 And all at once I knew... Popeye, directed by Robert Altman, Duvall featured in seven of his films, including 1975's Nashville. In recent years, Duvall retreated from the public eye and was open about her struggles with mental health. Her life partner, Dan Gilroy, said in a statement, Duvall had been suffering for many months, and he's glad she's not suffering anymore. Shelley Duvall was 75. Jason Athanson, ABC News.