Struggling with anxiety, Shelley Duvall, renowned for her role in “The Shining,” candidly revealed the toll her mental health took after a demanding performance in Stanley Kubrick’s film.

Duvall’s fragile state became evident during her 2016 appearance on “Dr. Phil,” where she expressed beliefs such as her co-star Robin Williams being alive but “shape-shifting,” and feeling threatened by fictional characters like “the sheriff of Nottingham,” alongside other distressing thoughts, signaling a cry for help.

“The Shining,” a psychological thriller from the 1980s, explored deeply unsettling themes that deeply affected Duvall, who portrayed Wendy, the wife of the troubled Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson.

Shelley Duvall, known for her distinctive appearance and acting prowess in the 1980s, has undergone a noticeable transformation, largely withdrawing from Hollywood in recent years.

Duvall’s journey into acting began unexpectedly at a college party, where she caught the attention of associates of Robert Altman, leading to her debut in “Brewster McCloud” and subsequent acclaim for her role in Altman’s “3 Women” (1977).

Her notable roles in films like Woody Allen’s “Annie Hall” (1977), Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” (1980), and “Time Bandits” (1981), along with her Emmy-nominated series “The Faerie Tale Theater” and “Tall Tales and Legends,” solidified her place in Hollywood.

“The Shining,” adapted from Stephen King’s novel, delves into the Torrance family’s descent into madness while caretaking a secluded hotel haunted by its tragic past.

Off-screen, Duvall grappled with personal turmoil, including the end of her marriage and a painful breakup with Paul Simon, coinciding with the demanding shoot of “The Shining.”

The film’s perfectionist director, Kubrick, subjected Duvall to exhaustive takes, pushing her to her limits, with some scenes requiring hundreds of repetitions, taking a toll on her physical and mental well-being.

Despite the challenges, Duvall acknowledges Kubrick’s talent but admits to the immense strain of embodying Wendy’s emotional turmoil.

Anjelica Huston, witnessing Duvall’s struggles firsthand, praised her courage in facing the film’s emotional demands.

Although Duvall faced criticism, she found fame and recognition, reflecting on the surreal experience of being recognized in unexpected places.

Post-“The Shining,” Duvall’s career included roles in “Popeye” alongside Robin Williams and appearances in other films, before eventually retreating from the spotlight.

Her recent resurgence in “The Forest Hills” marks a return to acting after her public struggles with mental health, sparking hope for her well-being and continued success.