Remembering the lives of football legend Bobby Banks (94) and Hollywood actress Shelley Duvall (75)

The Australian football community is today reflecting on the extraordinary life and career of Bobby Banks, a man etched in the sport's long, thriving history.

Born Bobby Marjoribanks, the rugby league titan passed away peacefully at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.

He is survived by his children, John and Karen, along with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.


Bobby Banks's journey began in the heart of Central Newcastle, where he honed his skills and became the oldest surviving Kangaroos player until his passing.

Since then, tributes poured in from all over the country as they celebrated the life of a man who was not only a legend on the field but also a beloved figure off it.

Young Banks dazzled crowds for the Butcher Boys, where he developed his elusive playing style by weaving around telegraph poles on his way home from training.


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Bobby Banks's career trajectory was decorated with many iconic games and highlights. Image Credit: The Newcastle Herald


In the 1940s, he played a pivotal role in leading Central to a Newcastle Rugby League premiership victory.

His career trajectory continued to soar when he moved to Sydney, where he left an indelible mark by scoring five tries in 18 games.
Banks's move to Queensland's Charters Towers took his career to the next level.

Donning the iconic maroon jersey, Banks represented Queensland 31 times between 1952 and 1962.

His performances were so impressive that he earned his first cap for the Kangaroos in 1953, marking the beginning of an illustrious international career.


Banks shone on the world stage at the first rugby league World Cup in 1954 in France and was a key player during the 1956 to 1957 tour of France and England, featuring in all six Tests.

His 15th and final Test match was against Great Britain in 1962, capping off a remarkable international career at 32.

After his international stint, Banks returned to his roots, where he continued to contribute to the sport as a captain-coach for Waratah-Mayfield.

His impact on the game was recognised in 2008 when he was named in the Newcastle Rugby League team of the century alongside the Immortal Andrew Johns.

His funeral will be on 18 July at Pettigrew's, and attendees were requested to wear their favourite football colours in honour of Banks's legacy.


On the same breadth, the entertainment world mourns after the heartbreaking death of Hollywood actress Shelley Duvall.

The screen icon was 75 years old and passed away in her Texas home due to health complications.

Duvall's partner, Dan Gilroy, shared a touching tribute to her passing.

'My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she's free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley,' Gilroy wrote.


Born in 1949, Shelley Duvall's breakout role came in the 1975 musical comedy Nashville.

Her exceptional talent came with numerous accolades, including a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress for her role in 3 Women.

She left an indelible mark on the film industry with her haunting performance as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.


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Shelley Duvall's scene in The Shining (1980) remains iconic up to this day. Image Credit: Archive Photos/Getty Images


Her scenes as Wendy, along with Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the homicidal Jack Torrance, included one of the most unforgettable scenes in cinematic history.

It's a scene etched into the collective memory of movie fans and solidified Duvall's place in Hollywood.

Duvall's illustrious career spanned several decades and genres.

She graced the screen in Woody Allen's Annie Hall, Robert Altman's McCabe & Mrs Miller, and charmed audiences as Olive Oyl in the live-action adaptation of Popeye.


Despite her success, Duvall stepped back from the limelight in 2002.

In her later years, she spoke about her mental health struggles and the toll the entertainment industry took on her.

In a revealing interview with The New York Times, Duvall shared the pain she felt from her experiences in Hollywood.

'I was a star. I had leading roles—people think it's just ageing, but it's not. It's violence,' she said.

Her struggles became public during her 2016 appearance on Dr Phil, which drew criticism from viewers and industry professionals alike.


As we reflect on both Bobby Banks and Shelley Duvall's legacies, we also remember their iconic roles in their respective industries.

Their contributions to the football and the entertainment industries left a lasting impact on their colleagues and fans alike.
Key Takeaways

  • Football legend Bobby Banks passed away at the age of 94.
  • Known for his evasive skills and significant game contributions, he represented Australia 15 times and was the oldest surviving Kangaroos player until recently.
  • His funeral arrangements were publicly announced, with a request for attendees to wear their favourite footy colours.
  • Hollywood actress Shelley Duvall, known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away at 75.
  • Duvall's career included significant roles in films such as Annie Hall, McCabe & Mrs Miller, and the live-action remake of Popeye.
  • She left the spotlight in 2002 and spoke about her mental concerns after her entertainment career.
We bid farewell to these talented personalities, who left an indelible mark on people's lives with their careers.

May they rest in peace.
 
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Shelley Duvall's role opposite Jack Nicholson in the Shining was a masterclass in acting. With Kubrick as Director, one of the finest horror films ever made, written by Stephen King. It has gone down in the annals of Hollywood history.
Fly high lovely lady. Gone way too soon at 74. 💔
 
Strangely enough, Shelley Duvall's acting as the leading lady in "The Shining" was widely panned, including her nomination for the Razzie's Worst Actress award and being described by Stephen King, the author of the book, as a "screaming dishrag". For me, she looked too wooden and tried too hard. Just my observation.
 

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