Dean Zayas

Dean Zayas Pereira (October 17, 1938 – February 3, 2022) was a Puerto Rican actor, director, playwright, author, poet, dramatic arts professor, and television show host. One of Puerto Rico's most prolific directors, he directed some of the best known Puerto Rican telenovelas, such as Cristina Bazán, Coralito, and Tanairi, among many others. Zayas served as chair of the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus Department of Drama and the University's Traveling Theatre (Teatro Rodante Universitario) until 2014. He also served as director of the Theatre Division of the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.