Shelley Fabares, best known for her roles in ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach’, passed away at the age of 82. Her family has now confirmed the cause of death, days after the actress passed away. According to her family, Shelley Fabares died from pneumonia following a brief illness. The confirmation was provided to PEOPLE and other outlets.The actress had also experienced serious health problems earlier in her life. She was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and underwent a liver transplant in October 2000. Shelley Fabares had reportedly remained on the transplant waiting list for almost two years before receiving the procedure.
Shelley Fabares’ family pays tribute
Fabares’ family remembered her as someone who brought warmth and comfort to the people around her.The statement, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter, said, “To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued and cared for.“
Shelley Fabares started acting as a child
Shelley Fabares began working in entertainment when she was only three years old. She made her first television appearance at the age of 10. It came in a 1954 episode of ‘Letter to Loretta’ titled ‘The Clara Schumann Story’. Her breakthrough came with ‘The Donna Reed Show’. Fabares played Mary Stone in the popular ABC sitcom, which originally aired from 1958 to 1966.
Shelley Fabares’ television and film career
Shelley remained active across television and film for several decades. She later appeared as Francine Webster on ‘One Day at a Time’. She found another major television role in ‘Coach’. Fabares portrayed Christine Armstrong in the sitcom, which ran from 1989 to 1997. Her work on ‘Coach’ earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Her film career also included three collaborations with Elvis Presley. Fabares appeared alongside the legendary singer and actor in ‘Girl Happy’ in 1965, ‘Spinout’ in 1966 and ‘Clambake’ in 1967. In 1971, she starred opposite James Caan in the television film ‘Brian’s Song’.
Shelley Fabares also had a music career
Acting was not Fabares’ only connection to the entertainment industry. She also recorded music and achieved major success as a singer. Her most famous recording was ‘Johnny Angel’. The song was released in 1962 and became a major chart success. ‘Johnny Angel’ reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Shelley Fabares’ husband and legacy
Shelley is survived by her husband, actor Mike Farrell. He is widely recognised for playing B. J. Hunnicutt in the television series ‘MAS*H’.Her performances in ‘The Donna Reed Show’, ‘One Day at a Time’ and ‘Coach’ remain central to her legacy. Her work with Elvis Presley also became an important part of her film career.