Why did they choose such an ugly actor to play Wendy in The Shining?
Looks were not important for the role as acting ability. Coincidentally, I actually met Shelley Duvall in person during the 1980s. While not a conventional beauty, she is considerally more attractive in person than in many movie roles. You forget that an actor can actually be made to look a certain way if a role calls for it. They could have cast a much more attractive male lead too, but Nicholson’s wild-eyed, wild-haired face peering through the hacked up door, declaring “Heeere’s Johnny” has burned into the minds of movie viewers to this day. Try googling Images for various photos of Duvall to get an idea of how someone’s appearance can be altered from role to role.
