Lillian Green Caran, 85; Veteran of Broadway, Radio and Early TV

Lillian Green Caran, 85, veteran Broadway, radio and television actress remembered from such pioneering series as “Fibber McGee and Molly,” died Jan. 2 of heart failure in Long Island, N.Y.

Caran made her stage debut at age 3 and went on to perform in 42 Broadway shows and thousands of television and radio programs, among them “Ellery Queen,” ’The Goldbergs” and the “Fibber McGee” show. Her most recent work was reading voice-overs for commercials.

When she no longer had the energy-or time-to act, Caran taught her craft to generations of children and adults at the Masque Theatre workshop and studio in her Long Island home. She helped those with speech impediments and simple shyness as well as those intent on entertainment careers.

Some of her former students include Jerry Orbach of TV’s “Law & Order” and Eddie Karr of TV’s “Promised Land.”