Peter Marshall, originally named Ralph Pierre LaCock, was born on March 30, 1926, in Huntington, West Virginia. He gained fame as the host of "The Hollywood Squares," a popular game show he led for over 5,000 episodes. His versatile career spans eight decades, during which he also worked as an actor, singer, and television host.
Peter Marshall introduction to show business began in his teenage years when he moved to New York City. There, he joined his sister, actress Joanne Dru, and worked as a page for NBC Radio and an usher at Paramount Theater. After high school, he was drafted into the Army in 1944 and served in Italy during World War II. It was there that Peter Marshall began developing his hosting skills as a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio.
In 1949, Peter Marshall teamed up with comedian Tommy Noonan, and the duo became successful in nightclubs, theaters, and television. They made regular appearances on shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show." By the late 1950s, Peter Marshall film career expanded with roles in movies such as "Ensign Pulver," "The Rookie," "Swingin' Along/Double Trouble," and "The Cavern." He also played the role of Bert Healy in the 1982 film "Annie."
Peter Marshall stage career flourished as well. In 1961, he starred opposite Chita Rivera in the West End production of "Bye Bye Birdie." He made his Broadway debut in 1965 with "Skyscraper," performing alongside Julie Harris. His other musical theater credits include "High Button Shoes," "Anything Goes," ""The Music Man, and "42nd Street." In the 1980s, Peter took on the lead role of Georges in "La Cage Aux Folles," performing in over 800 shows on national tours and on Broadway. He also starred in Neil Simon’s play "Rumors" during a two-year national tour.
Peter Marshall most notable achievement came in 1966 when he became the host of "The Hollywood Squares," a game show that mixed humor and tic-tac-toe, featuring celebrities and contestants. The show became a television sensation for 15 years, with regulars like Paul Lynde and Joan Rivers, earning Peter multiple Emmy Awards. Following his success, Peter hosted other shows like "The Peter Marshall Variety Show," "Big Bands From Disneyland," "Fantasy" with Leslie Uggams, and game shows "All-Star Blitz" and "Yahtzee."
Aside from game shows, Peter Marshall appeared on several television series, including "The Love Boat," "WKRP In Cincinnati," "Burke’s Law," "The Lucy Show," "77 Sunset Strip," "Lou Grant," and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch." He also starred in the mini-series "Harold Robbins' 79 Park Avenue" and performed in a British production of "HMS Pinafore" with the London Symphony Orchestra.
Peter Marshall passion for music has been a lifelong journey. He began as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra at 15 and later headlined in Las Vegas. He produced and toured in big band shows and released albums like "Boy Singer," "No Happy Endings," and "Let’s Be Frank." For over 20 years, Peter hosted his own radio show on the Music of Your Life network and presented nostalgic music specials for PBS, including "The Big Band Years," "Starlight Ballroom," and "Perry Como Classics."
In recent years, Peter Marshall remained active in entertainment. He participated in a 50th-anniversary tribute to Betty White’s "Pet Set" and narrated the documentary "Wait For Your Laugh," which honored his friend Rose Marie, a fellow "Hollywood Squares" star. In 2002, Peter Marshall published his memoir, "Backstage with the Original Hollywood Square," reflecting on his storied career.
Peter Marshall has been married to his wife Laurie for 32 years. They reside in the Encino and Palm Springs areas of California, where they care for several pets. Peter Marshall is the father of four children—daughters Suzanne and Jaime, and sons Pete and David—and he has 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
FAQs
1. How old is Peter Marshall?
Peter Marshall was born on March 30, 1926, making him 98 years old as of 2024.
2. What is Peter Marshall best known for?
Peter Marshall is best known for hosting over 5,000 episodes of the game show "The Hollywood Squares" from 1966 to 1981.
3. Did Peter Marshall have any formal education in entertainment?
There is no record of formal education in entertainment, but Peter began his career early, gaining experience as a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio while serving in the Army during World War II.
4. Who are Peter Marshall parents and siblings?
Peter Marshall’s sister is actress Joanne Dru. There is no widely known information about his parents.
5. Is Peter Marshall married?
Yes, Peter Marshall has been married to his wife Laurie for 32 years.
6. Does Peter Marshall have children?
Peter Marshall has four children—daughters Suzanne and Jaime, and sons Pete and David. He also has 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
7. What is Peter Marshall nationality?
Peter Marshall is American.
8. What are some of the TV shows Peter Marshall appeared in?
Apart from "The Hollywood Squares," Peter appeared on "The Love Boat," "WKRP In Cincinnati," "Burke’s Law," "The Lucy Show," "77 Sunset Strip," "Lou Grant," and "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."
9. What theater productions has Peter Marshall been part of?
Peter Marshall starred in "Bye Bye Birdie," "Skyscraper," "High Button Shoes," "Anything Goes," "The Music Man," "42nd Street," and "La Cage Aux Folles."
10. What awards and achievements has Peter Marshall received?
Peter Marshall won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as the host of "The Hollywood Squares," and he has also had a long and successful career in music, theater, and television.
11. What is Peter Marshall real name?
Peter Marshall, originally named Ralph Pierre LaCock, was born on March 30, 1926, in Huntington, West Virginia
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