Shelley Fabares, an actress best known for her roles on The Donna Reed Show, One Day at a Time, and Coach, has passed away. She was 82 years old.
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In a statement to Deadline, Fabares’ husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, and family members confirmed the news, stating the late 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 statement reads. “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.”
Fabares’ loved ones further shared, “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,” they continued. “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 further shared that they are heartbroken by Fabares’ passing, but are also “profoundly grateful” for the years they shared with her.
“We take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on,” they then added.
Fabares Began Acting At the Age of 3
The actress was born in January 1944 as Michele Ann Marie Fabares. She started acting at age 3 and made her TV debut at age 10 in an episode of The Loretta Young Show in 1954.
From 1958 to 1965, Fabares played the daughter of Mary Stone on ABC’s The Donna Reed Show. Among other shows she appeared on were The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Mork & Mindy, The Love Boat, Coach, Newhart, and Murder, She Wrote.
She was also in films such as The Bad Seed, Hot Pursuit, and Clambake.
Along with acting, Fabares also sang. In 1962, her song “Johnny Angel” reached the Top 40 and peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It sold millions of copies and was certified gold.
She is survived by Farrell, whom she married in 1984. Although she didn’t have biological or adopted children of her own, she was the stepmother of Farrell’s two children from a previous marriage, Michael and Erin.