Why Shelley Duvall Really Left Hollywood — And Not Because Of ‘The Shining’

Shelley Duvall, who recently passed away on July 11 at the age of 75, was a celebrated film icon of the ’70s and ’80s. She gained widespread fame for her roles alongside Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and Robin Williams in Popeye. Duvall also starred in a series of acclaimed films directed by Robert Altman, including 3 Women and Nashville. Despite her successful career, she suddenly vanished from Hollywood, sparking numerous speculations.

Many attributed her retreat to her experiences with Kubrick during the filming of The Shining, which was notoriously challenging. However, before her death, Duvall clarified that her decision to leave the film industry was influenced by factors unrelated to her time with Kubrick. She cited personal reasons as the primary motivations behind her hiatus.

Shelley Duvall once gave reason as to why she left Hollywood

In the 1990s, the late actress faced a series of distressing events that increasingly made her consider leaving the entertainment industry. The first major blow came when her brother was diagnosed with cancer back home in Texas, compelling her to contemplate returning to her family. This situation weighed heavily on her, creating a growing sense of responsibility and emotional strain.

RELATED: Inside Shelley Duvall’s Tumultuous Experience Filming ‘The Shining’

Her resolve to leave the industry was solidified in 1994 when a devastating earthquake struck her Los Angeles home. The trauma and upheaval caused by this natural disaster were so overwhelming that she withdrew from public life for the next two decades.

The late star battled with mental challenges

It seemed that the incident took a toll on her because following her departure from Hollywood, concerns about her mental health peaked, particularly after her appearance on Dr. Phil in 2016. This interview alarmed her fans and led many to believe she was struggling with significant mental challenges.

During the interview, the late actress appeared disoriented and mentally unstable. She made several troubling statements, including claiming that she was in communication with Robin Williams, who had passed away two years earlier. Her behavior and comments during the interview heightened public concern for her well-being and drew attention to her apparent mental health issues.