Shelley Fabares
Biography
Shelley Fabares is an American actress and singer born on January 19, 1944, in Santa Monica, California. She began her career in show business at a young age, appearing on television shows such as Captain Midnight in 1954. Fabares is known for her roles in the sitcoms The Donna Reed Show and Coach, where she played the characters Mary Stone and Christine Armstrong respectively. She has also appeared in films alongside Elvis Presley, including Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake. With a career spanning multiple decades, Fabares has accumulated a significant number of acting credits, totaling 83 known credits.
Career overview
Shelley Fabares is a retired American actress and singer. She began her acting career at a young age, appearing on television shows such as Captain Midnight in 1954. Fabares' early television work also included a role on the sitcom The Donna Reed Show, where she played the character Mary Stone from 1958 to 1963.
In addition to her work on The Donna Reed Show, Fabares also appeared in several films, including Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake, where she played the leading lady to Elvis Presley. Her television career continued with a role on the sitcom Coach, where she played the character Christine Armstrong from 1989 to 1997. During her time on Coach, Fabares earned two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Fabares' extensive career in television and film has included a wide range of roles and experiences. With a career spanning multiple decades, she has established herself as a talented and accomplished actress.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
88 titles- Elvis: A Life in Music (2026) as Self (archive footage)
- Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006) as Martha Kent (voice)
- Justice League (2001) as Martha Kent (voice)
- Playing to Win: A Moment of Truth Movie (1998) as Nancy Erickson
- A Nightmare Come True (1997) as Lily Zarn
- Superman: The Animated Series (1996)
- Superman: The Animated Series (1996) as Martha Kent (voice)
- Superman: The Last Son of Krypton (1996) as Martha Kent (voice)
- The Great Mom Swap (1995) as Millie Ridgeway
- Your Studio and You (1995) as Shelley Fabares
- A Whole New Ballgame (1995) as Christine Armstrong
- A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story (1995) as Self (uncredited)
- Deadly Relations (1993) as Shirley Fagot
- Love or Money (1990) as Lu Ann Reed
- Coach (1989) as Christine Armstrong
- Run Till You Fall (1988) as Kathy Reuben
- Hot Pursuit (1987) as Buffy Cronenberg
- The Canterville Ghost (1985) as Lucy
- Suburban Beat (1985) as Mimi
- Murder, She Wrote (1984) as Liza Caspar
- Memorial Day (1983) as Ellie Walker
- Newhart (1982)
- Matt Houston (1982)
- Gridlock (1980) as Louise Gregory
- Hello, Larry (1979) as Marion Alder
- Highcliffe Manor (1979) as Helen Straight Blacke
- Donovan's Kid (1979) as Grace Donovan
- Pleasure Cove (1979) as Helen Perlmutter
- Friendships, Secrets and Lies (1979) as Mary Alice
- Fantasy Island (1978) as Jill Marlowe
- Mork & Mindy (1978) as Cathy McConnell
- Vega$ (1978)
- The Love Boat (1977) as Cathy
- The Love Boat (1977) as Mary Frances Bellflower
- The Incredible Hulk (1977) as Holly Cooper
- Forever Fernwood (1977)
- Lucan (1977)
- The Practice (1976) as Jenny Bedford
- Spencer's Pilots (1976)
- One Day at a Time (1975) as Francine Webster
- Matt Helm (1975) as Chris / Tina
- Medical Story (1975) as Susan Duffy
- Sky Hei$t (1975) as Lisa
- The Rockford Files (1974) as Jolene Hyland
- Dinah! (1974) as Self
- Police Story (1973)
- The Rookies (1972)
- The Brian Keith Show (1972) as Dr. Anne Jamison
- Two for the Money (1972) as Bethany Hagan
- Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law (1971) as Lorraine Latham
- Brian's Song (1971) as Joy Piccolo
- McCloud (1970)
- Love, American Style (1969) as Julie
- Love, American Style (1969) as Sheila
- Marcus Welby, M.D. (1969) as Norma Fritchie
- Medical Center (1969)
- Operation Heartbeat (1969) as 'Mike' Carter
- The Ghost & Mrs. Muir (1968)
- Lancer (1968)
- A Time to Sing (1968) as Amy Carter
- Ironside (1967) as Charlotte Black
- Mannix (1967)
- Clambake (1967) as Dianne Carter
- Spinout (1966) as Cynthia Foxhugh
- Hold On! (1966) as Louisa Page
- Girl Happy (1965) as Valerie
- Daniel Boone (1964) as Charity Brown
- Shindig! (1964) as Self - Singer
- Ride the Wild Surf (1964) as Brie Matthews
- Mr. Novak (1963) as Dani Cooper
- Arrest and Trial (1963)
- Arrest and Trial (1963) as Donna Blaney
- The Twilight Zone (1959) as Ellen Tillman
- The Donna Reed Show (1958)
- The Donna Reed Show (1958) as Mary Stone
- Marjorie Morningstar (1958) as Seth's Friend (uncredited)
- Summer Love (1958) as Twinkie Daley
- Annette (1957) as Moselle Corey
- Jeanne Eagels (1957) as Teenage Girl (uncredited)
- The Bad Seed (1956) as Margie (uncredited)
- Never Say Goodbye (1956) as Suzy Parker
- Rock, Pretty Baby (1956) as Teresa "Twinky" Daley
- Matinee Theater (1955)
- The Girl Rush (1955) as Young Kim
- Our Town (1955) as Rebecca Gibbs
- The Wonderful World of Disney (1954) as Grace Donovan
- Letter to Loretta (1953) as Marie Schumann
- The Bob Hope Show (1950) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Shelley Fabares best known for?
Shelley Fabares is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Justice League (2001), Superman: The Animated Series (1996), Superman: The Animated Series (1996), The Great Mom Swap (1995).
When and where was Shelley Fabares born?
Shelley Fabares was born on January 19, 1944 in Santa Monica, California, USA.
How many credits does Shelley Fabares have?
Shelley Fabares has accumulated over 88 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1950 to 2026.
What is Shelley Fabares's background in cinema and television?
Shelley Fabares is an American actress and singer born on January 19, 1944, in Santa Monica, California. She began her career in show business at a young age, appearing on television shows such as Captain Midnight in 1954. Fabares is known for her roles in the sitcoms The Donna Reed Show and Coach, where she played the...