Actress Shelley Duvall died Thursday at the age of 75, People reported. Sadly, she shared in the final interview before her death that "it's great fun being back" after two decades away from Hollywood.

Duvall recently spoke about her 2023 role in The Forest Hills in a publicity interview about the film.  It was her first time acting in more than 20 years, and she said it brought her great joy.

"I do love this work. It can really help bring you out of a slump," The Shining actress said.

Her Final Flick

The Popeye actress fondly recalled her time filming the horror flick that would become her last. Due to her poor health, Duvall was filmed and directed remotely over Zoom for The Forest Hills.

The actress enjoyed the process, including getting to know her costar, Chiko Mendez. "Working with Chiko is wonderful," Duvall said about the actor who played her adult son.

Duvall praised Scott Goldberg, the film's writer, director, and producer, and the changes in the industry. "Working with Scott Goldberg was really exciting because we used a lot of technologies," Duvall said, noting that she "was amazed at how easy it became to a filmmaker."

Goldberg returned the warm sentiments after Duvall's death. "Shelley leaves behind an amazing legacy and will be missed by so many people. I am proud of her for overcoming adversity to act again and will always be forever grateful for her friendship and kindness," Goldberg told People.

Unfortunately, Duvall did not live to see the release of The Forest Hills.  The film is slated to debut in October 2024 across all theatrical, digital, and physical media.

A Suffering Artist

Although Duvall's life appears to have had a happy conclusion, NBC's Today reported that her final years were marked by physical and mental health struggles. The star died in her sleep but suffered from many complications due to diabetes.

"She’s gone after much suffering, which I guess is a good thing. After 34 years … I can’t tell you how much I miss her," her longtime partner Dan Gilroy shared when announcing Duvall's death.

Gilroy added that Duvall spent the last several months in hospice care and was bedridden. However, a 2016
Dr. Phil episode revealed that the actress also faced her share of mental health struggles.

"I’m very sick. I need help," Duvall told host Phil McGraw on the episode entitled "A Hollywood Star’s Descent Into Mental Illness: Saving The Shining’s Shelley Duvall." Viewers found it exploitative, and Duvall turned down offers for help that came her way from the program.

The passing of such a talented actress is devastating to the industry. However, it seemed Duvall's life was on the upswing, offering hope that she had her Hollywood happy ending after so much suffering.