70s TV icon rocks political hat with wife who famously rejected Elvis
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Fans were thrilled to catch a rare glimpse of one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The M*A*S*H icon, now 85, along with his wife of more than 40 years, who is 81 and got her start on The Donna Reed Show, appeared deeply in love as they walked hand in hand through a sunlit park in Burbank.

The television star, dressed casually in jeans, a fresh white t-shirt, and a playful black baseball cap that read ‘Make America Normal Again,’ was a stark contrast to his portrayal of the neatly dressed army doctor B.J. Hunnicutt in the 1950s-era show.

His timeless spouse, known for singing 1961’s hit Johnny Angel, caught attention with her pastel-pink hair and a David Bowie t-shirt, exuding the same lively charisma that launched her as a teen star and later a notable sitcom actress on Coach alongside Craig T. Nelson.

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.  

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

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

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

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

If you guessed Mike Farrell and Shelley Fabares—you’re spot on! 

The adorable couple have been going strong since tying the knot back in 1984.

Before finding lasting love, Farrell was married to Judy Hayden—his college sweetheart and a high school English and drama teacher in Laguna Beach. 

They wed in 1963, had two children together, Michael and Erin, but ultimately split in 1980 and finalized their divorce the following year.

Shelley also had a high-profile first marriage, saying ‘I do’ to music producer Lou Adler in 1964. 

Though they separated just two years later, their divorce wasn’t finalized until 1980—just in time for both stars to get a second shot at love.

Born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Farrell has carved out a diverse and respected career in Hollywood.

He joined the legendary MASH* during its fourth season, stepping in to replace Wayne Rogers and quickly winning over fans with his portrayal of the empathetic army doctor B.J. Hunnicutt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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

Alongside Farrell, the iconic ensemble cast featured Alan Alda as Hawkeye, Loretta Swit as Hot Lips Houlihan, Jamie Farr as Klinger, and many others who helped shape the show’s enduring legacy.

After MASH* ended, Farrell continued to build an impressive résumé, appearing in numerous television roles including guest spots on Justice League.

He also stepped behind the camera, producing the acclaimed 1998 film Patch Adams, starring Robin Williams.

Farrell’s post-M*A*S*H* career also includes a notable role in the legal drama Providence.

He also became the Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild for a time. 

Meanwhile, Fabares rose to fame as a teen star on The Donna Reed Show, quickly becoming a household name in the late 1950s and early ’60s. 

She made a successful transition to music with the chart-topping hit Johnny Angel before continuing her acting career in both film and television. 

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

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

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

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)

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 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

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

Early in her career, Shelley starred opposite Elvis in films like Girl Happy and Spinout.

Although Elvis was reportedly smitten, Shelley famously turned down his advances.

She has since explained that while they didn’t share a romance, they genuinely cared for each other, and she found it refreshing to be free of any romantic pressure.

‘The presence that this man had — you couldn’t talk, nobody did anything — you just sort of stopped and watched him,’ she once said of the icon. ‘He was beautiful and [he had] a charisma that was just amazing.’

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