Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall (March 30, 1926 – August 15, 2024), born Ralph Pierre LaCock in Huntington, West Virginia, was an American television host, singer and actor, best remembered as the host of The Hollywood Squares.

Marshall hosted the NBC game show from 1966 to 1981, more than 5,000 episodes. Celebrities such as Paul Lynde, George Gobel and Joan Rivers sat in a giant tic-tac-toe board, and his relaxed, talk-show style made their quips the real attraction. The show earned him several Daytime Emmy Awards.

Before television fame he worked in nightclubs as part of a comedy duo and appeared on Broadway, including the musical Skyscraper. He later returned to the stage in productions such as La Cage aux Folles and toured as a big-band singer.

His sister was actress Joanne Dru.

Marshall died of kidney failure at his home in Encino, Los Angeles, on August 15, 2024, at the age of 98.