Between 'Donna Reed' & Three Elvis films and 'One Day' & 'Coach,' Shelley Fabares Did 'Brian's Song'

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Shelley Fabares remains one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood. An icon of film and television, Fabares first found fame on The Donna Reed Show (ABC, 1958-1966). That family sitcom led to several feature films, many in which she starred with Elvis Presley.

Those included Girl Happy (1965), Spinout (1966), and Clambake (1967).

Years later, the pop-culture icon would return to the small screen in sitcoms like One Day at a Time (CBS, 1975-1984), and Coach (ABC, 1989-1997).

A Stand-Out Dramatic TV Role

In between her most famous performances, and countless small and big screen appearances, Shelley Fabares starred in the acclaimed TV-movie, Brian's Song. This inspirational film, which premiered on ABC in 1971, was based on the true story of football hero Brian Piccolo, and his tragic death from cancer.

Brian's Song is also notable for making stars of its two leading men: James Caan, who played Piccolo, and Billy Dee Williams, who played Piccolo's best friend and fellow football star Gale Sayers. The movie also starred Judy Pace as Linda Sayers, Gale's wife, and Jack Warden as Coach Halas.

The film was part of ABC's then popular Movie of the Week series, which by then aired on by Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Brian's Behind the Scenes Tidbits

According to IMDb.com, James Caan had played football in high school and was a more accomplished athlete than Billy Dee Williams.

In Brian's Song, Gale Sayers is supposed to surpass Brian Piccolo in speed and playing ability. Consequently, Caan was forced to slow his pace substantially in order for Williams to credibly out outplay him.Helpful.

James Caan initially turned down the Piccolo part, so he could concentrate on big-screen movies, including The Godfather, which was released one year later. However, Caan ultimately decided to appear in Brian's Song because he was impressed with the teleplay.

Meanwhile, actor Louis Gossett Jr. had been the initial choice to play Sayers. But a few days before filming commenced, Gossett ripped his Achilles' tendon while in the gym.

Studio executives then swiftly cast Billy Dee Williams to replace Gossett, who was disappointed in not being able to play Sayers.

Producer David L. Wolper, however, promised Gossett the next great role to come available. That happened in 1977, when Wolper hired the actor to portray "Fiddler" in Roots, for which he won an Emmy and that subsequently led to his stardom.

Shelley Fabares (right, standing) and the "Brian's Song" cast: From left: Judy Pace, Billy Dee Williams and James Caan (in bed).Photo byPinterest.com

Back to Shelley

Meanwhile, Shelley Fabares, who is married to actor Mike Ferrell (of TV M*A*S*H fame), leads a more private life today.

In 1998 while starring on Coach, the actress fell and broke the ribs on her left side. Upon recovery, she was diagnosed with auto-immune hepatitis and in 2000, was forced to have a liver transplant.

The procedure worked, and the expierence proved to be life-changing and inspirtional for Fabares. Aside from a few TV voiceover performances, the actress has retained a low public profile since 2006.