A PHOTO from Shelley Duvall’s final birthday celebration, taken just days before her death due to complications from diabetes, has been shared.
On July 11, 2024, the Hollywood legend died at the age of 75.
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On Thursday, a fan shared the last known photo taken of Shelley Duvall before her death on social media as part of a touching tribute to the late actress.
The fan, Sarah – who runs a Shelley Duvall fan account – uploaded a selfie of herself and The Shining star on X.
The photo showed a cheerful Shelly resting her head on Sarah’s shoulder as both women smiled at the camera.
“I’ve seen the news about Shelley Duvall. I’m doing ok. Shelley was having difficulties with her health over the past few months and I visited with her often,” Sarah captioned the post.
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She continued, “I’ll always be grateful for the memories I created with her and that I was able to give her comfort and companionship.”
Later, Sarah added in the comment thread, “This photo was this past Sunday on her 75th birthday.
“She was so appreciative and when I left she thanked me for lifting her spirits. I’ll always remember that. She made such a positive impact on my life as I did on hers.”
Fans rushed to the post’s comment section to applaud the fan for making Shelley feel special in what turned out to be her final days.
One person wrote, “Thank you for being a friend to her. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“My condolences. Thank you for making her feel loved and appreciated til the very end,” tweeted another.
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“A blessing to have that experience, we’re all going to miss her,” commented a third.
Sarah had previously shared several more recent photos of herself with Shelley.
The pics captured the pair drinking iced coffee, looking at nostalgic movie memorabilia, and displaying friendship bracelets.
Stephen King, author of The Shining, also shared a tribute to the late actress on X.
He wrote, “Very sorry Shelly Duvall has passed. Wonderful, talented, underused actor.”
DEATH OF AN ICON
On July 11, 2024, Shelley died from diabetes complications.
Her life partner, Dan Gilroy, revealed the tragic news to The Hollywood Reporter, adding that the actress died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas.
“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,” he said.
In November 2016, Shelley made a surprise public appearance when she was featured on the popular talk show Dr. Phil – which has since concluded after 21 seasons – and discussed her mental illness.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the then 67-year-old told Dr. Phil McGraw, “I am very sick. I need help.”
The longtime host received backlash from Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of the late director of The Shining, Stanley Kubrick.
Addressing Dr. Phil, Vivian shared on X, “You are putting Shelley Duvall ‘on show’ while she is suffering from a pitiable state of ill health.
“Unquestionably, this is purely a form of lurid and exploitative entertainment – it’s appallingly cruel.
“Shelley Duvall was a movie star … whatever dignity a mere unfortunate creature might have in this world, is denied her by your displaying her in this way.
“I recoil in complete disgust. I hope others will join me in boycotting your utterly heartless form of entertainment, because it has nothing to do with compassionate healing.”
CAREER ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Shelley was born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the actress studied at South Texas Junior College, intending to become a research scientist. She was also interested in nutrition.
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In the mid-1990s, she moved to Hollywood, California, and began her accomplished acting career.
Shelley was also the head of her own production company, Think Entertainment.
The company earned her two Emmy Award nominations.
Shelley received multiple awards, including Best Actress for 3 Women at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival and a 1977 LAFCA Award for Best Actress in 3 Women, per her IMDb page.
She also won a 1984 Peabody Award for the television series Faerie Tale Theatre.
Shelley appeared in numerous films throughout her entertainment career and was especially known for starring alongside Jack Nicholson in The Shining.
Other notable films include the 1980 family/comedy Popeye opposite the late Robin Williams, the 1977 comedy/romance Annie Hall, the 1977 thriller/mystery 3 Women, and the 1975 musical/comedy Nashville.
The star is also known for her roles in films like Brewster McCloud (1970), McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971), Time Bandits (1981), and Forest Hills (2023).
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