Shelley Fabares, the actress and singer whose career spanned generations of television and film, died Saturday, August 22, at age 82.
Fabares was widely recognized for sharing the screen with Elvis Presley in three films, while also earning lasting affection from TV audiences through her memorable work on Coach and The Donna Reed Show.
Her long list of credits also included a notable guest appearance on the hit sitcom Mork & Mindy, which starred the late Robin Williams.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement to People, saying Fabares died in Los Angeles while surrounded by loved ones.
In their tribute, relatives of the late star — including her husband, M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell — reflected on both her decades in entertainment and the deep personal mark she left on those closest to her.
Fabares, who underwent a liver transplant in 2000 after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by Farrell, her stepchildren and extended family.
‘To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,’ Fabares’ family said in the statement shared with the outlet.
Shelley Fabares, pictured in September 2018, died Saturday, August 22, at the age of 82
The retired actress was best known for starring in three movies with Elvis Presley as well as her iconic roles in Coach and The Donna Reed Show; pictured with Elvis in the 1966 film Spinout
Her family confirmed the news in a statement and said she passed away surrounded by her loved ones in Los Angeles over the weekend; pictured in 1961 portrait on The Donna Reed Show
‘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.’
‘For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film,’ the family of the late star continued.
‘From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, Johnny Angel, to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance.’
‘But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear,’ they added.
Gushing about Fabares, her husband and her family also said they ‘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,’ her 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,’ they added.
The star, who received a liver transplant in 2000 after she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis, is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell; pictured with Farrell in 2002
Pictured alongside Craig T. Nelson in 1989 still from Coach
She built a close friendship with Donna Reed during her time playing the onscreen daughter of the titular star of her show; pictured in 1958 portrait
In 1965, she starred in her first movie with Presley in Girl Happy. They would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake the following year; pictured in 1966 California Holiday (the international title for Spinout) still
‘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.’
She famously starred opposite Presley in the 1967 musical comedy Clambake and was known for her television role as Mary on The Donna Reed Show.
Fabares was born in Santa Monica, and her career in entertainment kicked off when she was still a toddler.
Fabares’ mother got her started modeling at the age of three, and she later made her television debut at just age 10 in 1954 as part of Letter to Loretta.
Fabares, who also had an aunt working as an actress, previously discussed growing up and working as a child actress.
‘It’s hard to know who you are and what you are,’ she told The Roanoke Times in 1994.
‘The things that go into the making of a child — you’re not totally disciplined, you don’t always behave, you have a sense of freedom — those things are not allowed on a set.’
In 1958, she first played the part of Mary Stone, the teenage daughter of the titular star Donna and Dr. Alex (Carl Betz) on The Donna Reed Show.
She later started her singing career after Reed’s husband producer Tony Owen, encouraged her and her onscreen brother Paul Peterson to incorporate singing into the show.
Over the course of her career she made a number of iconic television and movie appearances including on Fantasy Island in 1981
Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside her aunt and The Practice in 1976 among many others; pictured in 1979 still alongside Pam Dawber, Robin Williams and Conrad Janis in the hit sitcom Mork & Mindy
She was also a singer and her song Johnny Angel famously debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1962; pictured with Presley in 1965 still from Girl Happy
Fabares’ song Johnny Angel debuted in 1962 and quickly became No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Throughout her career, Fabares released a total of four albums.
She was also previously married to music producer Lou Adler. Fabares and Adler were married for two years before they called it quits in 1966 but only later filed for divorce in 1978 and finalized their legal separation in 1980.
In 1965, she starred in her first movie with Presley in Girl Happy.
They would also work together again in the 1966 film Spinout and Clambake the following year.
Her television appearances include Brian’s Song in 1971, One Day at a Time alongside her aunt and The Practice in 1976.
She also appeared on Police Story, The Rockford Files, The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote.
She married Farrell, now 87, in 1984 at an intimate wedding held at the home of her aunt.
