Shelley Duvall passes away at 75
Shelley Duvall who starred in Stanley Kubrick's iconic horror film The Shining has passed away aged 75.
Duvall died in her sleep on Thursday at her home in Bianco, Texas, after diabetes complications according to her friend and publicist Gary Springer.
Her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy shared a heartbreaking statement.
"My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night," he said.
"Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away beautiful Shelley."
Known for her thin physique, large expressive eyes and powerful performances, Duvall was remembered for her standout roles alongside Jack Nicholson in The Shining and Robin Williams in the comedy Popeye.
She became Robert Altman's protégé after she was spotted by his staff members at a party in Houston, Texas in 1970, where she attended junior college, and Altman was preparing to film Brewster McCloud at the time.
She also played memorable roles in some of his other films, including Nashville in 1975 and 3 Women in 1977, which won her the Cannes Best Actress Award.
"He offers me damn good roles," Duvall said about Altman for The New York Times in 1977.
"None of them have been alike. He has a great confidence in me, and a trust and respect for me, and he doesn't put any restrictions on me or intimidate me, and I love him. I remember the first advice he ever gave me: 'Don't take yourself seriously.'"
Despite The Shining being one of her greatest roles, filming it took an emotional toll on her, after having to be in hysterics during long days of filming, with one scene reportedly requiring 127 takes,
By the 1990s she began retiring from acting and retreated from public life.
"How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you?" Duvall told the Times earlier this year.
"You would never believe it unless it happens to you. That's why you get hurt, because you can't really believe it's true."
Images: Soshellyduvall Instagram