Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 26, 2025 · Entertainment

70s TV Icon & 'No' to Elvis Star Sighted in LA: A Love Story

Fans were delighted to spot one of Hollywood¿s longtime love stories stepping out for a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Tuesday

SPOILER ALERT: ROMANCE, DIVORCES, AND ROCK 'N' ROLL LEGENDS

The Hollywood power couple that's been making waves for decades is still going strong! Mike Farrell and Shelley Fabares, two icons of the entertainment industry, were spotted hand in hand in a sunny Burbank park on Tuesday, leaving fans swooning over their undeniable chemistry. The MAS*H legend and his ageless beauty of a wife looked like they just rolled out of bed and into their jeans and tees – with Mike rocking a cheeky "Make America Normal Again" baseball cap that's got everyone talking!

But let's get to the juicy stuff, shall we? These two have been married for over four decades, and it's clear that their love has only grown stronger with time. But before they found each other, both Farrell and Fabares had their fair share of romantic entanglements.

The M*A*S*H legend, 85, and his wife of over four decades, 81, who got her start on The Donna Reed Show, looked completely smitten as they strolled hand in hand through a sunny Burbank park

Mike was previously married to Judy Hayden, his college sweetheart and a high school English and drama teacher in Laguna Beach. They tied the knot in 1963 and had two beautiful children together – Michael and Erin – but ultimately split in 1980 after 17 years of marriage. Talk about a complicated love story!

Shelley, on the other hand, was married to music producer Lou Adler in 1964, just after her teen star days on The Donna Reed Show had come to an end. But their romance was short-lived, and they separated just two years later. Their divorce wasn't finalized until 1980 – which, coincidentally, was also the same year Mike and Judy parted ways.

But what's even more fascinating is Shelley's brief encounter with none other than Elvis Presley himself! The King was reportedly smitten with the young starlet, but she famously turned him down without hesitation. In a recent interview, Shelley revealed that while they didn't share a romance, they genuinely cared for each other and appreciated each other's company – no pressure or expectations involved.

Sporting jeans, a fresh white T-shirt, and a playful black cap reading 'Make America Normal Again,' the beloved TV star looked worlds away from his buttoned-up role as army doc B.J. Hunnicutt on the 1950s-set hit

Now, let's get to Mike's illustrious career! He joined MAS*H during its fourth season, replacing Wayne Rogers as the lovable army doctor B.J. Hunnicutt. And boy, did he nail it! Alongside the iconic ensemble cast featuring Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, and more, Mike brought a depth of emotion to his character that won over audiences worldwide.

After MAS*H ended its historic run in 1983, Mike continued to build an impressive résumé, appearing in numerous TV roles including Justice League. He also stepped behind the camera as a producer, working on the critically acclaimed 1998 film Patch Adams starring Robin Williams – talk about a dream team!

But what's even more interesting is that Mike has had a distinguished career beyond acting. He served as the Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild and has been involved in various philanthropic endeavors throughout his life.

Meanwhile, his ageless better half turned heads with pastel-pink hair and a David Bowie tee

Meanwhile, Shelley rose to fame on The Donna Reed Show before making a successful transition to music with her chart-topping hit Johnny Angel. She continued to act in both film and television, earning critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for her role as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom Coach.

But it's not all sunshine and rainbows – Shelley has faced her fair share of challenges throughout her career. In an interview, she revealed that she was typecast as a "damsel in distress" due to her early teen star roles, which made it difficult for her to break free from those expectations and showcase her range as an actress.

Despite the ups and downs, Mike and Shelley's love story is one for the ages – a true testament to the power of enduring relationships. And who knows? Maybe they'll be spotted at a sunset picnic in Burbank park again soon, hand in hand and ready for their next adventure together!

She flaunted the same youthful energy that took her from teen sitcom darling to sitcom standout on Coach alongside Craig T. Nelson

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com

Back in the day, she lit up the screen opposite Elvis Presley in Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake¿and while the King was reportedly smitten, the young starlet, already spoken for, famously turned him down without hesitation

If you guessed Shelley Fabares and Miek Farrell¿you're spot on!; (seen in 1990)

The adorable couple have been going strong since tying the knot back in 1984; (seen in 1993)

Farrell (left) navigated the chaos of a mobile hospital during the Korean War alongside such stars as Alan Alda (right) and Loretta Swit

He joined the M*A*S*H in its fourth season, replacing Wayne Rogers, and became a fan favorite for his warm, witty portrayal of the compassionate army doctor

Shelly got her start on The Donna Reed Show; (*The Donna Reed Show,' (L-R): Shelley Fabares, Paul Petersen (standing), Carl Betz, and Donna Reed circa 1961)

In her early days, she dazzled audiences alongside Elvis Presley in Girl Happy, Spinout, and Clambake

In the ¿80s and ¿90s, she earned critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for her role as Christine Armstrong on the sitcom Coach