One of the filmic greats of Old Hollywood has passed away. Shelley Duvall, also known as the wide-eyed, female Buster Keaton passed in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas on July 11, 2024. She is survived by her partner Dan Gilroy, who announced the star's death earlier this morning. Duvall's publicist and friend Gary Springer announced that the passing was in part due to diabetes complications. After a three decade stretch of appearing in some of Hollywood's most iconic films, Duvall's passing has cemented the tour de force of good the actress brought to the big screen.
From Altman's filmography in the early 70s to taking on the mantle of Olive Oyl and Kubric muse alike, there was nary a film Duvall didn't grace that stuck with you. Even as she unofficially retired from the limelight, the world continued to hold a candle for Duvall's return to the big screen. Her last performance, a cameo role in The Forest Hills, was directed under Scott Goldberg and still does not have a release date.
To commemorate her passing, we bring you a tableau of her best work over the years. Here is what and where to watch the greatest Shelley Duvall films.
Thieves Like Us
Two convicts are attempting a bust-up out of Mississippi State Penitentiary. Joined by a bank robber who falls headlong for the effervescent Keechie portrayed masterfully by Duvall, the quartet evade the law for a life on the road. This film is one of Altman's first cinematic greats featuring the late actress.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
Popeye
Is there a role more iconic than the graceful, flighty Olive Oyl? Playing across a curmudgeonly Popeye, Duvall cemented herself as a true Altman muse in this early live-action of the sailorman cartoon. We'll be stewing in spinach and tobacco in tribute.
Streaming on: Amazon Video & Apple TV
The Shining
Perhaps the most memorable times Duvall has graced our screens was as the horror film muse of The Shining. The image of her face, gawked wide with terror at the axe puncturing the wallpaper has burned a hole in our brains.
Streaming on: Netflix
Three Sisters
Pinky is on the cusp of womanhood. She begins a new job at a spa in the CA. Desert, becomes overly reliant on fellow spa attendant, Millie when she becomes her roommate. Millie, isolated as a loner, befriends a pregnant artist. The three women vie for one another's emotional development, until they settle as as the diametrically opposed, nuclear family unit of their own making.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime
Portrait of a Lady
The 1996 British-American hybrid stars Nicole Kidman in the title role of fiery Isabel Fletcher, with an equally moving performance from Duvall. Fortune, romance, and the stars collide as Fletcher uncovers the timeless truth: In the woods, we'd all pick the bear.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime & YouTube
Nashville
In the city of Nashville we sleep. The lives of eclectic Americans collide in this humorous charity gala gone haywire. Carradine's honeyed rendition of 'Im Easy' and Miss Duvall's glamour heavy looks are two reasons to stream. The third? Duvall is playing Pearl, before Pearl was a thing.
Streaming on: Amazon Prime & YouTube
