Shelley Duvall, the actress renowned for her iconic role in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, has died at the age of 75, with her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, announcing her passing.

Duvall's death comes after a prolonged battle with various health issues, including diabetes and mental health struggles that followed her prolific career, which saw its heights in the 1980s, as Breitbart reports.

Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall was a distinctive presence in Hollywood. Her journey began in 1970 when she met director Robert Altman, who cast her in multiple films, elevating her career to new heights.

Rising Star Under Robert Altman

Robert Altman recognized Duvall’s unique talent and cast her in significant roles in films like McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Thieves Like Us (1974), and Nashville (1975). Her performance in 3 Women (1977) earned her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

Duvall praised Altman for his trust and support, highlighting their collaborative relationship. She once stated, "He offers me damn good roles...He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me."

Her reputation for delivering powerful performances only grew with each project she took on. However, it was her role in Kubrick's The Shining that etched her name into cinematic history.

Challenges on the Set of The Shining

Starring as Jack Nicholson’s wife in the 1980 horror classic, Duvall faced immense pressure. She described the filming process as grueling, stating, "I don’t want to cry every day." The demanding nature of Kubrick's direction took a toll on her both physically and emotionally.

Despite these challenges, Duvall's performance in The Shining remains one of her most memorable. The film solidified her place as a versatile actress capable of handling intense roles.

She continued to showcase her range in films like Popeye (1980), Time Bandits (1981), and Rocket Man (1997). Her ability to navigate between different genres demonstrated her adaptability and skill.

Transition to Television and Later Life

Apart from her film career, Duvall made significant contributions to television. She appeared in a variety of TV series, including Cannon, Love American Style, and Baretta. Her versatility extended to shows like Saturday Night Live, The Twilight Zone, Frasier, and Faerie Tale Theatre.

By 2000, Duvall had semi-retired from acting. She returned sporadically for roles, with her last performance being in The Forest Hills.

Duvall's personal life was as complex as her career. She was married to Bernard Sampson from 1970 to 1974 and later had relationships with singer Paul Simon, actor Stan Wilson, and musician Dan Gilroy.

Health Struggles and Final Years

Duvall’s later years were marked by health issues. She had been suffering from diabetes and mental health challenges for more than a decade. Her struggles were made public when she appeared on the Dr. Phil show to discuss her mental health.

Gilroy shared heartfelt words following her passing: "My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us...Sometimes just that thought alone would make me cry."

Despite her struggles, Duvall’s legacy as an actress remains intact. Her powerful performances and contributions to both film and television continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Saying Goodbye to a Hollywood Legend

In a 2021 interview, Duvall reflected on her career and the challenges she faced: "To wake up on a Monday morning, so early, and realize that you had to cry all day because it was scheduled — I would just start crying."

She continued, speaking about her resilience: "Yet I did it. I don’t know how I did it. Jack said that to me, too. He said, ‘I don’t know how you do it.'"

Duvall’s passing marks the end of an era for many within the entertainment industry. Her contributions have left an indelible mark, ensuring her memory will endure through her impactful work on screen.

As we remember Shelley Duvall, we celebrate a storied career filled with remarkable roles and a relentless spirit that persevered through both triumphs and challenges. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.