Shelley Fabares, the beloved actress and singer who rose to fame on The Donna Reed Show and later became a television favorite on Coach, has died at 82.
Fabares died in Los Angeles surrounded by loved ones, according to PEOPLE. She leaves behind a career that spanned more than six decades and included television, film and music.
Rise to Fame on The Donna Reed Show
Born in Santa Monica in 1944, Fabares began acting when she was just 10 years old. Her early career quickly led to one of her defining roles: Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show.
The series helped make Fabares a household name during the late 1950s and early 1960s. She remained closely associated with the show and its star, Donna Reed, who became an important mentor in her career.
Fabares also benefited from the guidance of her aunt, actress Nanette Fabray, as she developed her career in entertainment.
A Successful Music Career
Fabares was not limited to acting. During the early 1960s, she launched a successful recording career and scored a major hit with “Johnny Angel.”
The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Fabares another form of celebrity beyond her television work.
Her popularity also led to appearances alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Three Films With Elvis Presley
Fabares appeared in several movies during her career, including three films with Elvis Presley.
Her work with Presley further established her as a prominent young star during Hollywood’s golden era of musical films. She continued appearing in television programs and movies as her career evolved.
Finding a New Generation of Fans on Coach
Decades after The Donna Reed Show, Fabares introduced herself to another generation of television viewers as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom Coach.
Her performance earned her two Emmy Award nominations, marking one of the most significant achievements of her later acting career.
The role helped cement Fabares’ reputation as an actress capable of successfully moving from child and teenage stardom into prominent adult roles.
Life Away From the Spotlight
Fabares was married to actor Mike Farrell, best known for his role on MASH*. She later became an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness after her mother battled the disease.
In 2000, Fabares underwent a liver transplant after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis. Despite those health challenges, she remained an important figure in the entertainment community.
Remembering a Lasting Career
Fabares’ career connected several generations of American entertainment from family sitcoms and pop music in the 1950s and 1960s to the successful television comedy Coach decades later.
Her work with Donna Reed, Elvis Presley and the cast of Coach made her a familiar face to audiences across different eras.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Farrell, and her stepchildren. Fabares is remembered not only for her accomplishments on screen and stage, but also for the warmth and grace that colleagues and fans associated with her throughout her long career.
Source: people
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