The Donna Reed Show Star Shelley Fabares Dies at 82…see more

September 18, 2026 by MR JACK

Decades after becoming famous as a teenager, Fabares found a whole new generation of fans as Christine Armstrong on the hit sitcom Coach. She starred opposite Craig T. Nelson, and her performance earned her two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Behind the scenes, Fabares also faced serious health challenges.

She was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis and underwent a liver transplant in 2000. She later became an advocate for organ donation and also supported Alzheimer’s awareness after seeing her mother struggle with the disease.

Fabares was married to actor Mike Farrell, best known for playing Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt on MASH*. The couple married in 1984 and remained together for more than four decades.

Her family remembered her not only for her remarkable career but for the warmth, humor, generosity, and love she gave to those closest to her.

From a teenage television star to a successful singer, Elvis Presley co-star, Emmy-nominated actress, and longtime television favorite, Shelley Fabares left behind a career spanning generations.

She will be remembered by the millions who grew up watching her on screen—and by the people who knew her best as a loving wife, stepmother, family member, and friend.

Rest in peace, Shelley Fabares.