Beloved TV star dead at 82, co-starred in 3 Elvis movies: ‘Extraordinary person’

Alabama Life & CultureShelley Fabares working at the SAG Awards "behind the scenes day" held at the L.A. Shrine Exposition Center on Thursday Jan 22, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Rob Latour/Invision/AP)Rob Latour/Invision/APBy Geoff Herbert | gherbert@syracuse.comA beloved TV star who appeared on two classic sitcoms and co-starred in three Elvis movies is dead at 82.Shelley Fabares, best known for her roles in “The Donna Reed Show” and “Coach,” died Saturday in Los Angeles, according to Variety. A cause of death was not announced, but she had past health problems including a liver transplant in the early 2000s.“We will miss her deeply — not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives,” her family said in a statement. “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.”Fabares starred in “The Donna Reed Show” as Mary Stone, the daughter of Donna Reed’s character, appearing in 192 episodes from 1958 to 1965. While on the classic ABC series she also had a brief career as a singer, scoring a No. 1 hit with the 1961 song “Johnny Angel.”Fabares went on to star in teen movies like 1964’s “Ride the Wild Surf” opposite Fabian and Tab Hunter. She also co-starred with Elvis Presley in 1965’s “Girl Happy,” 1966’s “Spinout!” and 1967’s “Clambake.”Fabares also had memorable roles as James Caan’s wife Joy Piccolo in the 1971 TV movie “Brian’s Song” and on the TV shows “The Little People” (as Dr. Anne Jamison) and the original “One Day at a Time” (as Francine Webster).Her career had a resurgence in the ‘90s as she appeared on nearly 200 episodes of ABC’s “Coach.” She was nominated for two Emmy Awards for her supporting comedy actress for her role as Christine Armstrong, a TV news anchor and the romantic interest of college football coach Hayden Fox (played by series lead Craig T. Nelson).Fabares’ long list of credits also includes “Forever Fernwood,” “The Practice,” “Hot Pursuit,” “Superman: The Last Son of Krypton,” “Hello, Larry,” “Newhart,” “Highcliffe Manor,” “Fantasy Island,” “The Canterville Ghost,” “The Rockford Files,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Mork & Mindy,” “Murder She Wrote” and “The Love Boat.” According to Variety, Fabares was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up around Hollywood. Her mother, Elsa, was a model and TV actress, and Fabares’ aunt, Nanette Fabray, was a well-known Broadway star who appeared in films and television shows. Fabares was married to music and movie producer Lou Adler in the 1960s and wed “M*A*S*H” actor-director Mike Farrell in 1984.Fabares was active in political and social causes alongside Farrell in the 1980s and ’90s, as well as active in the Screen Actors Guild. She helped support SAG’s merger with the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, eventually becoming SAG-AFTRA in 2012. “SAG-AFTRA remembers actor and longtime union leader Shelley Fabares for her remarkable career and decades of service to her fellow performers,” the organization wrote in a social media tribute. “A #SagAftraMember since 1953, Fabares was deeply committed to her union and her fellow performers. She served on the Screen Actors Guild National Board, as national co-chair of the Honors and Tributes Committee and on the SAG Foundation Board. Notably, she was a member of the SAG Awards Committee from 2003 through 2018, helping oversee and produce the awards that honor actors in TV and film. Our condolences go to her husband, actor Mike Farrell, her family, friends and colleagues.”Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert is a Reporter and Content Supervisor for Advance Local. He covers a wide range of topics including entertainment, national news and trending topics, plus specializes in search engine...