Shelley Fabares, the beloved actor and singer known for “The Donna Reed Show,” “Coach” and the chart-topping song “Johnny Angel,” died Saturday in Los Angeles. She was 82.
Her family confirmed her death to The Associated Press. No cause was disclosed.
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1944, Fabares received Catholic religious instruction as a child. The Annette Funicello Research Fund says Fabares met Funicello, who became her lifelong best friend, in a seventh-grade catechism class.
Although Fabares largely kept the details of her adult faith private, she later spoke about the spiritual impact of surviving a life-threatening illness. Fabares and her husband, “MAS*H” actor Mike Farrell, also received a lifetime achievement award from Catholics in Media Associates in 2000.
Fabares made her television debut at 10 and became a household name as Mary Stone on “The Donna Reed Show.” Her recording of “Johnny Angel” reached No. 1 in 1962. She also starred alongside Elvis Presley in “Girl Happy,” “Spinout” and “Clambake.”
Later generations knew her as Francine Webster on “One Day at a Time” and Christine Armstrong on “Coach.” Her work on “Coach” earned two Emmy nominations.
Fabares received a liver transplant in 2000 after developing progressive liver failure. In a 2003 Cedars-Sinai interview, she described the experience as physical, psychological and spiritual. She said it changed her life and left her feeling “incredibly blessed.”
Her family remembered her for her “kindness, loyalty, wit, courage and beautiful spirit.”
Fabares is survived by Farrell and her stepchildren. As we remember her life, we can thank God for the joy she brought to generations and pray for His comfort over those mourning her loss.
Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.
