Peter Marshall, a cornerstone in American television history, has died at 98.
According to the New York Post, Peter Marshall passed away due to kidney failure at his Los Angeles home, leaving behind a legacy adorned with laughter and stardom.
His career was most notably defined by his role as the host of "The Hollywood Squares," where his charismatic presence and comic timing shone across 5,000 episodes spanning from 1966 to 1981. Under his stewardship, the show not only captivated millions but also scooped four Daytime Emmy Awards, securing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
Before he became a television icon, Peter Marshall was a singer and actor. He toured with big bands and performed in Broadway musicals, laying the groundwork for his diverse career in show business.
Moreover, he initially took on the role of a straight man in his transition to television, but the introduction of humor soon transformed the show’s dynamic.
Later, as humor became a central theme of "The Hollywood Squares," Marshall adeptly switched hats from a mere presenter to a master showman, orchestrating interactions with stars such as Paul Lynde, Aretha Franklin, and Mel Brooks.
Peter Marshall looked back fondly on his time as a game show host while emphasizing his roots in music. "I am a singer first, I am not a game show host, that was just a freak opportunity," he once explained about his career trajectory that led him unexpectedly into television.
Reflecting on his stint at "The Hollywood Squares," Peter Marshall shared in 2010:
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.
Despite viewing his role as a temporary stint, his sixteen years on the show made him a beloved figure in American homes. His rapport with fellow star and close friend George Gobel was especially significant, epitomizing the chemistry that made the show a success. "It’s no secret he was my closest friend on Hollywood Squares and my absolute all-time favorite Square!" Marshall once revealed about Gobel.
The series’ evolution from a strait-laced format to one rich with comedy suited Marshall's skills perfectly, as working with comedians was second nature to him. “That changed the whole thing...I had been a straight man. So working with comics was easy for me,” he said, describing the transition.
Off-screen, Peter Marshall's life was as full as his public persona. Married three times, and his final marriage was with Laurie Stewart in 1989. He also faced significant health challenges, including a battle with COVID-19 in 2021, from which he remarkably recovered.
Marshall leaves behind a family of four children, including Pete LaCock, a former professional baseball player, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom inherit his rich legacy of entertainment and charisma.
Peter Marshall's contribution to the television and entertainment industry remains indelibly marked by his versatility and enduring charm. From his early days in music and theater to his defining role as a game show host, his career spanned a spectrum of artistic endeavors, earning him a revered place in American cultural history. His death is not only the loss of a great entertainer but of a beloved figure who brought joy to many through his unique blend of wit and warmth.
