Craig T. Nelson has penned a moving tribute to his Coach co-star Shelley Fabares.
Calling Fabares, “just an extraordinary woman,” the actress “always had a smile,” Nelson said via a representative to Entertainment Weekly. “She was welcoming in the midst of chaos and always someone I could go to for advice and counsel, not only myself but others as well. I’ll remember you with love, Shelley Fabares,”
Fabares’ family announced Sunday that the two-time Emmy-nominated actress died “surrounded by those who loved her” on Saturday in Los Angeles. She was 82.
Fabares and Nelson played TV news anchor Christine Armstrong and Hayden Fox, a gruff football coach, respectively, on the ABC sitcom Coach for nine years from 1989-to 1997. Their relationship grew over 200 episodes from an on-and-off romance to an eventual marriage. They later moved together when Hayden transitioned to coaching the NFL’s Orlando Breakers. The role earned Fabares’ two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
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Fabares also was known for her starring roles opposite Elvis Presley in the movies Girl Happy (1965), Spinout (1966) and Clambake (1967).
Earlier in her career, Fabares was known for playing daughter Mary Stone on the ABC sitcom The Donna Reed Show.
Other credits over the years include Annie Oakley, Walt Disney Presents: Annette, The Twilight Zone, The Incredible Hulk, Fantasy Island, Mork & Mindy, The Love Boat, Newhart and Murder She Wrote.
In the statement announcing her death, her family called Fabares “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.”
“We will remember Shelley for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage, and beautiful spirit,” they added. “We will miss her deeply—not only as a celebrated performer, but as the loving and extraordinary person she was in our everyday lives.”
