Shelley Duvall Lives Quietly in Small Town with Partner & Is Back Acting at 73 after 20-Year Absence

Shelley Duvall then and now | Source: Getty Images | youtube.com/@grimmlifecollective

• Shelley Duvall, who starred as Olive Oyl in "Popeye," was a film icon in the '70s and '80s.
• After working with highly-acclaimed actors like Robin Williams and Jack Nicholson, she unexpectedly vanished from Hollywood for nearly two decades, leading to rumors about her health.
• Now 73, Duvall leads a peaceful life in a small town with her long-time partner and shares her views about her life away from the spotlight.

Shelley Alexis Duvall was born on July 7, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, to parents Bob and Bobbie Duvall. Her father was a cattle auctioneer who later transitioned to a criminal lawyer, while her mother had a successful career as a real estate agent and even established her own company, "Space City Realty," in Houston when NASA was being built.

After having three more children—all boys—Scott, Shane, and Stewart—Duvall's parents settled in Houston. Sadly, her father died in 1995 at 74, and her mother succumbed to the coronavirus pandemic in March 2022 at 92, shortly after her birthday.

American actors Jack Nicholson, Danny Lloyd, and Shelley Duvall on the set of "The Shining," based on the novel by Stephen King and directed by Stanley Kubrick. | Source: Getty Images

Duvall achieved iconic status in the film industry during the 70s and 80s. She starred alongside Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining," collaborated with Robin Williams in "Popeye," and delivered noteworthy performances in acclaimed movies by director Robert Altman, including "3 Women" and "Nashville." However, Duvall gradually withdrew from Hollywood following that era, stepping away from the spotlight.

But some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the graceful woman with gray hair, who often breaks into song in the middle of the conversation, is none other than the legendary actress from the '70s and '80s.

Emerging as an unconventional "It girl" in Hollywood, Duval was renowned for her distinctive features and for portraying eccentric roles. Her melodious voice was as identifiable as her captivating doe eyes and slender figure. She once reflected on how she didn't consider herself beautiful because of her large eyes and prominent ears.

Zachary Bostrom, Shelley Duvall, and Ben Savage pictured in "Aliens for Breakfast" | Source: Getty Images

Comedy actor Robin Williams, as Popeye, and Shelley Duvall as Olive Oyl in the movie "Popeye" | Source: Getty Images

Duvall collaborated with director Altman on seven movies, and one of the most memorable ones was "Popeye," where she portrayed Olive Oyl's character opposite the late Robin Williams. "All it took was to put on the costume, and I knew exactly how to play Olive," she revealed.

But after gracing the silver screen for years and entertaining people with her incredibly impressive acting streak, Duvall unexpectedly vanished from Hollywood for 20 years, leading to rumors and speculations about her mental well-being.

Why Did Shelley Duvall Step Away from Acting & Move to a Small Town to Start a New Life?

For the past two decades, Duvall, now 73, has quietly resided in a small, charming town in the Texas Hill Country. She has become a familiar face at the local establishments there, where she is warmly recognized by many in the community.

But some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that the graceful woman with gray hair, who often breaks into song in the middle of the conversation, is none other than the legendary actress from the '70s and '80s. Her impressive range and captivatingly quirky style were displayed in beloved movies such as Woody Allen's "Annie Hall," Altman's "Popeye," and Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining."

With an air of unlikely recognition, it's doubtful that any casual passersby would discern the legendary Duvall in her portrayal of Little Bo Peep from the Disney Channel's "Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme," or even more notably, as the indelible Wendy Torrance from her iconic role in "The Shining."

Over time, her looks have changed, and her beautiful hair has become thinner, with streaks of gray. Her voice, which used to sound like Minnie Mouse, now has a rough texture, reportedly due to her inclination toward smoking.

The trademark slender figure Duvall skillfully utilized as the beloved Olive Oyl in "Popeye" has gracefully matured. Nevertheless, there remain unmistakable cues of her true identity. Her eyes, with their eternal sparkle, continue to mesmerize even from afar, and her timeless toothy grin exudes warmth and familiarity that transcend the bygone years.

During the '90s, the "Casper Meets Wendy" alum experienced a decline in movie offers. And when her brother was diagnosed with spinal cancer, she returned to Texas. According to her, it was the most extended sabbatical she had ever taken, but it was triggered by significant reasons—to reconnect with her family once more.

Despite collaborating with prominent figures in Hollywood, Duvall's journey in the acting world wasn't always smooth or financially rewarding. Per Duvall, the compensation was often meager, limited to scale plus ten percent. She mentioned that there was a prevailing notion that women would simply marry and rely on their husbands for support, but she highlighted that such scenarios didn't apply to everyone.

Having acted in more than 20 movies and produced several TV shows, Duvall reached a pivotal moment in 2002 when she chose to step away from the bustling world of Hollywood. Opting for a quieter and more serene path, the former actress gracefully retired in the tranquil landscapes of Central Texas.

In a twist of fate, Duvall's rise to prominence in Houston was not due to her acting skills but rather her remarkable business acumen. It all began at a lively party she hosted, showcasing the artwork of her then-fiancé, Bernard Sampson (whom she married in 1970 but later divorced in 1974).

Unbeknownst to her, three crew members from the esteemed Altman movie "Brewster McCloud" were among the guests that evening. Intrigued by Duvall's characteristic charm, her captivatingly unconventional looks, and the enthusiasm she radiated, they couldn't resist extending an extraordinary offer.

Craftily, they disguised a secret audition as an upscale event for art enthusiasts, enticing Duvall to showcase Sampson's artwork. Little did she know that amidst the supposed art connoisseurs, the watchful eyes of Altman himself and the distinguished producer Lou Adler were keenly observing her every move, profoundly intrigued by her potential.

Following her short-lived marriage with Sampson that ended in divorce, Duvall was linked romantically to Paul Simon and Ringo Starr. However, in one of her interviews from February 2023, she seemed somewhat reluctant to entertain discussions about her former or current lovers.

During the interview, a particular song caught the "Annie Hall" alum's attention, triggering a flood of memories. The song was "Even in the Quietest Moments" by Supertramp. Captivated by the emotions it stirred within her, she expressed the desire to listen to it. As the enchanting melody filled the room, a wave of sentiment washed over her.

Tears welled up in Duvall's eyes, gracefully streaming down her face—a visual manifestation of the deep emotions she was experiencing. With a gentle motion, she wiped away the tears, revealing a heartfelt smile that intertwined with her bittersweet feelings. In a moment of vulnerability, the "Boltneck" actress opened up and shared:

"It's the first time I've heard the song since a certain boyfriend."

Shelley Duvall and Dan Gilroy attend the Sixth Annual Spirit of America Awards Gala on May 12, 1992, at Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

In 1989, love knocked on Duvall's door again, and she entered into a romantic relationship with Dan Gilroy, marking the beginning of a love story that has withstood the test of time. Their connection was forged while working together on the enchanting Disney Channel production, "Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme," a movie that reportedly holds a special place for the pair.

Notably produced by Duvall herself, this star-studded project featured an illustrious cast, including the notable presence of her former beau, Simon. Over the years, "Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme" has become a cherished cultural touchstone among millennials, leaving an indelible impression on those who experienced its timeless charm.

Shelley Duvall and Dan Gilroy attend the 0de 2 Kids Carnival Presented by Shelley Duvall on September 29, 1991, at Los Angeles Children's Museum in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Despite keeping a low-key approach to their relationship, the "Home Fries" actress reportedly disclosed the timeline of their love story. Since their fortuitous meeting on the set of "Mother Goose Rock 'n' Rhyme," Duvall and Gilroy have cultivated a deep and lasting connection, standing as a testament to their profound bond.

While maintaining a modest public profile, the duo has embraced a new life in Duvall's beloved native Texas, relishing their shared journey's simplicity and stillness.

Literary agent Swifty Lazar (R) chatting with actress Shelley Duvall & her boyfriend Dan Gilroy at a party honoring Roddy McDowall's new book of photographs. | Source: Getty Images

A Brief Look into Shelley Duvall's Life Today

While giving one of her interviews, Duvall arrived at the serene riverside in the Texas Hill Country, pulling up in her white Toyota 4Runner, her preferred spot behind the wheel. The car itself, from floor to roof, was packed with an assortment of belongings, creating a delightful jumble of items like a bucket of plastic silverware, a jar of sliced mushrooms from Green Giant, and a beautiful bouquet of silk roses.

Spending her days within the confines of her car, Duvall engaged in conversations with locals, relishing in their company while savoring takeout meals. Together with her partner, Gilroy, a former member of Madonna's early band, "Breakfast Club," Duvall shares a home in the picturesque region.

During her interview in February 2021 about her life after retiring from Hollywood, Duvall's infectious humor filled the air as she raved about the delectable cherry scones served at the nearby cafe.

Moreover, he made it a priority to reconnect Duvall with old friends.

Eager to indulge her, a waitress joyfully descended the steps, carrying a freshly baked scone she reportedly delivered to Duvall through the car window. The "Nashville" actress delightfully took a bite, savoring the heavenly flavor.

Later, the same kind-hearted waitress who exuded a Texas twang and happened to be in her 50s expressed how she and everyone else watched out and cared for each other in their closely-knit rural Hill Country community.

The locals hold a deep fondness for Duvall, seeing her as more of an eccentric aunt rather than a faded movie star. They are also actively protective of her, a sentiment that has grown stronger since 2016.

It was during that year when Phil McGraw and his Dr. Phil crew visited the town to film a disturbing interview with Duvall. Throughout the interview, she was said to have babbled incoherent and free-associative stuff while revealing paranoid fantasies.

Among her claims was the insistence that her former "Popeye" co-star, Williams, who tragically passed away in 2014, is still alive and capable of shape-shifting. Witnessing this distressing display, the locals reportedly became steadfast in their decision to safeguard Duvall from further harm.

In 2018, Ryan Obermeyer, a local artist from nearby Austin who grew up watching "Faerie Tale Theatre," paid a visit to Duvall out of concern for her well-being. He brought a postcard featuring one of his paintings with his phone number written, leaving it with Duvall's partner, Gilroy. Shortly after, Duvall contacted him, expressing her desire for a visit. Their initial meeting led to regular lunches and an unlikely friendship.

Over the years, Duvall has accumulated a collection of precious memorabilia from her career, including a photo gifted to her by Kubrick, the iconic "July 4th Ball — 1921" image that serves as the closing shot of "The Shining."

Unfortunately, a large portion of her collection went missing. Obermeyer suspected that Duvall might have neglected to pay the rent on a storage locker, resulting in the contents being sold at auction. Wanting to help, he tracked down some of Duvall's personal letters on eBay and repurchased them for her.

Moreover, he made it a priority to reconnect Duvall with old friends. In 2019, Obermeyer organized a surprise FaceTime call with Paul Reubens, who played Pinocchio on "Faerie Tale Theatre," as a special birthday surprise for Duvall's 70th milestone.

To celebrate the occasion, Obermeyer threw a party at her favorite restaurant, Red Lobster, inviting a select group of her most devoted fans. The event featured a delightful "Faerie Tale" themed cake and even attracted attendees from as far away as Australia.

Obermeyer's continued acts of kindness and thoughtfulness have cemented him as a steadfast companion to Duvall, ensuring that her connections to cherished memories and treasured individuals remain intact.

Duvall has called the same 200-mile radius in Texas her home for most of her life, apart from her two-decade stint in Hollywood. In a stroke of brilliance, she made a triumphant return to the silver screen with the 2023 horror sensation, "The Forest Hills."

Her radiant presence captivated audiences once more as she effortlessly breathed life into her character, reigniting her passion for acting. With a twinkle in her eye and a peal of contagious laughter, Duvall confidently expressed:

"[Jessica Tandy] won an Oscar when she was 80. I can still win."

However, a delightful temptation beckoned her before Duvall planned to embark on her next acting adventure. She playfully suggested venturing to Dairy Queen—a place where the allure of indulging in decadent desserts awaited. Her voice overflowed with enthusiasm, showcasing her insatiable appetite for life's sweet pleasures.

Whether Duvall chooses to return to Hollywood or lead a reclusive life, we wish her all the best and hope that her days are filled with everlasting love and happiness!

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