Peter Marshall: Original Host of Hollywood Squares Dies at 98

Peter Marshall was an American game show host, singer and actor, best known as the original host of The Hollywood Squares. Born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, he became one of television's most recognizable and relaxed emcees.

Marshall hosted The Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981, presiding over more than 5,000 episodes, and won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host four times. In 1962 he played Albert Peterson in the West End production of Bye Bye Birdie. He was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in 2013.

Marshall was the brother of actress Joanne Dru and the father of former Major League Baseball player Pete LaCock. He married Laurie Stewart in 1989. He died of kidney failure at his home in Encino, California, on August 15, 2024, at age 98. Remembered for his quick wit and warmth, he helped make the center square a household name.

Achievements: Hosted The Hollywood Squares for more than 5,000 episodes (1966-1981), starred in Bye Bye Birdie in the West End (1962), won four Daytime Emmy Awards for hosting, inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame (2007).

Birth: March 30, 1926 - Clarksburg, West Virginia.

Profession: Game show host, singer and actor.

Interesting Facts: He took the Hollywood Squares job expecting it to last 13 weeks, partly to keep a rival comedian from getting it. His stage name was chosen by a talent coach and was first intended for his sister.