Entertainment
Hollywood Squares Passes at 98 After Renowned Career and Battle with Kidney Failure
Clear Facts
- Peter Marshall, recognized for his time as the host on “The Hollywood Squares,” succumbed to kidney failure at 98.
- Marshall’s wide-ranging career featured acting, singing, and comedy, and he hosted a remarkable 5,000 episodes of “The Hollywood Squares” from 1966 to 1981.
- He is survived by his wife, Laurie Stewart, four children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Peter Marshall, a prominent figure best known as the host of “The Hollywood Squares.” At the age of 98, Marshall passed away due to kidney failure at his residence in Encino, California, confirmed by his publicist Harlan Boll.
From 1966 to 1981, spanning 16 years, Marshall charmed the American audience as the host of more than 5,000 episodes of “The Hollywood Squares.” He played an instrumental role in shaping the modern game show host persona.
Before his renowned role as the host of “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall, born Ralphi Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, boasted a diverse entertainment career. His talents as a singer, actor, and comedian graced numerous stages. Marshall was featured in big band tours, made appearances in films, and performed on the Broadway stage.
During his tenure as the host of “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall shared the spotlight with legendary figures such as Paul Lynde, George Gobel, Joan Rivers, and many more. Marshall once remarked, “Working with comics was easy for me.”
Reflecting on his time with “The Hollywood Squares” in 2018, Marshall shared insights into what made the show a hit. “It was very innovative. Nobody had ever seen nine stars together,” he stated. “We had a lot of humor involved. It was just different, and it was fun. I thought it was a 13-week job, and it ran for 16 years on daytime and eight years on nighttime. It was a wonderful experience.”
Marshall also discussed working with comedian Paul Lynde, who was known for subtly infusing sexual innuendos into the show. He revealed that while many things were edited out, there were some elements that went under the radar – “they didn’t understand, so we just did it.”
Peter Marshall’s legacy is not solely defined by his professional accomplishments. He is survived by his wife, Laurie Stewart, to whom he had been married since 1989, along with his four children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
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