Peter Marshall, the actor, singer, and long-time game show host known for his role on “The Hollywood Squares,” has passed away at the age of 98 due to kidney failure. His family shared the news of his death, which occurred at his home in Los Angeles on Thursday morning.
Over a remarkable span of 16 years, Marshall became synonymous with the game show format, hosting more than 5,000 episodes of “The Hollywood Squares,” which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1981. He was not only a game show host but also resembled a talk show host, utilizing the tic-tac-toe game as a backdrop for humor and banter. The questions he posed to regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel, and Joan Rivers were often crafted for comedic effect, making the series a staple of American television.
Reflecting on his experience, Marshall once described his role as “the easiest thing I’ve ever done in show business,” highlighting the lighthearted atmosphere he fostered. “The Hollywood Squares” became a cultural phenomenon, earning four Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Game Show during its run and inspiring multiple international adaptations and U.S. reboots. It featured a plethora of guest stars from various fields, including Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner, and Janet Leigh.
Marshall’s rapport with his fellow cast members, particularly with Gobel, was a notable aspect of the series, with Marshall acknowledging Gobel as his closest friend on the show.
Before achieving fame with “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall had an extensive career in entertainment, starting from his teenage years with big bands, performing with comedy duos, and acting in films as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox. Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Clarksburg, West Virginia, he lost his father at a young age and later moved to New York to join his mother, actress Joanne Dru.
After serving in World War II as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio, Marshall enjoyed a variety of roles, including significant parts in musical theater, before eventually stepping into the role of a game show host after an unexpected opportunity arose.
Upon concluding his tenure on “The Hollywood Squares,” Marshall hosted a few other game shows, but returned to his roots as a musical performer, notably starring in over 800 performances of “La Cage Aux Folles” and participating in the 1983 film version of “Annie.”
Marshall was married three times, with his last marriage to Laurie Stewart in 1989. The couple recovered from a severe case of COVID-19 in early 2021. He is survived by four children, numerous grandchildren, and his wife, Laurie.