How many times did Shelley Fabares work with Elvis Presley? Revisiting their friendship after the 'Clambake' star's death at 82

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Actors Fund's 2016 Looking Ahead Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty

Shelley Fabares, who rose to fame as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show and later starred in Coach, has died at 82.

The veteran star died on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, in Los Angeles, following a brief illness, her family announced. She is survived by her husband, M*A*S*H actor Mike Farrell, whom she married in 1984.

Shelley Fabares' career spanned television, film, and music. She became widely known as the wholesome daughter Mary on The Donna Reed Show, before taking on a series of other roles in Hollywood.

She also shared the screen with Elvis Presley three times, namely in Girl Happy (1965), Spinout (1966), and Clambake (1967), making her the late superstar's most frequent leading lady.

She was also featured in another prominent TV role, playing Christine Armstrong, the self-reliant wife of Hayden Fox, played by Craig T. Nelson, in the comedy series called Coach. This show aired from 1989 to 1997 and became one of the most recognized performances of her career.

Moreover, Shelley Fabares was also successful for a brief period as a singer-songwriter. Her song Johnny Angel, which came out when she was working on the Donna Reed Show, topped the charts on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962.


Shelley Fabares talked about working with Elvis Presley

Per previous reports, Shelley Fabares and Elvis Presley had a strictly platonic, lifelong friendship rather than a romantic relationship. In January 2025, Fabares shared what it was like filming romantic scenes with the late rock 'n' roll icon.

"He and I had a good time working together, and we laughed a lot. And I would say that my main memory of doing those shots is that I felt a real connection with him, and I think he did with me too. And I think that's what people sort of responded. I do get letters, and they're like, 'Oh gosh, you and Elvis were just so good together. You just really seemed like you liked each other.' We did."
TNT's 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Behind The Scenes Day 1 - Source: Getty
TNT's 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards - Behind The Scenes Day 1 - Source: Getty

Following her death, Fabares' family honored her through a heartfelt statement. In the message, they remembered her for the way she treated people away from the spotlight.

"To her family and friends, Shelley was a source of love, strength, laughter and comfort. She was a devoted wife, cherished stepmother, daughter, sister, niece, aunt, family member and loyal friend whose warmth, generosity, humor and grace made an enduring difference in the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, valued and cared for."
Shelley Fabares & Mike Farrell - Source: Getty
Shelley Fabares & Mike Farrell - Source: Getty

Fabares was previously married to producer Lou Adler. They wed in 1964 and separated in 1966, although their divorce was not finalized until 1980.

She married Mike Farrell four years later and remained with him until her death.

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Edited by Gladys Altamarino