Shelley Fabares Voiced One Of Superman's Most Important DC Comics Characters

Shelley Fabares, a beloved singer and Emmy-nominated TV actress, made her final acting role as Martha Kent, Superman's adoptive mother, in the animated series Superman: The Animated Series. Born on August 22, 1940, Fabares passed away in 2012 at the age of 82. Before this iconic role, she was widely recognized for her work on classic TV shows like The Donna Reed Show and the football sitcom Coach.

Martha Kent, first introduced in 1939, has been a constant presence in Superman lore, often referred to as Ma and Pa Kent. Fabares' portrayal of Martha in the animated series was highly appreciated and has been revisited by DC fans in tribute to the late actress. Although she reprised the role twice more in other animated projects, her time as Martha Kent stands out as a memorable part of her filmography.

Fabares also returned to voice Martha in the Christmas episode of Justice League and in the 2006 direct-to-video film Superman: Brainiac Attacks. Notably, she voiced Martha alongside her real-life husband, Mike Farrell, who voiced Jonathan Kent in every DC animated project. The family and Farrell shared their condolences, remembering Fabares for her kindness, loyalty, wit, courage, and beautiful spirit.