In 1994, after the devastating Northridge earthquake, Duvall decided to leave Los Angeles. She moved from her home in Benedict Canyon to Blanco, a small town southwest of Austin, Texas. This move was influenced by multiple factors, including the health of one of her brothers and the earthquake’s impact. While shooting Steven Soderbergh’s film The Underneath, she felt a strong urge to return to her home state, which led her to settle in Texas.
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Retirement from Acting
Duvall’s move to Texas marked the beginning of a significant shift in her life. By 2002, she had retired from acting, stepping away from the industry that had made her a household name. For the next 21 years, Duvall kept her personal life private, though it continued to attract media attention. The reasons for her retirement remained somewhat elusive, but it was clear that Duvall sought a quieter life away from the constant scrutiny of Hollywood.
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Struggles with Mental Health
In November 2016, Duvall made headlines when she appeared on Phil McGraw’s daytime talk show, Dr. Phil, where she discussed her struggles with mental illness. The interview drew significant criticism from the public and entertainment industry figures alike. Many accused the show of exploiting Duvall during a vulnerable time in her life. Vivian Kubrick, daughter of director Stanley Kubrick, and actress Mia Farrow were among those who publicly condemned the segment for being unethical and upsetting.
Despite the controversy, the interview brought attention to Duvall’s situation. Director Lee Unkrich, deeply moved by the episode, reached out to Duvall in 2018, and they formed a friendship. Unkrich observed that Duvall remained proud of her career despite her challenges.
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