Shelley is an American actress and singer with a name for herself through her captivating performances in hit TV shows like ‘Coach’ and ‘The Donna Reed Show.’
Shelley’s talent and versatility have been widely acclaimed in the entertainment industry. Her breakthrough came in 1958 when she played the role of Mary Stone in the family sitcom ‘The Donna Reed Show.’
Here we’re going to discover more about this talented artist. So stay with us if you are curious to know her!
Jump Link
Quick Facts
Name | Shelley Fabares |
Birth Date | January 19, 1944 |
Birth Place | Santa Monica, California |
Profession | actress, singer |
Nationality | American |
Marital Status | Married |
Husband | Mike Farrell’s |
Net Worth | $1.5 million |
Shelley Fabares Early Life
Shelley Fabares, born as Michele Ann Marie Fabares, is an American actress, singer, and former model. She was Born on Jan 19, 1944, in Santa Monica, California.
At just 10 years old, Shelley debuted in “The Clara Schuman Story” for an episode of “Letter of Loretta.” Then she appeared on TV shows, such as “Captain Midnight” and “Annie Oakley.”
Shelley Fabares Family
Shelley grew up in California with her parents, James and Elsa Fabares, and her sister Smokey. Her father worked in real estate when Shelley attended Immaculate Heart High School. Unfortunately, her mother, Elisa Fabares, passed away in 1992 due to Alzheimer’s.
Shelley’s love for performing began at a young age, as she started tap dancing at three and modeling during elementary school.
Shelley’s aunt, the established actress Nanette Fabray, introduced her to the entertainment industry.
In 1955, Shelley portrayed the role of Rebecca Gibbs in “Our Town,” a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play for the TV series “Producer’s Showcase.”
She also played the young Cathy role in a “Matinee Theatre” adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights.”
Shelley Fabares Relationships
Shelley Fabares, the American actress, has had two marriages. Her first marriage was to Lou Adler, a record and movie producer, in June 1964. Sadly, the couple separated after two years and eventually divorced in 1980.
In 1984, Shelley married actor Mike Farrell, becoming the stepmom of his 2 kids, Erin and Michael, from his previous marriage.
In 1998, Shelley suffered an accident that caused multiple broken ribs on her left side. After recovering from the injuries, she was diagnosed with life-threatening auto-immune hepatitis. In October 2000, Shelley underwent a liver transplant, which saved her life.
Despite her health struggles, Shelley remains an active board member and national spokesperson for the National Alzheimer’s Association, considering it one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
Shelley Fabares Kids
Although Shelley Fabares did not have any biological kid, she is a stepmother of two children of her second spouse, Mike Farrell, namely Erin and Michael.
Shelley Fabares Physical Appearance
Shelley Fabares is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 55 kilograms. Her body measurements are 33-25-33 inches. She has brown hair color with attractive blistering black eyes.
Shelley Fabares Career
Shelley Fabares began her career in the film industry with ‘The Girl Rush in 1955. In the following three years, she acted in several movies, including ‘Rock, Pretty Baby!’, ‘Jeanne Eagels,’ ‘Marjorie Morningstar,’ and ‘Summer Love.’ She also appeared on TV shows such as ‘Fury’ and ‘Colgate Theatre.’
In the 1960s, Shelley Fabares took on various roles in movies such as ‘Girl Happy,’ ‘Hold On!’, ‘A Time to Sing,’ and Elvis Presley’s ‘Spinout,’ ‘Clambake’ and ‘Ride the Wild Surf.’
During this time, she also guest-starred in several TV dramas, including ‘The Twilight Zone,’ ‘Arrest and Trial,’ ‘The Ghost & Mrs. Muir,’ ‘Daniel Boone,’ ‘Lancer,’ ‘Bracken’s World’ and ‘The Interns.
In addition to TV performances, Shelley also appeared in small roles in movies such as ‘Sky Heist,’ ‘Pleasure Cove,’ ‘Donovan’s Kid’, ‘Friendships, Secrets and Lies’ and ‘Gridlock.’
In 1978, she played the role of Francine in the sitcom ‘One Day at a Time.’ After this, she appeared in episodes of ‘The Incredible Hulk,’ ‘Fantasy Island’ and ‘Hello, Larry.’
In the 1980s, Shelley continued to act in series such as ‘Mork & Mindy,’ ‘Matt Houston,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ ‘Newhart’ and ‘Murder, She Wrote.’
During this period, she also appeared in movies such as ‘Suburban Beat,’ ‘The Canterville Ghost,’ ‘Hot Pursuit,’ and ‘Run Till You Fall.’
Shelley Fabares’s Net Worth
Celebrity Net Worth reports that Shelley Fabares has a net worth of $1.5 million, which is significant for her successful career in showbiz.
Through her talent in both acting and singing, she has amassed wealth over the years. Despite facing challenges in life, Shelley persevered and never gave up. Now, she is happily married and enjoying her life with her husband.