Peter Marshall, the celebrated host of the iconic game show Hollywood Squares, passed away on Thursday at the age of 97 due to kidney failure. Marshall, an Emmy Award-winning host with an eight-decade career in entertainment, died peacefully at his home in Encino, surrounded by his loved ones, according to his publicist, Harlan Boll.
Born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall was best known for hosting over 5,000 episodes of Hollywood Squares during its original 15-year run. His quick wit and charm made him a beloved figure in American television. Marshall humorously once remarked that he hoped his official cause of death would be listed as “boredom,” reflecting the light-hearted spirit that endeared him to audiences.
Marshall’s storied career began as a teenager, influenced by his sister, Joanne Dru, who had found success in modeling and acting. After being drafted into the Army in 1944, he served as a disc jockey for Armed Forces Radio in Italy. Upon returning to the U.S., Marshall teamed up with comedian Tommy Noonan, and the duo performed across nightclubs, theaters, and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
In the 1950s, Marshall became a contract player at Twentieth Century Fox, appearing in films such as The Rookie, Swingin’ Along, and Ensign Pulver. His talents extended to the stage as well, where he starred in productions like Bye Bye Birdie and La Cage aux Folles, performing more than 800 shows.
As a singer, Marshall released albums including Boy Singer and Let’s Be Frank. For over 20 years, he hosted a program on the Music of Your Life radio network, continuing his engagement with audiences nationwide.
In 2002, Marshall published a memoir, Backstage with the Original Hollywood Square, giving fans a deeper look into his life and career. He also narrated the 2017 documentary Wait for Your Laugh, which chronicled the life of Rose Marie, a regular on Hollywood Squares.
Marshall is survived by his wife of 35 years, Laurie, daughters Suzanne Browning and Jaime Dimarco, and son Pete LaCock. He was a grandfather of 12 and a great-grandfather of nine. He is also remembered fondly by his caregiver, Louis Soto. Marshall’s son, David LaCock, passed away in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Actors & Others for Animals, the Lange Foundation, or Mercy Kids Therapy and Development Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Details of a memorial service have not yet been announced.
