Shelley Duvall, ‘The Shining’ star, reveals mental-illness battle on ‘Dr. Phil’

Actress Shelley Duvall is nearly unrecognizable in an upcoming sit-down interview with TV’s Dr. Phil McGraw, where she reveals her ongoing struggles with serious mental health issues.

In the preview for Friday’s episode, 67-year-old Duvall — best-known for her role opposite Jack Nicholson in The Shining – is described as a “near recluse” with “unusual beliefs.”

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The actress, who also appeared alongside Robin Williams in the 1980 flick Popeye, says she believes the late comedian is not dead and claims to have seen him.

When Dr. Phil asks where she thinks Williams is, she replies, “Shape-shifting.”

She also says she’s been threatened by the “Sheriff of Nottingham” and believes there is a “worrying disc” inside her leg.

She then admits, “I’m very sick. I need help.”

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READ MORE: Major depression is on the rise in youth, especially teenage girls: study

The Texas native has 49 acting credits to her name, spanning from 1973 to 2002, as well as several producing and writing credits. The last film she appeared in was 2002’s Manna from Heaven alongside Cloris Leachman and Shirley Jones.

According to Biography, Duvall also founded two successful television production companies. She has since left Los Angeles and returned to Texas where she raises animals and writes poetry.

The Dr. Phil interview airs Thursday. McGraw has been lambasted online for what many people see as exploitation of Duvall’s fragile mental state.

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The daughter of The Shining director Stanley Kubrick even chimed into the conversation on Twitter.

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, resources are available. In case of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate help.

The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, Depression Hurts and Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868  all offer ways for getting help if you, or someone you know, is suffering from mental health issues.