Shelley Fabares, Star of ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach,’ Dies at 82
Shelley Fabares, a prominent actor known for her roles in "The Donna Reed Show" and "Coach," as well as her hit song "Johnny Angel," has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 82.
Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 23, 2026 —
Shelley Fabares, a versatile actress and singer recognized for her memorable performances in television and music, has died. She was 82 years old.
Fabares passed away in Los Angeles, according to information provided about her passing. She was widely known for her roles on popular television series. Viewers will remember her as Mary Stone, the daughter in the long-running sitcom The Donna Reed Show, a role she played from 1958 to 1963. Later in her career, she portrayed Christine Armstrong, the wife of the titular character in the ABC sitcom Coach, appearing in the series from 1989 to 1997.
Beyond her acting career, Fabares also achieved success as a singer. Her 1962 hit song, “Johnny Angel,” reached the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing her status as a multifaceted entertainer.
Fabares’ career spanned several decades, showcasing her talent across different genres and mediums. Her contributions to television and music left a significant mark on popular culture.
Details regarding the cause of death or specific circumstances surrounding her passing were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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