Shelley Duvall, acclaimed for roles in 'The Shining' and 'Popeye,' passes away at the age of 75

 Shelley Duvall, the adventurous Texan actress known for her captivating roles in Robert Altman's films and her memorable performance in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," has passed away at 75. Duvall died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, on Thursday, according to her longtime partner, Dan Gilroy. The cause of death was complications from diabetes, confirmed her friend and publicist, Gary Springer.

"My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend departed from us last night," Gilroy expressed in a statement. "There has been too much suffering lately, but now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley."

Duvall was enrolled in junior college in Texas when members of Altman's crew, gearing up for "Brewster McCloud," met her at a Houston party in 1970. They introduced her to the director, who promptly cast her in the film and became her mentor.

Duvall went on to feature in several Altman films such as "Thieves Like Us," "Nashville," "Popeye," "Three Women," and "McCabe & Mrs. Miller."

"He offers me good roles," Duvall shared with The New York Times in 1977. "None of them have been similar. He has tremendous confidence in me, trusts and respects me without any restrictions or intimidation, and I love him. I remember the first advice he gave me: 'Don't take yourself seriously.'"

Duvall, thin and awkwardly charming, defied the typical Hollywood starlet mold with her straightforward demeanor and authentic presence. Film critic Pauline Kael likened her to the "female Buster Keaton."

At the height of her career, Duvall became a staple in defining films of the 1970s and 1980s. In "The Shining," she portrayed Wendy Torrance, who witnesses her husband Jack (Jack Nicholson) spiral into madness while their family is stranded at the Overlook Hotel. Duvall's terrified expression, notably captured alongside Jack's axe breaking through the door, became an iconic image of the film.

However, Duvall's presence in movies faded almost as swiftly as it emerged. By the 1990s, she started stepping back from acting. Her final film appearance was in 2002's "Manna From Heaven." Subsequently, Duvall withdrew from public life. Earlier this year, she granted her first interview in many years.