Shelley Duvall, renowned for her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, has openly discussed her ongoing battle with anxiety. The intense performance in the 1980 psychological thriller took a significant toll on her mental health, which became evident years later.
Decline in Mental Health
In a revealing 2016 interview on Dr. Phil, Duvall shared her distressing experiences, including her belief that her late co-star Robin Williams was “shape shifting” and her fear of “the sheriff of Nottingham.” These unsettling statements highlighted her deteriorating mental state and prompted a public plea for help.
The Impact of The Shining
The chilling themes of The Shining left a lasting impact on Duvall, who portrayed Wendy, the wife of Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson. The film’s psychological intensity and Kubrick’s demanding direction contributed to the profound effect on Duvall’s mental health.
