Peter Marshall, Host of ‘The Hollywood Squares,’ Passes Away at 98

Peter Marshall, the charming host known for overseeing NBC’s iconic game show The Hollywood Squares for 16 years, has passed away at the age of 98. His family disclosed that he died on Thursday due to kidney failure at his home in Encino.

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Marshall came from humble beginnings. He was raised by his grandmother in Huntington, West Virginia, after his father, a pharmacist, passed away when Marshall was just 10 years old.

An accomplished singer, Marshall’s career began on Broadway, where he starred in the Tony-nominated musical Skyscraper alongside Julie Harris. Shortly after, he was offered the role of host for The Hollywood Squares, a show created by Merrill Heatter and Bob Quigley. Initially uninterested in the position, Marshall changed his mind when he discovered that comedian Dan Rowan was also a contender for the job.

Marshall’s stint on The Hollywood Squares began on October 17, 1966, and lasted until 1981. Over this period, he hosted around 6,000 episodes, winning four Daytime Emmy Awards along the way. He often taped five shows a week, saying, “It was the easiest job I ever had, and I never rehearsed.”

The format of the show was simple yet engaging. It featured a large tic-tac-toe board filled with nine celebrities, and contestants had to win squares by agreeing or disagreeing with the celebrities’ answers to questions posed by Marshall. The show included notable entertainers, like Paul Lynde, Rose Marie, and Cliff Arquette, who all found continued success in their appearances.

Marshall’s career was not limited to The Hollywood Squares. After its conclusion, he hosted several other game shows, including Fantasy with Leslie Uggams, All-Star Blitz, and Yahtzee. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007, solidifying his status as a television icon.

Beyond his game show legacy, Marshall’s early artistic influences shaped his career. At 14, he worked as an usher at the Paramount Theater, where he developed a passion for music. After moving to New York to join his mother, who was striving to help his sister’s modeling career, Marshall became an NBC page, eventually assisting on various programs.

From there, he was drafted into the Army during World War II, serving as a disc jockey and program director for Armed Forces Radio in Italy. Upon his return to civilian life, Marshall formed a comedy duo with Tommy Noonan, performing successfully in nightclubs around Los Angeles and New York.

Marshall’s successful career as a performer included multiple film appearances, such as Jesse James and Starlift. He also became prominent in theater, participating in productions like Bye Bye Birdie and portraying Georges in La Cage Aux Folles on Broadway for more than 800 performances.

Throughout his life, Marshall remained dedicated to music, recording albums and hosting a radio show titled Music of Your Life, which showcased tunes from the 1930s and ’40s. In 2002, he penned his autobiography titled Backstage With the Original Hollywood Square, further sharing his extensive experience in show business.

Marshall is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie, and three children: Suzanne, Jaime, and Pete LaCock, a former MLB player. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Tragically, his son David passed away in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications.

In memory of Peter Marshall, contributions can be made to Actors & Others for Animals, the Lange Foundation, or the Mercy Kids Therapy and Development Center.