Mike Farrell

Mike Farrell Speaker Biography

Noted Global Warming Activist & Actor, Stars in “Dr. Keeling’s Curve”

Even before becoming known as B.J. Hunnicutt on the iconic TV series M*A*S*H and Dr. Jim Hansen on NBC’s Providence, Mike Farrell believed responsible citizenship meant being involved in helping our country live up to its potential as a beacon of hope for the world.

Environment

Fundamental areas like concern for the environment, respect for human rights, issues such as peace, children’s rights, veterans’ rights, prison reform, opposing the death penalty, and animal welfare move him. Working with Human Rights Watch, CONCERN/America, an international aid and development organization, and other groups have taken him across our country and around the world, bringing support and comfort to the dispossessed and investigating human rights emergencies.

Global Warming

Currently performing “Dr. Keeling’s Curve,” a one-man show about climate change, Mike remains actively involved with a host of issues, working alongside the ACLU, the UN, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, The Muslim Public Affairs Committee and the United Farm Workers. He is now Co-chair Emeritus of Human Rights Watch in California and is President of Death Penalty Focus.

Caregiver

Another role that’s close to Farrell’s heart, is that of a caregiver. Married to Actress Shelley Fabares, he saw firsthand how stressful caregiving can be. Alzheimer’s disease turned his mother-in-law, Elsa Fabares, from a loving and gentle woman, into someone they didn’t recognize. Through Shelley’s years of caring for her mother, Farrell learned about the impact this “cruel thief,” his name for Alzheimer’s Disease, has not only on the patient, but on the entire family.

Overcoming Obstacles

Less than 10 years later, Farrell then found himself in a similar role, becoming a caregiver for Shelley when she began to experience odd symptoms: deep physical exhaustion, difficulty walking up a single flight of stairs, slurring of words and other physical changes. After numerous tests, Shelley was diagnosed with an auto-immune liver disorder and needed a transplant. That immediately put the couple “on call,” wearing pagers and unable to be more than four hours from the hospital. After a successful transplant, the job didn’t stop there. Farrell became Shelly’s full-time caregiver. Today, Shelley is healthy and happy, close to 20 years since the transplant.

Keynote Speaker

Engaging, heartfelt and candid, Farrell’s informed and passionate presentations will remind audiences that nothing is stronger than love and hope.