Fabares died Saturday, Aug. 22, surrounded by family, according to a statement from her family to PEOPLE. They described her as a loving and generous person who brought warmth, humor and comfort to those around her.
Born Jan. 19, 1944, Fabares began acting as a child. At 14, she joined “The Donna Reed Show” as Donna Reed and Carl Betz’s daughter, Mary. The role made her a popular teen star.
In 1962, Fabares recorded “Johnny Angel,” a song that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. She later appeared in three Elvis Presley films: “Girl Happy,” “Spinout” and “Clambake.”
Fabares continued working in television and film for decades. She appeared in “Brian’s Song,” “One Day at a Time,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Rockford Files.” In 1989, she began playing Christine, the partner and later wife of Craig T. Nelson’s character on “Coach.” The role earned her two Emmy nominations.
Fabares later focused on philanthropy, including Alzheimer’s research and human rights causes, and served on committees for the Screen Actors Guild. She underwent a liver transplant in 2000 after being diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis.
Fabares was married to producer Lou Adler from 1964 to 1980. She married actor Mike Farrell in 1984. She is survived by Farrell and her stepchildren.
Her family said they were “heartbroken by her loss” but grateful for the years they shared with her and the impact she had on others.
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