Shelley Fabares, star of ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach,’ dies at 82

 

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a star. Shelley Fabares, the beloved actress who became a familiar face on television for generations with roles such as in The Donna Reed Show, has passed away at the age of 82.

Fabares’ family confirmed that she died Saturday in Los Angeles. A cause of death was not given.

Fabares’ family, including M*A*S*H star husband Mike Farrell, announced that the 2x Emmy-nominated Coach actress died “surrounded by those who loved her” on Saturday in Los Angeles.

“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” the family said in a statement. “She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member, and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”

They continued, “We will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage, and beautiful spirit. We will miss her deeply—not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives.

Actress Shelley Fabares dies at 82

Born on January 19, 1944, in Santa Monica, California, Fabares began her acting career as a child. She made her television debut at the age of 10, appearing on The Loretta Young Show. A few years later, she got her big breakthrough.

Shelley Fabares was cast as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, and the role quickly made her a familiar face in American households. Her career soon expanded beyond television, and she also became a very successful singer. She scored a hit with “Johnny Angel” in 1962, which went all the way to number one,

Around the same time, she appeared alongside Elvis Presley in three movies, including Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake. Years later, Fabares found another major television success with Coach, playing Christine Armstrong opposite Craig T. Nelson.

Her performance earned her two Emmy nominations and introduced her to a new generation of viewers. Shelley’s career also included appearances on One Day at a Time and many other television programs and films.

She was married to actor Mike Farrell for decades, but she did not have biological children. However, Fabares was the stepmother to Farrell’s two children from his previous marriage to actress Judy Farrell.

Rest in peace, Shelley Fabares. Our thoughts go out to her family.