Indiana Broadcast History Archive

Mary Jane Croft was a versatile American actress who made significant contributions to radio and television comedy from the 1940s through the 1970s. She is best known for her roles alongside Lucille Ball in several TV series, including "I Love Lucy," "The Lucy Show," and "Here's Lucy," as well as her work on "Our Miss Brooks" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. 

Born on February 15, 1916, in Muncie, Indiana, Croft began her career in local theater before transitioning to radio acting at WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

She moved to Los Angeles in 1939, where she became a prominent voice actress in radio dramas such as "Lux Radio Theatre," "One Man's Family," and "I Love a Mystery". 

Croft's television career took off in the 1950s. She played Miss Daisy Enright in "Our Miss Brooks" from 1952 to 1954 and provided the voice for Cleo the basset hound in "The People's Choice" from 1955 to 1958. Concurrently, she portrayed Clara Randolph on "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" from 1956 to 1966. 

Her most memorable roles came through her association with Lucille Ball. Croft appeared in several episodes of "I Love Lucy," most notably as Betty Ramsey in the show's final season when the Ricardos moved to Connecticut. She later became a regular on "The Lucy Show" (1962-1968) and "Here's Lucy" (1968-1974), playing Mary Jane Lewis, Lucy's friend and sidekick. 

Croft's distinctive voice and comedic timing made her a valuable asset in the entertainment industry. She was known for her ability to play a range of characters, from uppercrust matrons to career women. Her blonde hairstyle, which remained consistent for 25 years, became part of her trademark appearance. 

In addition to her television work, Croft continued to make appearances in various other shows and was a regular participant at "We Love Lucy" fan conventions after 1996. She was married to Elliott Lewis, a producer of "The Lucy Show," and had one son, Eric Zoller, who tragically died in the Vietnam War. 

Mary Jane Croft passed away on August 24, 1999, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy as one of television's most reliable and talented supporting actresses. Lucie Arnaz, daughter of Lucille Ball, remembered her as "a bright bubble of joy" who was far from the ditzy blonde she often portrayed on screen. 

February 2025 

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