Peter Marshall (1926-2024) American Game Show Host
Peter Marshall (1926-2024) American Game Show Host dies at 98, Find a Grave Peter Marshall, Peter Marshall find a grave, Peter Marshall grave, Peter Marshall Death and burial details.
Ralph Pierre LaCock better known by his stage name Peter Marshall, was an American game show host, television, radio personality, singer, and actor.
He was best known to television viewers as the host of the popular NBC daytime television game show “The Hollywood Squares” from 1966 to 1980. Born Ralph Pierre LaCock, after graduating from high school, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1944 and served in Italy. He was originally in artillery, but later turned to being a disc jockey in Naples. He was discharged in 1946 as a staff sergeant.
His television debut came in 1949 on the series “Let There Be Stars.” Besides his long affiliation with “The Hollywood Squares,” he went on to appear on television in such series as “Love, American Style,” “CHiPs,” and “The Love Boat.” In 1950, he made his film debut in “The Return of Jesse James.” His later film credits would such titles as “The Rookie,” “Ensign Pulver,” “Rabbit Test,” “Annie,” and “Last Dance.”
Peter Marshall
| Full Name | Ralph Pierre LaCock |
|---|---|
| Birth | 30 March 1926, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States |
| Death | 15 August 2024 (aged 98) Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Cause of Death | kidney failure |
| Known for | Original host of Hollywood Squares (1966–1981) |
| Spouses | Nadene R. Teaford (Married 1947; divorced 1973), Sally Carter-Ihnat (Married 1977; divorced 1983), Laurie Stewart (Married 1989) |
| Children | Pete LaCock, David LaCock, Suzanne LaCock, Jaime LaCock |
| Years active | (1950–2021) |
| Occupations | Actor, Singer, TV host and Radio personality |
| Nationality | American |
| Burial | Cremated. Specifically: Cremation via the Neptune Society. Ashes scattered at sea. |
During the 1950s, he earned his living as a part of a comedy team with Tommy Noonan, which made appearances in nightclubs, television variety shows, and films.
He also hosted several other television game shows during his career. During his career, he also did radio work and appeared on the Broadway theatrical stage in several productions. He retired from the entertainment industry in 2021 due to a bout with Covid-19. He passed away of kidney failure.
Peter Marshall Biography, Life and Career
Marshall was born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, to Ralph and Jean LaCock, a show business family, in Huntington, West Virginia. Following his father’s suicide when Marshall was ten, he moved to New York City to be with his mother, a costume designer.
After he graduated from high school, he was drafted into the Army in 1944 and stationed in Italy. He was originally in the artillery but was recruited to be a disc jockey at a radio station in Naples. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant.
His elder sister Joan became the film and television actress known as Joanne Dru. She was best known for her roles in such films as Red River, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and All the King’s Men.
Peter Marshall Career
Early career
In the 1950s, Marshall earned his living as part of a comedy act with Tommy Noonan, and they appeared in night clubs, on television variety shows, and in films including Starlift (1951), The Rookie (1959), and Swingin’ Along (1962).
Marshall appeared in the 1958 episode “The Big Hoax” of the syndicated television series Harbor Command. In 1963, he appeared as Lucy’s brother-in-law, Hughie, in The Lucy Show episode “Lucy’s Sister Pays A Visit.”
The Hollywood Squares
Although Marshall occasionally worked in film and television, he could not find regular work in the industry until his friend Morey Amsterdam recommended him to fill in for Bert Parks (who emceed the pilot) as the host of the game show The Hollywood Squares in 1966.
Though Marshall did not initially want the job, he took it in order to ensure that rival comic Dan Rowan would not get it. Marshall’s grudge stemmed back to when he and Noonan had written material for Rowan and Martin, but Rowan had shown virtually no respect to Noonan when Noonan fell terminally ill in the mid-1960s (as opposed to Dick Martin, who was fully supportive of Noonan’s fight).
He expected to spend 13 weeks as host, then return to Broadway, but ultimately hosted for 15 years and more than 5,000 episodes. The show was canceled in 1980, but production continued in syndication into 1981.
Television
Marshall was the host of his own short-lived syndicated music and comedy series, The Peter Marshall Variety Show, which aired during the 1976–1977 season in markets in the United States.
After the completion of the final run of The Hollywood Squares in 1981, Marshall continued working in game shows and playing character roles. He appeared on the game shows Fantasy (1982) with cohost Leslie Uggams, All-Star Blitz (1985), Yahtzee (1988), the “East Hollywood Squares” skit on In Living Color (1994), and Reel to Reel (1998).
In 1986, Marshall portrayed Bob Kenny, a game show host accused of murdering a game show contestant, on an episode “To Live and Die on TV” of Sledge Hammer!.
In 1989, Marshall hosted the unaired pilot for 3rd Degree! (a Burt & Bert Production in association with Kline & Friends). When the series was picked up for syndication, show producer Bert Convy decided to leave his position as the host of the syndicated edition of Win, Lose or Draw and take Marshall’s place on 3rd Degree without informing Marshall. Marshall filed a lawsuit against Convy for the action but later dropped it after Convy’s diagnosis of terminal brain cancer was made public.
In 2002, he returned to the new version of The Hollywood Squares as a panelist during a Game Show Week hosted by Tom Bergeron. Marshall occupied the prestigious center square. For one day that week, Marshall took his old position at the podium to host while Bergeron was the center square.
Other Work
Marshall hosted a popular mid-day radio show for more than 15 years on the Music of Your Life radio network. Marshall, along with co-host, singer Debby Boone, are featured in a successful infomercial presented by Time Life, the Music of Your Life Collection. Featuring hit songs from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, the infomercial was re-released in 2016 after selling more than a million CDs a few years prior.
In 1979, Marshall sang “Back Home Again in Indiana” at the Indianapolis 500. That same year, he played Dr. Todd Gardner, author of a bestseller, on The Love Boat.
In 1982, he had a small role in the film adaptation of Annie as radio announcer Bert Healy.
In 2002, Marshall published a book about his experiences, Backstage With The Original Hollywood Square. In 2009, he appeared on television promoting compact disc hits from the Big Band era and also hosted a two-hour PBS special, The Big Band Years. In 2010, Marshall, along with Monty Hall and Wink Martindale, appeared with their wives on a special Game Show Legend version of The Newlywed Game. The special was hosted by Bob Eubanks; the Martindales won the game.
In 2012, Marshall hosted an entertainment-filled memorial service in Branson, Missouri, for singer Andy Williams. In 2014, Marshall returned to West Virginia to host four games of The West Virginia Squares as part of Charleston’s FestivALL. The game, which featured questions about the state’s history, included West Virginia notables such as Joyce Dewitt and Landon Murphy. In 2017, he narrated the Rose Marie documentary film Wait for Your Laugh.
Marshall retired from the entertainment industry in 2021, following a bout with COVID-19.
Theater
Marshall’s Broadway credits include Skyscraper and La Cage aux Folles. In London’s 1962 West End production, Marshall appeared in the stage musical Bye Bye Birdie, a satire on American popular culture in the 1950s inspired by singer Elvis Presley receiving a draft notice into the Army. Marshall played the lead character of Albert Peterson, who writes a song for the pop-singing sensation Conrad Birdie (played by Marty Wilde), opposite Chita Rivera. The production ran for 268 performances.
Peter Marshall Personal life
Marshall married his third wife, Laurie Stewart, on Saturday, August 19, 1989, and had four children and two stepchildren from his previous marriages. He had a home in Palm Desert, California. His son Pete is a former Major League Baseball player. The retired first baseman spent nine years playing for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.
Diagnosed with COVID-19 in January 2021 and discharged from a hospital in February in what was considered a hospice situation, Marshall survived the virus at home with a new doctor and 24-hour nursing care. Marshall’s 68-year-old son, David LaCock, died in August 2021 from COVID-19, in Hawaii.
Peter Marshall Death
Marshall died of kidney failure at his home in Encino, Los Angeles, California, on August 15, 2024, at the age of 98.
Peter Marshall Cause of Death
kidney failure.
Peter Marshall Find a Grave
Cremated. Specifically: Cremation via the Neptune Society. Ashes scattered at sea.
Awards
Marshall won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host four times. In 2006 he received the annual Bill Cullen Award for Lifetime Achievement, from the non-profit organization Game Show Congress. On October 13, 2007, Marshall was one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in Las Vegas.
In November 2013, Marshall was inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. He was introduced by Nick Clooney.
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FAQs About Peter Marshall
Q: Who was Peter Marshall?
A: Peter Marshall, born Ralph Pierre LaCock, was an American game show host, television and radio personality, singer, and actor. He is best known for being the original host of The Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s real name?
A: Peter Marshall was born Ralph Pierre LaCock. He adopted his stage name, Peter Marshall, early in his career.
Q: How did Peter Marshall get his stage name?
A: Peter Marshall’s stage name was given to him by John Robert Powers. The name Marshall was initially chosen for Peter’s sister, Joanne Dru, who later used that name. Peter paired it with an anglicized version of his middle name.
Q: Where was Peter Marshall born?
A: Peter Marshall was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on March 30, 1926.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s early life like?
A: Peter Marshall’s father died when he was ten, and he moved to New York City with his mother, a costume designer. He was drafted into the Army in 1944, served in Italy, and worked as a disc jockey before being discharged in 1946.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s first major role in television?
A: Peter Marshall’s first major role was as the host of The Hollywood Squares, which he began in 1966. He hosted the show for 15 years and over 5,000 episodes.
Q: Did Peter Marshall have any other notable television appearances?
A: Yes, in addition to The Hollywood Squares, Peter Marshall appeared on various game shows, including Fantasy, All-Star Blitz, and Yahtzee. He also had roles in shows like Sledge Hammer! and participated in specials such as The Big Band Years.
Q: What were some of Peter Marshall’s achievements in game shows?
A: Peter Marshall won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host four times and was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007. He also received the Bill Cullen Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2006.
Q: What other work did Peter Marshall do outside of game shows?
A: Besides game shows, Peter Marshall had a successful career as a Broadway actor, appearing in shows like Skyscraper and La Cage aux Folles. He also hosted a popular mid-day radio show and sang at events like the Indianapolis 500.
Q: When did Peter Marshall retire?
A: Peter Marshall retired from the entertainment industry in 2021 after a bout with COVID-19.
Q: When and where did Peter Marshall pass away?
A: Peter Marshall passed away on August 15, 2024, at his home in Encino, Los Angeles, California, due to kidney failure. He was 98 years old.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s role on The Hollywood Squares?
A: Peter Marshall was the host of The Hollywood Squares, where he moderated the game show and interacted with celebrities seated in a tic-tac-toe board configuration. His engaging style and wit contributed to the show’s popularity.
Q: How did Peter Marshall’s career begin in show business?
A: Peter Marshall began his career in the 1950s performing in a comedy act with Tommy Noonan. They appeared in nightclubs, television variety shows, and films.
Q: Did Peter Marshall have any notable family members?
A: Yes, his elder sister Joan became the film and television actress known as Joanne Dru, famous for her roles in films such as Red River and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.
Q: What were some of Peter Marshall’s achievements in theater?
A: On Broadway, Peter Marshall appeared in productions such as Skyscraper and La Cage aux Folles. He also played the lead role in the West End production of Bye Bye Birdie in 1962.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s involvement with radio?
A: Peter Marshall hosted a popular mid-day radio show on the Music of Your Life radio network for over 15 years. He also appeared in an infomercial for the Music of Your Life Collection, which featured popular songs from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
Q: Did Peter Marshall write any books?
A: Yes, in 2002, Peter Marshall published a book titled Backstage With The Original Hollywood Square, which shared his experiences and behind-the-scenes stories from his career.
Q: What kind of roles did Peter Marshall play in films?
A: Peter Marshall had roles in various films, including a small role as Bert Healy in the film adaptation of Annie and appeared in movies like Starlift and The Rookie.
Q: Was Peter Marshall involved in any charity or special events?
A: Yes, Peter Marshall hosted a memorial service for singer Andy Williams in 2012 and participated in local events such as The West Virginia Squares during Charleston’s FestivALL in 2014.
Q: How did Peter Marshall handle his health challenges?
A: Peter Marshall was diagnosed with COVID-19 in January 2021. Despite severe health issues, including being discharged to hospice care, he survived the virus at home with the help of a new doctor and 24-hour nursing care.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s connection to West Virginia?
A: Peter Marshall was born in Huntington, West Virginia. In 2014, he returned to his home state to host a local version of The Hollywood Squares at Charleston’s FestivALL.
Q: What was Peter Marshall’s role in the infomercial by Time Life?
A: Peter Marshall, along with co-host Debby Boone, was featured in a successful Time Life infomercial for the Music of Your Life Collection, which showcased hit songs from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.