TheOverlook Hotel loses one of its souls... Shelley Duvall, the American actress best known for her unforgettable role in The Shining, passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 75 from complications related to diabetes. The news was announced by her longtime companion, Dan Gilroy, who expressed his deep sadness and undying love for her."My dear, sweet and wonderful life companion and friend has left us. Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley," he explained.
Born on July 7, 1949 in Fort Worth, Texas, Shelley Alexis Duvall was discovered by director Robert Altman in the early 1970s. She quickly became Altman's favorite actress, appearing in seven of his films, including Brewster McCloud (1970), McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) and Trois Femmes (1977), for which she received the Best Actress award at Cannes.
In 1980, Shelley Duvall left an indelible mark on cinema history as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's cult film Shining, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The role put her under intense pressure, as she later confided, recalling the long, demanding hours of shooting under Kubrick's direction. After Shining, although she continued to work in film and television, she never returned to such an iconic role.
In the 1990s, Shelley Duvall reduced her screen appearances, finally retiring in 2002 after Manna from Heaven. She returned in 2023 with the horror film The Forest Hills, marking the end of her career. Her life was marked by personal struggles and health problems, but she always remained a well-liked and respected figure in cinema.
