Mary Dean; Actress, Game Show Host and Lyricist

Mary Dean, 72, actress, television game show host and lyricist. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Dean appeared in the popular early television series “Dragnet,” “Cisco Kid,” “Life of Riley” and “Space Patrol.” She also did voices for animated films, including “Fritz the Cat” and “Heavy Traffic.” Dean became popular as a television show host on such programs as “The NBC Home Show,” “What’s the Name of That Song,” “Time It” and “Jean and Dean.” As a lyricist, she wrote the words for “Half-Breed,” and was credited with discovering the group the Cowsills. On Dec. 19 in Toluca Lake of emphysema.