When “The Shining” actress Shelley Duvall returned to the limelight after decades of gap from acting and public life, she was unrecognizable.
She appeared somewhat disturbed and different from her usual appearance.
Shelley Duvall is a talented American actress who accomplished remarkable success in Hollywood for portraying distinctive and often strange characters.
She was active in the 1970s and 1980s, during which she not only played remarkable roles in the movies but also received the Cannes Film Festival Award and Peabody Award.
The Fort Worth native is widely recognized for her role in The Shining, though her legacy extends far beyond it.
After 20 years of break, Duvall returned to the film industry in late 2022 with the horror movie The Forest Hills, which was released on 11 March 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Shelley Duvall was unrecognizable during her appearance on Dr. Phil’s show in 2016, where she revealed her mental health issue.
- The interview shocked everyone as they witnessed the unbelievable changes in Shelley.
- The actress seems to have recovered from her mental health issue, as she made a surprise return with a horror movie “The Forest Hills” last year.
Shelley Duvall’s Silent Struggle With Schizoaffective Disorder
In an interview with Dr. Phil, Shelley Duvall revealed her struggle with Schizoaffective Disorder.
It was her first public appearance in 16 years i.e. after she stopped acting in 2002. The actress was unrecognizable.
The hour-long episode explored the depth of the actress’ mental illness, which left many fans shocked and saddened.
In the interview, Duvall spoke of her mental health issues. She said that she believed Robin Williams was still alive and shape-shifting.
In addition, she said that the man who was threatening her was the Sheriff of Nottingham. Not only that, but Duvall also mentioned “alien implants” in her leg.
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When Dr. Phil offered medical help, the Popeye actress responded aggressively, threatening him if he tried to remove what she called her “moon mole.”
As reported by Dangerous Minds, post-interview, the actress was taken to a treatment center in Calabasas.
It was also mentioned that she refused medication and wouldn’t sign treatment consent forms after three days. She was then safely returned home.
According to 2016 reports, the show’s producers worked with Shelley’s mother and local professionals to provide alternative treatments to Shelley.
Regarding Shelley Duvall’s weight loss issue, no reports suggest that she lost any weight because of Schizoaffective Disorder.
The Shocking Interview Attracted Much Criticism
As soon as the promotional clip of Shelley Duvall’s interview on Dr. Phil was released, it started disputes among the audience.
The promotional clip showcased the most shocking moments of the interview against a dramatic and unsettling soundtrack.
Although Dr. Phil promised to help Shelley, it was clear that her mental illness was being exploited for ratings, with a focus on shocking the audience.
This approach sparked outrage from an unexpected individual as well.
Vivian Kubrick, the daughter of Stanley Kubrick, who had never known Duvall, expressed her disgust on Twitter and called for a boycott of the program two days before it aired.
My Letter to you @DrPhil
Re: Your exploitive use of Shelly Duvall is a form of LURID ENTERTAINMENT and is shameful. pic.twitter.com/4f6MRTzr0A— Vivian Kubrick (@ViKu1111) November 17, 2016
In her words, “Dear Dr. Phil, You are putting Shelley Duvall ‘on show’ while she is suffering from a pitiable state of ill health.”
“Unquestionably, this is purely a form of lurid and exploitative entertainment – it’s appallingly cruel,” Kubrick added.
Nevertheless, the actress seems to have recovered and doing well as she even worked on a movie.
FAQs
How Old Is Shelley Duvall Now?
Shelley Duvall was born on 7 July 1949, making her 74 years old as of 2024.
What Is Shelley Duvall’s Net Worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Shelley Duvall’s net worth is around $500 thousand.
Where Is Shelley Duvall Now?
Duvall made a surprising comeback to the screen with the horror movie “The Forest Hills,” which was released on 11 March last year. She seems to be doing well.
