Elvis Presley co-star & Coach actress Shelley Fabares dies aged 82 after decades-long career as family pay tribute

EMMY-NOMINATED actress and Elvis Presley co-star Shelley Fabares has died aged 82. The Coach star died in Los Angeles on Saturday surrounded by her loved ones, her family said. Shelley Fabares has died aged 82 Credit: Getty Shelley playing opposite Elvis Presley in Spinout, 1966 Credit: Getty She was best known for playing Christine Armstrong on the sitcom and Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show. In the 60s, Shelley starred alongside Elvis in three films, starting with Girl Happy in 1965, and following up with leading roles in Spinout and Clambake. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! Her husband, M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, confirmed the actress’ death, sharing an emotional statement. He and other family members told People that Shelley’s “warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her”. They added: “She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.” The tribute concluded: “We will miss her deeply — not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives. “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 take comfort in knowing that Shelley’s work and the memories she created with those who loved her will continue to live on.” Most read in Entertainment The actress’ family called her a ‘loving and extraordinary person’ Credit: Getty Shelley and Elvis in the 1967 film Clambake Credit: Getty Shelley was born in Santa Monica, California in 1944. Her big breakout role came as she snagged a part playing the teen daughter of Reed’s Donna and Carl Betz’s Dr. Alex in The Donna Reed Show in 1958. After starring in three 60s films with Presley, she took many guest TV roles. Shelley also developed a singing career, and in 1962 her song Johnny Angel shot to the No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. She released four albums and married music producer Lou Addler in 1964, but the couple separated two years later. Shelley went on to star in the Emmy-winning TV film Brian’s Song in 1971 alongside James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. In 1989 she began in her one of her most well known roles, playing Christine Armstrong Fox on Coach. The part saw her twice nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, in 1993 and 1994. She married M*A*S*H star Mike in 1989 and became stepmother to his children. Tributes flooded in to the actress, including from Coach co-star Craig T. Nelson, who said: “Shelley was a great and grand lady… just a rock. I will miss her.” “She was a foundational part of my life during the run of Coach.” Comment now