She charmed America in her youth, starred on the same screen with Elvis Presley, and later with unwavering strength withstood a life-threatening struggle for health. Learn about the inspiring journey of this beloved actress and see how she has transformed over the years.
This actress, born Michelle Marie, was born on January 19, 1944 in Santa Monica, California, and has had a remarkable career in Hollywood. Being the niece of actress and singer Nanette Fabray, she got acquainted with show business at an early age.
She often played cheerful girls in bikinis in lighthearted films of the 60s, such as “Ride the Wild Surf” and three Presley films – “Happy Girl”, “Return” and “Rock Climbing”.
While the late 60s brought changes in Hollywood tastes, the actress reinvented herself in more serious roles. In 1971, she gained recognition as the wife of a dying football player in the film “Brian’s Song” and achieved sustained success on television.
The star demonstrated her comedic abilities in shows such as “Once upon a Time”, and later cemented her status as a fan favorite by playing Kristin Armstrong, Craig T. Nelson’s partner, in the popular sitcom “Coach”. This role earned her eight successful seasons and two Emmy Award nominations.
Behind the scenes, the beauty icon of the 60s was also known for her personal life. She flirted with teen idol Fabian, attracted Presley’s attention, and in the mid-1960s married sound engineer Lou Adler. However, the couple eventually divorced in 1980 after almost 14 years of separation.
