A child actress from age 3 onward, Shelley Fabares played daughter Mary Stone in “The Donna Reed Show.” Early seasons tackled rites of passage in Mary’s adolescence including learning to drive, disastrous dating experiences, and more, but as the character aged, the actress began appearing less and less on the show. In reality, Fabares left the show to pursue other acting opportunities. Soon after, Fabares appeared alongside Elvis in 1965’s “Girl Happy,” and she also appeared in movies including the 1971 drama “Brian’s Song” and the 1987 John Cusack-led comedy “Hot Pursuit.”
Fabares has also done extensive work on TV, most notably in the beloved ’80s sitcom “Coach.” Fabares earned two Emmy nominations for her role as news anchor, love interest, and lead character Christine on the show about a college football coach played by Craig T. Nelson. Outside of “Coach,” the actress took roles on shows including “The Little People,” “The Practice,” and the original iteration of Norman Lear’s “One Day At a Time.” Since 1996, she’s voiced Superman’s mom, Martha Kent, in three different animated “Superman” films and series.
Aside from her acting career, Fabares also found success as a singer. She reached number 1 on the Billboard charts with “Johnny Angel,” a song featured on “The Donna Reed Show,” and went on to release three albums by 1963. Her vocal stylings also appeared on soundtracks for “Girl Happy,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” and the 1966 musical movie “Hold On!” Fabares seems to be retired from acting, as her most recent role was in 2006’s “Superman: Brainiac Attacks.” In recent years, she’s written an op-ed in response to Donald Trump’s reference to Donna Reed, and she can also be spotted sporting stellar pink, spiky hair.
