Peter MarshallDead at 98 …Legendary Game Show Host
Peter Marshall, a veteran game show host renowned for his role on “Hollywood Squares,” has passed away,
According to a statement released by his publicist, the host died from kidney failure at his home in Encino on Thursday, with his family by his side.
The family has been bidding farewell to Peter in recent days, and he was able to converse with them until the moment he passed away.
Marshall started his professional journey as a radio disc jockey while serving in the armed forces. In 1949, he partnered with fellow comedian Tommy Noonan, and together they entertained audiences at numerous nightclubs. Their talent also earned them spots on popular variety shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
In the mid-1960s, Peter secured his most famous role when he was invited to host “Hollywood Squares,” a comedic game show resembling tic-tac-toe that included nine celebrities and two contestants. He served in this capacity from 1966 until 1981, overseeing over 6,000 episodes.
PM received four Daytime Emmy Awards for his work on ‘HS’; however, his passion for acting remained strong, leading him to leave the show in 1981 to seek opportunities on Broadway.
In the 1980s, he took on the lead role of Georges in “La Cage Aux Folles,” delivering over 800 performances across New York City and during the National Tour.
Marshall has an impressive array of stage credits, including productions such as “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Anything Goes,” “The Music Man,” and “42nd Street.” In addition to his theatrical accomplishments, he has a notable list of screen credits, featuring titles like “Annie,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “The Love Boat,” “CHiPs,” and “Fantasy Island,” among others.
Peter retired in 2021 following his struggle with COVID-19, and sources indicate that those close to him were worried about his potential passing. He managed to recover, but continued to face health challenges in the subsequent years, despite not succumbing to complications from the virus.
Marshall is survived by his wife, Laurie, along with his daughters Suzanne and Jaime, son Pete, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was 98.
RIP
