According to The Hollywood Reporter, Shelly Fabares (The Donna Reed Show, Coach) , one of the stars of the 20th century, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 82. Most prominently known for her roles starring opposite Elvis Presley (Tickle Me, Change Of Habit) as well as her time as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show.
Farbares battled with a brief illness before dying in Los Angeles. She had been married to M.A.S.H actor Mike Farrell (Patch Adams, The Strawberry) since 1984.
Her family released a statement about her passing: “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, 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,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
Farbes showed tremendous range during her career. On One Day At A Time, she contrasted her previous roles by taking on Francine Webster, a shrewd businesswoman, starring opposite Bonnie Franklin. Addtionally, she played the spouse of Bear’s running back Brian Piccolo in the iconic Brian’s Song.
As Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, she played the daughter of the titular Reed (It’s A Wonderful Life, From Here To Eternity). Carl Betz (Judd For The Defense, Spinout) played her MD father and Paul Peterson (House Boat, Matt Houston) her younger brother. After she left for college in the sixth season, she was replaced by an adopted daughter who just happened to be Peterson’s real-life biological sibling.
She fondly remembered her on-screen mother helping her through some nerves about dancing on the show during a 2011 reunion. “Shelley, there are three things I can’t do: I can’t swim, I can’t dance, and I can’t act.” But she had to do all three for a film scene. “Oh yeah, that movie I was talking about was It’s a Wonderful Life,” Farbares said according to Deadline.
She would sing the praises of her co-star on The Donna Reed Show, giving her the credit she was due: “She produced the series, had an enormous part in writing it and also had four children at home. Having been there, I knew the amazing strength of that woman,” per The Hollywood Reporter.
Farbrese would also pursue a musical career. She and Glen Campbell from Darlene Love And The Blossoms recorded a cover of “Johnny Angel,” which would eventually reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song would premiere on The Donna Reed Show soon after.
Fabares eventually landed in the world of sitcoms in the series Coach. Her role as Christine Armstrong would land her several Emmy nominations. She played a news anchor and eventual wife of Hayden Fox, Nelson’s head football coach.
Born in Santa Monica in 1944, she entered entertainment as a child model at age three. At nine, she was already working with the likes of Frank Sinatra (From Here To Eternity, High Society) and Paul Newman on Young At Heart and Our Town.
Farbares would eventually begin to act primarily in films. In the 1960s she starred in films such as Girl Happy, Spinout, Ride the Wild Surf, and Hold On!.
She remembered her time working with Presley on Girl Happy. The first day of shooting [Girl Happy], I’m on the set. Something was happening, and I didn’t know what it was,” she said. “And I looked over, and it was Elvis. He was walking in. He wasn’t doing anything. He was walking in. The presence that this man had … you couldn’t talk. Nobody did anything. You just sort of stopped. And I remember thinking, ‘Oh, my God. It’s Elvis Presley. I’m never going to be able to open my mouth around him,’ ” she said per The Hollywood Reporter.
Her demure nature would eventually lose favor with audiences during the late 1960s. Her career would be revitalized with her role in Brian’s Song. Afterward, she appeared in a litany of roles, including The Brian Keith Show, The Practice, and Highcliffe Manor.
She married Farrell in 1984. The two met while working together on the set of The Interns. When speaking of his wife, Farrell said she brought light to his often serious life as an actor and human rights activist. “People talk about how much more fun I am. Shelley has allowed people to understand I’m not this unapproachable doomsayer.” Via The Hollywood Reporter.
Farabres responded, “Nothing in Mike’s life is casual. He’s very serious. Mike grounds me, and I think I pull him out sometimes. It’s a nice mix.” Per The Hollywood Reporter.