Remembering 7 of Shelley Duvall’s Most Obscure TV & Movie Roles
Actress Shelley Duvall was best known for avoiding the ax in the iconic horror film The Shining but she also appeared in some more obscure movies, including some odd children’s classics. The 75-year-old recently passed away in her sleep after complications from diabetes after mostly staying away from the public eye in recent decades. To honor her, let’s go over some of her roles you may or may not remember.
'3 Women'
Starring alongside Sissy Spacek in the 1977 abstract, mind-bending mystery/thriller 3 Women, about two women roommates who strangely trade personalities to achieve what each desires in life.
'Popeye'
Starring as Olive Oyl in the 1980 live-action version of “Popeye the Sailor Man” alongside Robin Williams. Fun fact: Duvall said Popeye was a pure joy to make after the stress Stanley Kubrick put her through while filming The Shining, which also came out in 1980.
'Faerie Tale Theatre'
A collection of live-action fairy tale adaptations, told by Shelley Duvall. Faerie Tale Theatre ran from 1982-1984 and had elaborate stage productions of classic fairy tales with a myriad of guest stars like Vincent Price, Carrie Fisher and pictured here with Jeff Bridges.
'Bedtime Stories'
Shelley presented animated stories for kids in the 1992 Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories narrated by famous actors and actresses. She was famous for saying “When you write stories, you can make believe anything. And when you dream, you can make believe anything too. Sweet dreams.”
'Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme'
In this Emmy-winning TV movie nursery rhyme, characters come to life in a whimsical world where Little Bo Peep (Duvall) is looking for her missing mother, Mother Goose, to prevent the rhymes from vanishing forever. Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme also had many popular musical and comedy stars like Harry Anderson, Little Richard and pictured with Debbie Harry of Blondie.
'Casper Meets Wendy'
In this 1998 straight to video release, Casper Meets Wendy, Casper the friendly ghost returns along with a young Hilary Duff as a witch. Together they fight to free Wendy’s aunts played by Duvall, Teri Garr and Cathy Moriarty from the evil warlock Desmond (played by George Hamilton) set to wreak havoc on the world.
'Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle'
In another ’90s children’s variety show, All in the Family alum Jean Stapleton stars as a whimsical widow with magical abilities who helps parents by curing their children of bad habits through her unconventional treatments. Duvall starred in one episode of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle as Pottsy Piggle-Wiggle.
Kid Stuff
June 2018
Unleash your inner child by reliving your favorite kids TV shows, cartoons, toys and more!
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