‘Hollywood Squares’ Host and Broadway Star Peter Marshall Passes Away at 98

Peter Marshall, the renowned actor and singer who became a beloved game show host, has passed away at the age of 98. He died on Thursday due to kidney failure at his home in Encino, Los Angeles, as confirmed by his publicist Harlan Boll.

Marshall is best known for his role as the straight man on “The Hollywood Squares,” a groundbreaking game show that aired on NBC from 1966 to 1981. Over 5,000 episodes were produced during his tenure, establishing him as a smooth and professional host who still kept the mood light and enjoyable.

Unlike typical game shows, Marshall’s approach often resembled that of a talk show host. The tic-tac-toe format of the game served merely as an entertaining backdrop for the witty exchanges and humorous interactions he facilitated among the contestants. He frequently posed questions to regulars such as Paul Lynde, Joan Rivers, and George Gobel, crafting setups that allowed for comedic punchlines before revealing the legitimate answers.

In a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television, Marshall reflected on his experience, stating, “It was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in show business. I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,’ I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”

“The Hollywood Squares” quickly became an iconic part of American culture, contributing to Marshall’s rise to fame. The show was recognized with four Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show, and it inspired numerous international adaptations as well as several reboots in the United States. In addition to its regular cast of character actors—such as Charlie Weaver and Wally Cox—the series also welcomed a diverse range of celebrity guest stars, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, and Janet Leigh.

Marshall built a warm rapport with many of the show’s regulars, but he held a particularly close friendship with George Gobel. He fondly tweeted in 2021 that Gobel was his “closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!”

Remarkably, by the time Marshall took the role of host at age 40, he had already amassed a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry. He began performing with big bands as a teenager and was part of multiple comedy teams that graced nightclubs and television. Moreover, he appeared as a contract player in films for Twentieth Century Fox and displayed his singing talents in various Broadway musicals.

Reflecting on his career, Marshall mentioned, “I am a singer first; I am not a game show host. That was just a freak opportunity.” He had been involved in Broadway productions before being given the chance to audition for “The Hollywood Squares.” What he expected to be a short engagement evolved into a 16-year stint.

Initially, “The Hollywood Squares” maintained a more conservative tone, but the introduction of punchlines for Lynde, the center square and comedic force, transformed the show. One memorable exchange set the tone for the years that followed:

Marshall asked, “Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather?” to which Lynde humorously replied, “Because chiffon wrinkles.”

This change allowed Marshall to thrive as a straight man, showcasing his ability to work effortlessly with comedians.

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall’s early life was marked by moves around the state, including stints in Wheeling and Huntington. Following his father’s death at age 10, he lived with his grandparents while his mother and sister, actress Joanne Dru, pursued careers in New York City. He eventually followed them to the city.

At just 15, Marshall was already touring as a singer with the Bob Chester Orchestra and had various gigs, including working as an NBC Radio page and ushering at the Paramount Theater. He served in World War II, where he began his broadcasting career as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio while stationed in Italy. In 1949, he teamed up with Tommy Noonan to form a comedy duo that appeared on several popular platforms, including “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

Though he faced challenges in landing major film roles during the 1950s, he found success in musical theatre. Marshall starred alongside Chita Rivera in the London production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in 1962 and made his Broadway debut in “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris in 1965.

Following his stint on “The Hollywood Squares,” he hosted several other short-lived game shows but largely returned to musical theatre, where he appeared in over 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” on Broadway and on tour, in addition to his role in the film adaptation of “Annie” released in 1983.

He married three times, with his last marriage to Laurie Stewart in 1989. They both recovered from a serious bout of COVID-19 in early 2021. He is survived by his four children, including son Pete LaCock, who played professional baseball, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.