Nicknamed “Texas Twiggy” and called the “female Buster Keaton,” actress Shelley Duvall, who died July 11 at age 75, entered the Hollywood scene in the 1970s, making iconic films such as Nashville, The Shining and Popeye before eventually stepping back from acting in the early aughts.
Discovered by famed director Robert Altman, Duvall debuted in his 1970 film Brewster McCloud, leading to a seven-movie collaboration. Known for her naturalistic acting style, Texas lilt and lithe frame, Duvall launched into star status after her turn in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film The Shining, which the actress called “excruciating work” and “unbearable,” due to the intensity of the shoots as well as their emotional toll.
After a steady stream of film and television work, Duvall appeared to abruptly leave Hollywood to head back to Texas. She attributed that choice to the devastating 1994 earthquake in Los Angeles suburb Northridge, which damaged her home, as well as her brother’s health. However, she also called out fickle Hollywood in the process.
“I was a star; I had leading roles,” the actress told the New York Times in April, adding that it wasn’t just aging that made her suspicious of the industry.
“How would you feel if people were really nice, and then, suddenly, on a dime, they turn on you?” she asked the outlet. “That’s why you get hurt, because you can’t really believe it’s true.”
While Duvall continued to dip her toe in the film and TV world throughout the ’90s, she made a firm break in 2002 and stayed away for decades — until her final film, 2023’s The Forest Hills. However, she is best known for her work in the ’70s and ’80s, influential films that are still available to watch. Here’s where you can stream them.
Popeye (1980)
What’s it about?: Based on the Popeye the Sailor Man comic-strip character, the comedy stars Robin Williams as the titular character, who arrives in the town of Sweethaven and woos Olive Oyl (Duvall) away from Capt. Bluto (Paul L. Smith). Popeye is streaming free on Pluto TV.
Where else to watch: Available to stream on Xfinity, available to rent on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play and Prime Video
The Shining (1980)
What it’s about?: Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, this horror film follows a writer (Jack Nicholson) who becomes the off-season caretaker of a mysterious hotel. Strange happenings at the resort start having effects on the writer and his family. Duvall plays his wife.
The Shining is available to stream on AMC+ and Shudder, both of which you can try free through Prime Video.
Where else to watch: Available to rent on Fandango at Home, Google Play and YouTube
3 Women (1977)
What’s it about?: Duvall stars in this psychological drama as a woman caught in an increasingly strange relationship with her teenage roommate and co-worker (Sissy Spacek) and a pregnant woman (Janice Rule). Duvall won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival for her role.
Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube
Nashville (1975)
What’s it about?: An ensemble musical drama, Nashville follows a group of people taking part in a country and gospel festival in the Tennessee capital, leading up to a gala for a populist candidate who’s running for president.
Where to watch: Available to rent on Fandango at Home, available to purchase on Apple TV, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
What’s it about?: Based on the 1959 novel McCabe, by Edmund Naughton, the revisionist Western stars Warren Beatty as a mysterious gambler who arrives in a Washington state boomtown and exerts his influence. Duvall plays a mail-order bride. You can watch McCabe & Mrs. Miller free on Tubi.
Where else to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube
Brewster McCloud (1970)
What’s it about: A reclusive young man, (Bud Cort) who lives in the fallout shelter of the Houston Astrodome. is attempting to build wings so he can fly when he becomes a suspect in a series of murders. Duvall plays a tour guide at the Astrodome who connects with the recluse.
Where to watch: Available to rent on Apple TV and Prime Video
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