Fans know Mike Farrell for his melancholic role of Captain B.B. Hunnicutt in the series “M*A*S*H.” He was once married to co-star Judy Farrell, who played Nurse Able in the sitcom.
After twenty years, the Farrells separated and got a divorce. They had two kids, Erin, and Michael, who had difficulty adjusting to their divorce.
Farrell later fell in love with Shelley Fabares, a woman he first met on the set of “The Intern,” a short-lived series he starred in. They met again 12 years later at a CBS affiliates convention and began a romantic relationship.
After seeing each other at the convention, Farrell asked Fabares out for a coffee date. He also invited her to a photo exhibit of his work around Central America.
After two years of dating, Farrell asked Fabares to marry him. They wed in 1984 and began their blended family.
Fabares once admitted it was difficult for Farrell’s children to adjust to their new life. Speaking about their experience, she said:
“It took a lot of love, patience, courage, and strength, but now they have two solid homes, which is what we all wanted…He has become my safe harbor.”
Shelley’s Terrible 1994 Health Scare
In 1994, Farrell stepped into the role of caregiver when his wife was diagnosed with an auto-immune liver disorder. She needed a transplant and thorough care throughout her recovery.
The diagnosis came after Fabares fell through their floor while their home was under construction. She broke every rib on the left side of her body.
While being treated for her injuries, doctors discovered that her life counts were high. It was then that she was diagnosed with a liver disorder, one that needed a transplant...CONTINUE READING