What is Mike Farrell doing now? Shelley Fabares husband’s life explored as actress dies at 82

Shelley Fabares, wife of actor Mike Farrell, has died on August 22 at age 82 in Los Angeles after a brief illness. She appeared on The Donna Reed Show and starred opposite Elvis Presley in three movies.

According to a report in The Hollywood Reporter, her family confirmed the news in a statement, describing Fabares as:

“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.”

Fabares was married to actor Mike Farrell from 1984 until her death. He remains active as a human rights activist and as the president of Death Penalty Focus, an organization dedicated to the abolition of capital punishment. He has also been involved in occasional acting work.

Continue reading for more details.

Exploring the life of Shelley Fabares’ husband Mike Farrell

Since the passing of actress Shelly Fabares, her husband Mike Farrell’s life has been the centre of media attention.

The 87 year old actor was born as Michael Joseph Farrell on February 6, 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He and his three siblings were born to Michael Joseph Farrell and Agnes Sarah Cosgrove. Farrell was only two when the family moved from Minnesota to Hollywood, California, where his father worked as a studio carpenter.

Farrell attended West Hollywood Grammar School and graduated from Hollywood High School. After high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 2 years in the 1950s. Later, he took acting classes at the Jeff Corey Workshop while attending the University of California, Los Angeles, and pursued his acting career.

Mike Farrell began with small film and television roles in the 1960s. He appeared in films like The Graduate and The Americanization of Emily, among others. These opportunities eventually landed him in the daily soap, Days of Our Lives, where he played the role of Scott Banning. He bagged a lead role in The Interns and then landed a role opposite Anthony Quinn on The Man and the City.

In 2019, Mike Farrell appeared as Judge Miles Deakin in NCIS and also starred in Impeachment: American Crime Story. He is best known for playing the role of Captain B.J. Hunnicutt on the television series M*A*S*H. During his stint with the show, Farrell got the opportunity to write and direct several episodes, and it led to him being nominated for the Directors Guild and Emmy Awards.

Mike Farrell recently portrayed the character of Bill Schneider in an episode of the ABC series 9-1-1. He performs in the theatrical show Dr Keeling's Curve, which focuses on climate change. He is set to appear in the upcoming movie The Strawberry.

Beyond his acting career, Farrell serves as Co-chair Emeritus of the California Committee for Human Rights Watch. He works alongside groups like the ACLU, United Farm Workers, and Concern America, supporting civil rights, refugee aid, and social justice.

Farrell tied the knot with Fabares on December 31, 1984 in a ceremony at the Pacific Palisades home of Fabares' aunt, actress Nanette Fabray. The couple never had any biological children but after marriage Fabares became the stepmother to Farrell’s children from his previous marriage.

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Mike Farrell was a devoted husband to Fabares who supported her career. He reportedly attended her tapings during the run of the sitcom Coach. The late actress is survived by Farrell along with her stepchildren.

Fabares previously tied the knot with record producer Lou Adler from 1964 until their divorce in 1980. Farrell was married to actress Judy Hayden from 1963 until their divorce in 1983. They share two children, Michael and Erin Farrell.

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