Shelley Fabares, the actress known for starring alongside Elvis Presley in three films and for her roles in Coach and The Donna Reed Show, has died at the age of 82 following a brief illness.
Her family confirmed the news in a statement, saying she died after a short illness. Fabares was married to M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell.
Family statement and tributes
In their statement, the family said: "To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humour and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her."
They added: "She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued and cared for. 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."
The family continued: "We are heartbroken by her loss, yet profoundly grateful for the years we shared with her and for the joy, compassion, and love she brought to so many. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve. We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on."
Career highlights
Born Michele Ann Marie Fabares in January 1944, she began acting at the age of three and made her TV debut at 10 on The Loretta Young Show. She later starred as daughter Mary Stone on ABC's The Donna Reed Show and also released music, with her hit Johnny Angel reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and selling over one million copies.
In another of her notable roles, she played Christine Armstrong, the love interest to the lead of TV show Coach, earning two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her part alongside Craig T. Nelson's character.
Fabares also appeared opposite Elvis Presley in three films: Happy, Spinout and Clambake.
Co-stars' memories
Craig T. Nelson paid tribute to his friend and co-star, saying: "Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her. She was a foundational part of my life during the run of Coach."
He added: "She was just an extraordinary woman. She always had a smile. She was welcoming in the midst of chaos and always someone I could go to for advice and counsel, not only myself but others as well. I’ll remember you with love, Shelley Fabares."
Glenn Scarpelli, who starred alongside Fabares in One Day at a Time, added: "My heart is filled with the most wonderful lifelong memories with Shell. She was truly beautiful inside and out. We remained in touch since the day I met her."
He said: "The last time we spoke was last Christmas week. I knew she had been struggling a bit with her health but I always thought I’d physically see her again. The last thing we said before hanging up was ‘I love you’ and ‘I love you too.’"
Fabares is survived by her husband Mike Farrell, known for his role as Captain B.J. Hunnicutt in M*A*S*H and guest roles in Murder, She Wrote, Justice League and Desperate Housewives.
