January 1, Game Show Icon Peter Marshall Passes Away at 98

America bids farewell to Peter Marshall, the legendary game show host who has now passed away at the age of 98 due to kidney failure. Born in the heartland state of West Virginia, Marshall, who was known for his full-length run on “The Hollywood Squares”, passed away peacefully at his home in Encino, California, says publicist Harlan Boll.

For an impressive 16 years, the charismatic and entertaining Marshall presented over 5,000 episodes of “The Hollywood Squares”, from 1966 to 1981. The scale of his contribution to the game show industry cannot be understated. In fact, according to ABC News, Marshall was pivotal in defining the role of the modern game show host.

Marshall, originally named Ralphi Pierre LaCock, was no stranger to the diverse facets of the entertainment business. He was a man of many talents – a singer, actor, and comedian all rolled into one. Prior to becoming a household name with “The Hollywood Squares”, his career adventures included tours with big bands, film roles, and stints on Broadway. His wit and charm made him popular among both the audience and fellow celebrities like Paul Lynde, George Gobel, and Joan Rivers.

Reflecting on his time on “The Hollywood Squares”, Marshall told Smashing Interviews Magazine in 2018 why the unique concept of the show resonated with audiences. He said, “It was very innovative. Nobody had ever seen nine stars together,” and he added, “We had a lot of humor involved. It was different, and it was fun. I thought it was a 13-week job, but it ran for 16 years on daytime and eight years on nighttime. It was a wonderful experience.”

Marshall also shared some behind-the-scenes secrets, revealing that comedian Paul Lynde frequently slipped in sexual innuendos into the show. Not all of these made it past the censors, but as Marshall pointed out, “a lot of things they didn’t understand, so we just did it.”

Marshall leaves behind a legacy that spans multiple generations. He is survived by his wife, Laurie Stewart, whom he married in 1989, his four children, 12 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. His life and career personify the American Dream, a vision of success and prosperity, leaving a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

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