Shelley Fabares, best known for The Donna Reed Show, Coach, and her appearances in several films alongside Elvis Presley, has died. She was 82.
Fabares died Saturday after a brief illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort,” her family said, describing her as a “devoted wife” and “loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor, and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her.”
They added that Fabares “had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.”
Shelley Fabares Starred in Three Elvis Presley Movies
For country music and Elvis Presley fans, Fabares will be remembered for sharing the screen with Presley in three of his 1960s movies.
The pair first appeared together in 1965’s Girl Happy, followed by 1966’s Spinout and 1967’s Clambake.
Fabares was also a recording artist, and she scored a No. 1 hit in 1962 with “Johnny Angel.”
Fabares’ Career
Fabares became a household name playing Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show from 1958 to 1965. She later starred as Christine Armstrong on Coach, appearing alongside Jerry Van Dyke and Craig T. Nelson.
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Her final acting credit came in 2006, when she voiced Martha Kent in the animated film Superman: Brainiac Attacks.
“For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film,” her family said.
Haunting Final Songs: 10 Stars’ Last Performances Before They Died
These 10 country legends gave memorable final performances before they died. In some cases, the artist knew it would be their last show and were able to choose a special song for the occasion. In other cases, no one had any reason to suspect that that show would be their last, but their last songs onstage were still eerily prophetic.
Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak
