Actress Shelley Fabares, who had major roles on “The Donna Reed Show” and “Coach” in a career that spanned five decades, has died at the age of 82, according to multiple reports Sunday.
Fabares, who also starred in three films with Elvis Presley and recorded a No. 1 song, died in Los Angeles on Saturday surrounded by her loved ones, according to People.
No cause of death was reported.
Born in Santa Monica, Fabares graduated from North Hollywood High School in 1961, three years after landing the role of the title character’s daughter on “The Donna Reed Show.” Her popularity with young audiences propelled her 1962 recording of “Johnny Angel” to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
She shared the screen with Presley in 1965’s “Girl Happy,” 1966’s “Spinout” and 1967’s “Clambake,” among other film roles.
The 1970s brought more television work, including a recurring role on “One Day at a Time,” and appearances on shows including “Police Story,” “Ironside,” “The Rockford Files” and “Barnaby Jones.”
She nabbed one of her best roles as Christine Armstrong Fox, the girlfriend and later wife of Craig T. Nelson’s title character in “Coach,” which ran for eight seasons on ABC.
After the run of “Coach” ended in 1997, Fabares voiced the role of Martha Kent on “Superman: The Animated Series” and again in “Justice League” and the direct-to-video film “Superman: Brainiac Attacks.”
Fabares is the niece of the late actress Nanette Fabray.
She was married to record producer Lou Adler until their divorce in 1980. She married actor Mike Farrell of “MASH” fame in 1984.
Fabares’ family, including Farrell, released the following statement:
“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.
“For millions, Shelley was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film. From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, `Johnny Angel,’ to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her beloved role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance. But to those closest to her, her greatest legacy was personal: the love she gave so freely, the friendships she treasured, and the family bonds she held dear.”