Shelley Duvall, ‘The Shining’ Star, Dead at 75

“Take events in your life seriously, take work seriously, but don’t take yourself seriously, or you’ll become affected, pompous and boring.”

— Shelley Duvall

Born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, Duvall began her acting career in the 1970s, quickly gaining recognition for her work with director Robert Altman in films like Brewster McCloud and Nashville. However, it was her portrayal of Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shining, which she played opposite Jack Nicholson, that cemented her status as a film icon.

Duvall’s performance, characterized by her intense emotional depth and vulnerability, remains one of the most acclaimed in horror cinema. Her success in the industry was reflected by her net worth of $500 thousand at the time of her death.

Personal life

Duvall married artist Bernard Sampson in 1970, though their marriage ended in divorce four years later. She then had a long-term relationship with musician and artist Paul Simon in the 1970s, she also dated the Beatles drummer Ringo Star in the the late 70s.

In her later years, the actress lived a more private life in Texas with her partner Dan Gilroy, a musician and former Breakfast Club lead vocalist, whom she met in 1990. Their relationship lasted until Duvall’s death.

Mental health

Duvall struggled with her mental health in later years. On an episode of Dr. Phil, in November 2016, the actress revealed that she had been suffering, she said: “I am very sick. I need help.”

Illness and death

Duvall passed away in her sleep at home in Blanco, Texas, according to her partner of over 30 years, Dan Gilroy. She was 75. The cause of death was complications due to diabetes which she had been battling for several years.

Gilroy expressed his sorrow over his partner’s death “My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley.”