Michele Ann Marie Fabares, known professionally as Shelley Fabares, died on Saturday, as reported by Deadline. Fabares was known for starring in The Donna Reed Show and Coach.
Her family released a statement to Deadline saying, “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.” The family also asked for privacy and respect while all who were dear to Fabares took time to grieve.
Fabares was born Jan 19, 1944 in Santa Monica. She began acting at the young age of three. She made her first TV appearance in 1954 at age 10 on The Loretta Young Show.
One of her most famous roles was Mary Stone, daughter of Donna Stone, played by Donna Reed (It’s a Wonderful Life, From Here to Eternity) on The Donna Reed Show. She played her on the ABC sitcom from 1958 to 1965.
Fabares also starred in the ABC sitcom Coach as television news anchor Christine Armstrong. Christine Armstrong was the love interest of Craig T. Nelson’s (Poltergeist, Green and Gold) character, Hayden Fox. Coach premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons. During the show’s run, Fabares earned two Emmy nominations for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series category.
Fabares also appeared in many other television shows including The Love Boat, The Twilight Zone, Annette, Newhart, Mork & Mindy, Fantasy Island, The Incredible Hulk, Murder She Wrote, and more.
She also starred in several Elvis Presley movies, including Girl Happy (1965), Spinout (1966), and Clambake (1967), and in other films such as The Bad Seed (1956), Hot Pursuit (1987), and Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006).
Fabares also worked in the music industry. In April 1962, her hit song “Johnny Angel” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned gold certification.
Fabares is survived by her husband, Mike Farrell, and her family.