Shelley Duvall Cause of Death : Beloved Actress Succumbs to Complications from Diabetes Shelley Duvall, the beloved actress best known for her roles in “The Shining,” “Nashville,” and “Popeye,” passed away on July 11, 2024, at her home in Blanco, Texas. She was 75 years old. The cause of death was complications from diabetes.
Duvall had been out of the public eye for several years prior to her passing. Her final film role was in the 2023 horror film “The Forest Hills.”
Speculation had surrounded Duvall’s health for some time, particularly after a controversial interview on “Dr. Phil” in 2016. However, details about her condition remained largely private. This article will explore what is known about Shelley Duvall’s cause of death and her health struggles.
What Was Shelley Duvall’s Cause of Death?
Duvall’s longtime partner, Dan Gilroy, confirmed that complications from diabetes led to her death. She passed away peacefully in her sleep shortly after midnight on July 11th.
“She’s gone after much suffering, which I guess is a good thing,” Gilroy shared with NBC News. “After 34 years… I can’t tell you how much I miss her.”
Gilroy revealed that Duvall had been bedridden and receiving hospice care for several months before her death due to complications from her diabetes.
Shelley Duvall’s Mental Health / Shelley Duvall Cause of Death
In 2016, Duvall appeared on an episode of the “Dr. Phil” show titled “A Hollywood Star’s Descent Into Mental Illness: Saving The Shining’s Shelley Duvall.” During the interview, Duvall spoke openly about being ill.
“I’m very sick. I need help,” she stated on the show.
Dr. Phil received significant criticism for allowing the interview to air.Shelley Duvall Cause of Death While a spokesperson for the show claimed their intention was to “document the struggle and bring amazing resources to change her trajectory,” Duvall reportedly declined their initial offer for inpatient treatment.
Gilroy told The New York Times that he was unaware of Duvall filming the interview until days after it aired. “It did nothing for her,” he said. “It just put her on the map as an oddity.”
Duvall addressed the interview in a 2021 Hollywood Reporter article. “I found out the kind of person (Dr. Phil) is the hard way,” she said. Many, including her mother and partner Dan Gilroy, expressed regret over her participation in the interview.
While neither The New York Times nor The Hollywood Reporter provided definitive diagnoses regarding Duvall’s mental health, both publications noted her shifting moods and continued sharpness. The Times suggested her retreat from public life and return to Texas stemmed more from the Northridge earthquake destroying her Los Angeles home and a brother’s illness, rather than solely mental health concerns.
Gilroy elaborated on her decline in The New York Times interview. He described a period after their move to Texas where things were initially positive. However, he noted a gradual shift towards fearfulness and a reluctance to work. He also detailed instances of paranoia and delusions, including attempts to contact the FBI and requests for protection from neighbors.
“It was just shocking that, suddenly, from normal, it went south like that,” Gilroy added.
How Can Diabetes Complications Lead to Death?
While the specific type of diabetes Duvall had was never disclosed, Gilroy confirmed complications from the disease were the cause of death.
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Shelley Duvall Cause of Death According to the Mayo Clinic, this can lead to various complications, including:
- Heart disease
- Nerve damage
- Kidney damage
- Eye damage and blindness
- Foot damage
- Skin and mouth conditions
- Hearing impairment
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression
- Coma
Untreated or poorly managed diabetes can worsen these symptoms and lead to death. Shelley Duvall Cause of Death Diabetic coma, which occurs when blood sugar levels become dangerously low or high, is a potential fatal consequence. Additionally, diabetes can contribute to the development of kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, both of which can be life-threatening.
Remembering Shelley Duvall’s Legacy
Shelley Duvall Cause of Death captivating performances in films like “The Shining” and “Popeye” left a lasting impression on audiences. While her later years were marked by health struggles, her talent and contributions to cinema should not be forgotten.