Peter Marshall, affable host of NBC’s original ‘Hollywood Squares,’ dies at 98

As a seasoned movie buff who has witnessed the rise and fall of countless stars, I must say that the passing of Peter Marshall leaves me with a heavy heart. At 98 years old, he lived a life that many can only dream of – a life filled with laughter, music, and the company of some of the greatest talents of our time.

98-year-old Peter Marshall, known for years as the charismatic host of the popular “Hollywood Squares” game show, passed away recently, employing a conversational style reminiscent of a talk show host throughout his tenure.

On Thursday morning, Marshall passed away at his home in the Encino district of Los Angeles due to kidney failure, as reported by his family through the Los Angeles Times, with information supplied by his representative Harlan Boll.

“Though Peter suggested that he died from being bored, according to the family’s statement, this was not the official cause of his death.”

From 1966 to 1981, the TV personality who was previously an actor and singer, took over the hosting duties for NBC’s human version of tic-tac-toe at the age of 40. During this Daytime Emmy Award-winning show, Marshall would pose amusing questions that led to lively conversations and shared humor with comedians like Joan Rivers, Rose Marie, and Paul Lynde – who was a recurring, witty character on set. This popular program also drew in notable celebrities such as Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner, and Janet Leigh.

In a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television, I shared that working on this project was a breeze compared to other endeavors in the entertainment industry. Upon arrival, I greeted everyone warmly, answered questions, and even managed to sneak in a few chuckles. The pay was quite generous as well.

As the curtain fell on “Hollywood Squares” and my small-screen endeavors seemed to fizzle out, I found myself drawn towards the vibrant world of live performances, specifically musical theater. Before long, I was a familiar face in touring productions like “La Cage aux Folles” and “42nd Street,” where I got to dance under the bright lights and sing my heart out.

The show later relaunched in syndication but Marshall was not invited back to helm it.

Back in 1987, as I shared with The Times, I was eagerly anticipating some shifts, and I was fully prepared for them. To be honest, the ‘TV stardom’ never held much weight for me; truthfully, it wasn’t something that mattered significantly to my heart.

“I really miss the fantastic team I worked with. We had Lynde, Vincent Price, Tony Randall, and Betty White – quite an exceptional bunch. What made our show unique was their individual flair; it’s that special something that truly sets the stars apart from the rest in this industry.”

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, W. Va., Marshall, who often refers to himself as a “depression kid,” grew up moving around frequently as a child before settling in New York. His father, who passed away when he was 10, would occasionally perform in minstrel acts, and his sister, the actress Joanne Dru, worked as a showgirl at the Copa Club. Due to his difficulty in saying no, Marshall found himself working extensively.

Due to the difficulty he had earned it, he and his family found jobs whenever possible, he explained. Marshall started his career by performing with various big bands, appearing in Las Vegas shows, and doing comedy work. At just 15 years old, he toured as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra and worked as a page at NBC Radio and an usher at the Paramount Theater. During World War II, he was drafted and served in Italy, where he also worked as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio. (Associated Press)

1949 marked the start of the comedy act by Marshall and Tommy Noonan, performing in nightclubs and theaters. They eventually graced television screens on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” As a contract player for 20th Century Fox, Marshall made appearances in “The Rookie” (1959) and “Swingin’ Along” (1961). He also shared the stage with Chita Rivera in the 1962 London production of “Bye Bye Birdie.” His first Broadway role was in the 1965 production of “Skyscraper,” alongside Julie Harris. Other notable Broadway performances by Marshall include “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man,” and “42nd Street.”

Marshall leaves behind his beloved wife Laurie, along with their three kids: Pete LaCock, a baseball player for both the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, and daughters Suzanne and Jaime. They also have twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren in their family. Sadly, his son David passed away due to COVID-19 complications in 2021.

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2024-08-15 23:31