Shelley Duvall Husband: Meet Dan Gilory

Shelley Duvall, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films such as The Shining, Annie Hall, and Nashville, had a long-term relationship with musician Dan Gilroy. Their partnership began in 1989 and lasted until her passing in 2024.

Meeting and Relationship

Duvall and Gilroy met while co-starring in the Disney Channel show Mother Goose Rock ‘n’ Rhyme, which Duvall also produced. Their relationship blossomed on set, and the couple remained devoted to each other for the remainder of Duvall’s life. Despite their close bond, the couple did not have any children.

Dan Gilroy’s Early Life and Career

Before his relationship with Duvall, Dan Gilroy had a significant history in the music industry. In 1979, he met Madonna, who was then an aspiring dancer, at a party. They began a romantic relationship, and Madonna moved into the synagogue in Corona, Queens, where Gilroy lived with his brother Ed. This space also doubled as a studio where the brothers worked as musicians and comics under the name Bil and Gil. While Gilroy and his brother waited tables during the day and performed comedy routines at night, Madonna practiced drums and started writing songs. Gilroy taught her to play the guitar, and together, they formed the band Breakfast Club. Although Madonna eventually left to form her own band, Emmy and the Emmys, Gilroy continued to make strides in the music world.

Breakfast Club

By the mid-1980s, Breakfast Club, which consisted of the Gilroy brothers (with Dan focusing on singing and Ed on guitar), had gained recognition. The band was joined by Gary Burke on bass, Paul Kauk on keyboards, and Stephen Bray on drums. In 1987, they signed a record deal with MCA Records and released an album titled Breakfast Club. Their single “Right On Track” peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in the music industry. Although their second album was never released, their cover of the Beatles’ “Drive My Car” featured on the soundtrack for the 1988 movie License To Drive.

Acting and Later Life

In addition to his music career, Gilroy also dabbled in acting. He appeared as Pete the Postman in the TV series Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle in 1994. His relationship with Duvall, marked by mutual respect and affection, was a cornerstone of his later years.