Peter Marshall, Beloved Host of NBC’s ‘Hollywood Squares,’ Dies at 98

Peter Marshall, the iconic host of NBC’s beloved “Hollywood Squares” game show, has passed away at the age of 98.

Marshall died on Thursday morning from kidney failure, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Encino, Los Angeles. His family shared the news in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, courtesy of his publicist Harlan Boll.

“Although as Peter remarked, his cause of death should officially be of boredom,” the family humorously noted in the statement.

Before becoming a game-show legend at age 40, Marshall had a diverse career as an actor and singer. He hosted over 5,000 episodes of the Emmy-winning “Hollywood Squares” from 1966 to 1981. The show featured entertaining chitchat and inside jokes with comics like Joan Rivers, Rose Marie, and Paul Lynde, who was the show’s snarky center square. Hollywood stars such as Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner, and Janet Leigh were also guest participants.

In a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television, Marshall described “Hollywood Squares” as “the easiest thing I’ve ever done in show business,” adding, “I walked in, said ‘Hello stars,’ I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”

When “Hollywood Squares” was eventually canceled, Marshall turned to musical theater and live performances. He became a regular in touring productions of “La Cage aux Folles” and “42nd Street.” Despite the show’s later relaunch in syndication, Marshall did not return as host.

“Frankly, I was ready for some changes and was prepared for it,” Marshall told The Times in 1987. “I really didn’t, and don’t, miss that ‘TV star’ thing; it really wasn’t that important to me.”

Reflecting on his time with “Hollywood Squares,” he added, “What I do miss are the wonderful people I got to work with. There was Lynde, Vincent Price, Tony Randall, Betty White … just a great group. They made the show special because they all had style, the type of thing that separates the entities from the nonentities in this business.”

Marshall, who often referred to himself as a “depression kid,” was known for his strong work ethic. Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, he frequently moved as a child before settling in New York. His father, who passed away when Marshall was 10, occasionally sang in a minstrel act. Marshall’s sister, Joanne Dru, worked as a showgirl at the Copa Club.

To support the family, Marshall took on various jobs. His early career included singing with big bands, appearing in Las Vegas revues, and doing comedy work. He toured with the Bob Chester Orchestra at 15 and worked as a page and usher for NBC Radio and the Paramount Theater, respectively. During World War II, Marshall was drafted and stationed in Italy, where he served as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio.

In 1949, he teamed up with Tommy Noonan to form a comedy duo that performed in nightclubs and theaters. The duo gained television exposure on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Marshall also appeared in movies such as “The Rookie” (1959) and “Swingin’ Along” (1961). He starred opposite Chita Rivera in a 1962 West End production of “Bye Bye Birdie” in London and had his Broadway debut in the 1965 production of “Skyscraper” with Julie Harris. His other Broadway credits include “High Button Shoes,” “The Music Man,” and “42nd Street.”

Marshall is survived by his wife Laurie and three children: son Pete LaCock, who played professional baseball for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals, and daughters Suzanne and Jaime. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His son David passed away from complications due to COVID-19 in 2021.

Source: Los Angeles Times