Shelley Duvall, known for her unforgettable role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, shocked the world when she abruptly stepped away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. A rising star in the 1970s and 1980s, Duvall was beloved for her unique acting style and vulnerability on screen. However, behind the scenes, Duvall’s Hollywood experience was marked by emotional trauma, mental health struggles, and a series of career setbacks that ultimately led to her departure from the industry.
The Stanley Kubrick Nightmare: A Turning Point
One of the pivotal moments in Duvall’s career — and her personal life — came during the making of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining in 1980. While the film has gone down as one of the greatest horror movies of all time, it also became infamous for the psychological toll it took on Duvall.
Kubrick, known for his obsessive perfectionism, pushed Duvall to her emotional and physical limits on set. The director demanded countless retakes of intensely emotional scenes, most notably the iconic baseball bat confrontation between Wendy and Jack. Duvall later revealed that she had to cry on command for months, resulting in severe emotional exhaustion. Her hair even began to fall out due to the relentless stress.
Though the film was a critical and commercial success, Duvall’s experience on set left deep emotional scars that she would carry for years. In interviews, Duvall described how the filming process “took a toll on her health,” leading many to believe that it played a major role in her decision to eventually leave Hollywood.
Mental Health Struggles: The Silent Battle
After The Shining, Duvall continued to work in film and television, appearing in movies such as Popeye alongside Robin Williams and producing children’s programs like Faerie Tale Theatre. However, as the years went on, Duvall’s mental health began to decline, and she became more reclusive.
In a rare 2016 interview on Dr. Phil, Duvall appeared disoriented and spoke about bizarre, unsubstantiated beliefs, leading many to express concern about her well-being. The interview, which was widely criticized for exploiting her fragile mental state, brought Duvall back into the public eye but for all the wrong reasons. The heartbreaking appearance raised questions about how Hollywood treats its stars, particularly those struggling with mental health issues.
Friends and former colleagues, including actress Mia Farrow and director Lee Unkrich, called for more compassion and understanding of Duvall’s condition. Many pointed to the immense pressure she faced during her time in Hollywood, particularly on the set of The Shining, as contributing factors to her struggles.
Why She Left Hollywood for Good
Following the public scrutiny surrounding her Dr. Phil appearance, Shelley Duvall disappeared from the spotlight once again, retreating to her quiet life in Texas. Many believe that the combination of her traumatic experiences in Hollywood, particularly during the making of The Shining, and her ongoing mental health challenges played a significant role in her decision to leave acting behind.
By stepping away from Hollywood, Duvall was able to escape the intense pressures of fame and focus on her own well-being. In interviews over the years, she expressed her desire for a simpler, quieter life away from the limelight. While fans and colleagues have expressed a desire to see Duvall return to acting, it’s clear that her time in Hollywood left deep scars that may never fully heal.