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6 days ago
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“The Donna Reed Show” alum Shelley Fabares has died. She was 82.
The actress’s family confirmed she passed away on 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,” they wrote in a statement to People, 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.”
The statement continued, “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,” her family continued, highlighting her long-standing career as Mary Stone in “The Donna Reed Show” from 1958 to 1965.
Additionally, Fabares was well-known for her role as Christine Armstrong in the TV series “Coach” alongside Jerry Van Dyke and Craig T. Nelson.
Fabares also starred opposite Elvis Presley in several feature films, including the 1965 movie “Girl Happy,” the 1966 movie “Spinout,” and the 1967 flick “Clambake.”
Additionally, she released her chart-topping hit “Johnny Angel” in 1962.
Fabares’ last project was as the voice of Martha Kent in the 2006 animated project, “Superman: Brainiac Attacks.”
“She brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance,” her family wrote in the statement.
“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.”
The family concluded that they will miss Fabares “deeply,” “not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives.”
Fabares’ cause of death has yet to be revealed.
She is survived by her husband, Mike Farrell, whom she wed in 1984, and her stepchildren.
Fabares previously underwent a liver transplant in 2000 following an autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis.
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