Shelley Fabares has died at 82.
The actor and musician achieved popularity with The Donna Reed Show.
Her recurring appearance on Coach was also beloved.
Shelley Fabares, best known as the daughter from The Donna Reed Show, has died at 82. She also starred opposite Elvis Presley in three movies and as Craig T. Nelson’s independent wife on Coach, The Coach alum’s family — including her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell — confirmed her death in a statement s
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort,” they 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.”
Fabares' Family Statement
Farrell and family added that 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. 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,” the statement concluded.
Shellet Fabares' Best Known Roles
At the age of 10, her television career began on The Loretta Young Show, alongside Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, and Rock Hudson. Fabares appeared prominently on television in guest roles throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. In 1971, she propped up in the beloved, Emmy-winning TV film Brian’s Song with James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. Fabares starred on the ABC comedy Coach for eight seasons while gathering a pair of Emmy nominations for playing Christine Armstrong, a TV newscaster and the girlfriend and then wife of Nelson’s college football coach, Hayden Fox.
In 2000, Fabares received a liver transplant after she was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis.
Fabares is survived by her husband and stepchildren.
