Beloved actor Shelley Fabares, star of 'The Donna Reed Show,' dies at 82
AP News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Shelley Fabares, a beloved television actor known for roles on “The Donna Reed Show,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Coach,” has died at age 82 in Los Angeles; no cause of death was disclosed.
- Born in 1944 in Santa Monica, California, Fabares began acting as a child and gained prominence as Mary Stone on “The Donna Reed Show” from 1958 to 1963, also achieving success as a singer with two Top 40 hits.
- She appeared in films alongside Elvis Presley and had notable TV roles including Francine Webster on “One Day at a Time” and Christine Armstrong on “Coach,” earning respect for her enduring career.
- Fabares was married twice, most notably to actor Mike Farrell, and was an advocate for Alzheimer’s awareness; she underwent a liver transplant in 2000 after battling progressive liver failure.
- Her family described her as a source of love, strength, and kindness, emphasizing her impact not only as a performer but as a cherished person in their lives.
