Shelley Duvall, the intrepid, Texas-born movie star whose wide-eyed, winsome presence was a mainstay in the films of Robert Altman and who co-starred in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, has died at the age of 75.

Duvall died on Thursday in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, her long-time partner Dan Gilroy announced.

The cause was complications of diabetes, said her friend, the publicist Gary Springer.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life, partner, and friend left us last night,” Gilroy said on Friday (AEST).

“Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away beautiful Shelley.”

Duvall was at junior college in Texas in 1970 when Altman’s staff, who were preparing to film Brewster McCloud, met her at a party in Houston.

She would go on to become Altman’s protege.

Shelley Duvall in a scene from The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Photo: Getty

In addition to her acting career, Shelley recorded Sweet Dreams, an album of music for children in 1991. A year later Showtime bought her pitch for Faerie Tale Theatre, which she executive produced, narrated and appeared on,

In 1985, Shelley created another Showtime series, Tall Tales and Legends, with both programs featuring a string of star guests – including Mick Jagger, Lisa Minelli, Jeff Bridges, and Vanessa Redgrave – who she persuaded to work for scale (minimum pay).

Shelley married artist Bernard Sampson in 1970 but they divorced four years later.

She went on to date Paul Simon, who she met while filming Annie Hall. He eventually left her for her friend Carrie Fisher.

She also lived with Popeye co-star Stan Wilson and then dated Madonna’s former boyfriend Gilroy, who she met while starring in Disney Channel movie Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme.

She is survived by her three brothers Scott, Stewart and Shane.