Dennis Marks, 73; Wrote and Produced Animated TV Shows and Movies

Dennis Marks, 73, a writer-producer who was a mainstay of animated television shows, died of pancreatic cancer Jan. 10 at his home in Los Angeles, said his daughter, Amanda.

Among his writing credits are “The Beatles Animated Show” (1965-67), “Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space” (1972-74) and “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends” (1981-86).

Marks also wrote “Tom and Jerry: The Movie” (1992) and “Jetsons: The Movie” (1990).

The son of vaudevillians, Marks was born Aug. 2, 1932, in New York City. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and served in the Navy as a public information officer on the Lexington.

He began his career as a lyricist, writing for various New York revues, and helped create the 1965 Broadway musical “Baker Street.”

In the 1960s, he worked on “The Jackie Gleason Show.” He remembered Gleason as tough to work for, his daughter said. Later, Marks produced the long-running children’s series “Wonderama” for several years.

After moving to Los Angeles in 1979, he worked for Hanna-Barbera and Marvel and appeared regularly at the Magic Castle. Magic had been a hobby since he was 13.