Peter Marshall, a beloved figure in American television, passed away on Thursday due to kidney failure.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Marshall, famed for his 16 years as the host of "The Hollywood Squares," died at his home in Encino, California at the age of 98.
Marshall was born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The entertainment industry would one day celebrate him under a different moniker. Raised in Huntington, West Virginia, he moved to New York at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of a storied career.
Before his iconic stint on television, Marshall served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Naples, Italy. His early entertainment work included a successful comedy duo with Tommy Noonan. His ventures into music and stage acting set the stage for his later television success.
Marshall’s Broadway appearances were notable, starring in the musical comedy "Skyscraper" before he ventured into television. This period honed his skills and prepared him for a seamless transition to the small screen.
In 1966, Peter Marshall began his tenure as the host of "The Hollywood Squares," a role that would define his career. Over the next 15 years, he would host approximately 6,000 episodes, becoming a household name with his distinctive velvet voice.
His effortless charm and witty banter made the show a hit, earning him four Daytime Emmy Awards. Marshall once described the job as "the easiest I ever had," highlighting how naturally the role came to him.
"Well, I ran 16 years [on Hollywood Squares] and Breakfast at Tiffany’s closed in Boston. You never know," Marshall once remarked, showcasing his humorous, often self-deprecating take on his career's longevity compared to other entertainment ventures.
His reflections were not always humorous; in a 2010 interview, he revealed, "I’ve only disliked two people in my life; Dan Rowan was one of them," sharing a glimpse into the personal challenges faced during his career.
Despite his television success, Marshall's first passion was always music. "I always wanted to be a singer from the get-go. I can always remember music being important in my life," he said during an interview with the TV Archive.
His musical talent was recognized in the film "Starlift," where despite critical panning of the film, Time magazine noted it was worth the price of admission just to see Noonan & Marshall perform.
Off-screen, Marshall's life was filled with both personal joys and sorrows. He was a family man, fathering Suzanne, Jaime, Pete LaCock, and David, who tragically died in 2021 due to COVID complications.
In 2007, his contributions to the game show genre were officially recognized when he was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame.
In his later years, Marshall remained connected to the entertainment community, supporting various charities.
Donations in his memory have been directed towards Actors & Others for Animals, the Lange Foundation, and the Mercy Kids Therapy and Development Center.
As the news of his passing spreads, tributes from fans, former colleagues, and family members continue to highlight his impact not only on television but also on those who knew him personally.
