Shelley Fabares, Star of 'The Donna Reed Show' and 'Coach,' Dead at 82
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Shelley Fabares, acclaimed American actress known for roles in The Donna Reed Show, Coach, and films with Elvis Presley, died at 82 in Los Angeles on August 22, surrounded by loved ones; no cause of death was disclosed.
- Fabares began her career as a child model and actress, gaining fame as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show and achieving a No. 1 hit with the single "Johnny Angel" in 1962.
- She appeared in several Elvis Presley films during the 1960s and had a successful television career including a defining role as Christine Armstrong Fox on Coach, earning two Emmy nominations.
- Later in life, Fabares contributed as a voice actress on Superman: The Animated Series and was active in the SAG Awards Committee and Alzheimer's research fundraising, honoring her mother.
- Co-star Craig T. Nelson paid tribute to Fabares, calling her a foundational and extraordinary woman who was a source of support and warmth during their time on Coach.
