Shelley Fabares, star of 'The Donna Reed Show' and 'Coach', dies at 82

Shelley Fabares, known for 'The Donna Reed Show' and 'Coach', has died at 82 after a brief illness in Los Angeles

Shelley Fabares, the actress best known for The Donna Reed Show and Coach, has died at the age of 82.

Her family confirmed that Fabares died Saturday in Los Angeles following a brief illness.

Fabares became a household name as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, appearing alongside Donna Reed, Carl Betz and Paul Petersen. The ABC sitcom ran for eight seasons from 1958 to 1966 and established Fabares as one of television’s most recognisable young stars.

Her success extended beyond television. Fabares recorded “Johnny Angel,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1962 after first being performed on The Donna Reed Show. She later appeared alongside Elvis Presley in three films: Girl Happy, Spinout and Clambake.

Fabares also earned critical recognition for her dramatic work, portraying the wife of Chicago Bears player Brian Piccolo in the 1971 television film Brian’s Song. She later starred as Christine Armstrong on Coach, playing the girlfriend and eventual wife of Craig T. Nelson’s character, Hayden Fox. The role earned her two Emmy nominations.

Her other credits included One Day at a Time, Mannix, Mork & Mindy and Forever Fernwood.

Born Michele Ann Marie Fabares in Santa Monica on January 19, 1944, she began working in entertainment as a child. She later married actor Mike Farrell in 1984, and the couple remained together until her death.

Fabares underwent a liver transplant in 2000 after spending nearly two years on the waiting list. Her family remembered her as a loving and generous person who brought warmth and comfort to those around her.

She is survived by Farrell and her stepchildren, Erin and Michael.