Shelley Fabares gained widespread recognition for her television acting career.
She captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show from 1958 to 1963, and her remarkable talent earned her a Young Artist Former Child Star Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994.
With a career spanning several decades, she remains a celebrated figure in the industry.
Beginning as a child actress, her enduring ability to astonish her fans is evident.
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Shelley Fabares profile summary
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Shelley Fabares |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1944 |
| Age | 76 years old |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, CA |
| Profession | Celebrated actress |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Birth Sign | Capricorn |
Shelley Fabares’ Age and Early Life
Shelley Fabares was born on January 19, 1944, in Santa Monica, CA. As of 2020, she is 76 years old.
She gained fame for her role in the TV sitcom Coach, where she portrayed the love interest of Craig T. Nelson.
Notably, she embarked on her lifelong acting journey at the tender age of three.
Her debut came at the age of 10 when she appeared as Marie Schumann Kathy in the show Letter to Loretta.
She is the daughter of Elsa and James Fabares and holds American citizenship with a white ethnic background.
Shelley Fabares’ Marriage Journey
Shelley Fabares is married to actor Mike Farrell, and their bond has been a steadfast source of support.
They wed in 1984 while she was working on “One Day at a Time” and he had recently completed “MAS*H.”
Their connection began in 1970 when Shelley guest-starred on Mike’s TV series, “The Interns,” although they didn’t initially connect.
It was twelve years later, at a CBS affiliate convention, when they rekindled their relationship, nurtured a friendship, and eventually tied the knot.
Shelley had previously experienced a divorce from her first husband, Lou Adler, after 16 years of marriage.
Similarly, Mike had been through a prior marriage with actress and screenwriter Judy Farrell.
Shelley became a stepmother to Mike’s two children, which presented its challenges due to Mike and Judy’s difficult divorce.
Despite these obstacles, Shelley and Mike persevered, building stable homes and realizing their shared aspirations.
During this time, Shelley also mourned the loss of her close friend and co-star from “The Donna Reed Show,” Donna Reed, to pancreatic cancer in 1986.
Additionally, her mother, Elsa, faced illness around the same period
Shelley FabaresĀ Career Advancement
Shelley Fabares embarked on her showbiz journey at a remarkably young age, thanks to her mother Elsa, who introduced her to modeling when she was just three years old.
This early exposure to the industry made it particularly challenging for her to cope with her mother’s later battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Born in Santa Monica, California, Shelley Fabares, who also happened to be the niece of actress Nanette Fabray, initiated her acting career at the tender age of three.
By the time she turned 10, she had already made her television debut in an episode of Letter to Loretta.
Subsequently, she made guest appearances on various TV series before securing the pivotal role of Mary Stone in the long-running family sitcom The Donna Reed Show.
Her national prominence soon translated into a recording contract, resulting in two “Top 40” hits, including the chart-topping “Johnny Angel,” which claimed the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in April 1962.
It also achieved considerable success in the UK, reaching number 41 on the charts and earning a gold certification after selling over one million copies.
Why did She leave The Donna Reed Show?
Shelley Fabares left The Donna Reed Show in 1963 to pursue a film career.
She appeared in several movies, including ones with Elvis Presley, and continued to act in the 1970s on various TV series.
She gained recognition for her role in the 1971 TV movie Brian’s Song.
In 1989, she joined the cast of the ABC sitcom Coach, earning award nominations.
After Coach ended in 1997, she voiced Martha Kent in Superman: The Animated Series and reprised the role in 2003 and 2006.
Shelley Financial Status
Celebrity Net Worth reports that Shelley Fabares boasts a net worth of $1.5 million.
This substantial sum reflects her successful career in the entertainment industry, encompassing both acting and singing.
Despite facing challenges in life, Shelley has remained resilient and determined.
Michele Ann Marie Fabares, also known as Shelley Fabares, is a resilient individual who has overcome adversity, achieved remarkable career milestones.
Now she enjoys her 70s alongside her contented marriage.
Shelley Health Journey
In 1994, Shelley suffered a major accident, breaking all the ribs on her left side during a home construction mishap. She spent months in the hospital but eventually recovered.
While working on “Coach” from 1989 to 1997, a routine checkup revealed concerning liver counts.
Though the cause remained unknown, medication helped stabilize her condition.
In 1999, she faced another scare, experiencing an esophageal bleed due to progressive liver failure.
She eventually received a life-saving liver transplant in 2000, prompting a profound change in her outlook on life.
Shelley Fabares today
Fans who fondly remember Shelley Fabares alongside Elvis Presley may wonder where she is now.
At 76 years old, she’s not as active in the spotlight as before.
She’s still happily married to Mike Farrell.
Her last acting credit dates back to 1998 in “Playing to Win.”
Despite an accident that altered her life, Shelley Fabares is alive and well.