’s passing spread, tributes poured in from fellow industry professionals. Scott Goldberg, who collaborated with her in the 2023 film “The Forest Hills,” expressed his admiration: “Shelley leaves behind an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many people, myself included. I am proud of her for overcoming adversity to act again and will always be forever grateful for her friendship and kindness.”
Stanley Kubrick himself acknowledged her resilience, saying, “Despite being dogged with exaggerations of her treatment on set, Shelley was always vocal about her experience filming ‘The Shining,’ saying she ‘wouldn’t trade it for anything’ because ‘working with lovable Stanley was a fascinating learning experience’” .
Remembering Shelley Duvall: A Hollywood Icon Passes Away at 75. Remembering Shelley Duvall is not just about mourning her loss but celebrating the indelible mark she left on cinema. Her legacy lives on, inspiring generations of artists and reminding us that true greatness lies in the pursuit of excellence, even when faced with adversity.