In the world of Hollywood, Shelley Duvall was a legend in the 1980s. With her distinctive appearance, including her large brown eyes and slender physique, she caught the attention of audiences everywhere. However, today, at 73 years old, she is barely recognizable after taking a hiatus from the industry. This is her heartbreaking story.
Duvall’s acting career began with a chance meeting at a junior college party she was hosting with her then-boyfriend. Three men associated with renowned director Robert Altman suggested she audition for his movie Brewster McCloud. Despite not being an actor, she took the opportunity and earned an award for her performance in Altman’s 3 Women in 1977. Hollywood started to take notice of this talented newcomer.
She went on to star in notable films like Woody Allen’s Annie Hall (1977), Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining (1980), and Time Bandits (1981). Duvall also made her mark as the creator and host of the fantasy series The Faerie Tale Theater and Tall Tales and Legends, earning an Emmy nomination for her work.
However, while Duvall seemed to have it all on the surface, behind the scenes, her mental health was deteriorating. Her iconic role as Wendy in The Shining took a toll on her psychologically. The film, based on Stephen King’s book, tells the story of the Torrance family, who find themselves trapped in a haunted hotel. As the cameras stopped rolling, Duvall’s mental health continued to deteriorate.
In a documentary about Kubrick, her co-star Jack Nicholson revealed that Duvall was constantly antagonized by the director. The intense demands of Kubrick, who was known for his perfectionism, added to Duvall’s emotional and physical exhaustion. She even showed clumps of hair that had fallen out due to the stress of filming one scene.
Speaking about her experience, Duvall said, “After a while, your body rebels. It says: ‘Stop doing this to me. I don’t want to cry every day.’ And sometimes just that thought alone would make me cry.”
Despite the immense challenges she faced, Duvall has nothing but praise for Kubrick, describing him as warm and friendly towards her. She found fame through her roles, including the iconic Olive Oyl alongside Robin Williams in Popeye. However, after a minor part in 2002’s Manna from Heaven, she retreated from the spotlight and lived quietly in her small Texas town.
Recently, Duvall made headlines after an interview on Dr. Phil’s show, where she shared her struggles with mental health and expressed paranoid delusions. Concerned for her well-being, she was taken to California for treatment, which resulted in a minor incident with the police. Some criticized the decision to move her so far from her home.
Despite her challenges, Duvall has returned to the screen with a role in the 2023 horror film The Forest Hills. Her performance in The Shining alongside Jack Nicholson remains unforgettable. We have immense respect for actors like Duvall, who immerse themselves deeply in their roles and display incredible strength. Our hope is that her mental health improves and she finds peace.
