Shelley Fabares, 'Johnny Angel' singer and actor, dies at 82
Shelley Fabares, an actor and singer who became a television fixture over several decades, has died. She was 82.
Fabares died Saturday in Los Angeles, her family said in a statement to The Associated Press. No cause was given.
Her family remembered her as a source of love, strength, laughter, and comfort, adding that she had 'a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for.'
Born in Santa Monica, California, in 1944, Fabares began acting as a young child. Her first television credit came at age 10 on 'The Loretta Young Show.' She went on to appear in numerous films and TV shows, including a Producers Showcase production of 'Our Town' with Paul Newman, Frank Sinatra, and Eva Marie Saint; the Rosalind Russell movie 'The Girl Rush'; and the Rock Hudson drama 'Never Say Goodbye.' Early credits also included 'Annette,' 'Captain Midnight,' and an episode of 'The Twilight Zone' titled 'Black Leather Jackets.'
Her breakthrough came with the role of Mary Stone on 'The Donna Reed Show,' where she was a regular from 1958 through 1963. During that time, she secured a recording contract and had two Top 40 hits, including 'Johnny Angel.' In the early 1960s, she co-starred in three films with Elvis Presley: 'Girl Happy,' 'Spinout,' and 'Clambake.'
Fabares later reflected on her time on the show in a 1993 interview with the Los Angeles Times, describing those years from 14 to 19 as 'so incredibly important.' She praised Donna Reed as 'an extraordinary woman, a woman of great strength, kindness, integrity and compassion,' adding, 'I carry her with me today.'
In the late 1970s, Fabares appeared on the CBS sitcom 'One Day at a Time' as Francine Webster. She also played James Caan's wife in 'Brian's Song.' One of her biggest roles came when she joined the cast of 'Coach,' a part she played until the series ended.
Beyond her career, Fabares was a devoted advocate for Alzheimer's awareness, a cause that affected her mother. She also faced significant health challenges; after 22 months on a waiting list, she underwent liver transplant surgery in October 2000. Earlier, in early 1999, a visit to the emergency room for an esophageal bleed revealed she had progressive liver failure.
Her family's statement concluded: 'We will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage, and beautiful spirit.'