Peter Marshall passed away at the age of 98
Peter Marshall, the beloved host of the iconic game show “Hollywood Squares,” has passed away at the age of 98. He died on August 15, 2024, at his home in Encino, California, due to kidney failure, as confirmed by his publicist Harlan Boll.
Born Ralph Pierre LaCock on March 30, 1926, in Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall began his career in entertainment as a teenager, working as an NBC Radio page and ushering at the Paramount Theater in New York City. After graduating high school, he was drafted into the Army in 1944 and served as a disc jockey for Armed Forces Radio.
Marshall gained fame as the host of “Hollywood Squares,” where he presided over more than 5,000 episodes from 1966 to 1981. The show featured a unique format where celebrities participated in a tic-tac-toe game, answering questions and engaging in humorous banter.
Notable panelists included Paul Lynde, Joan Rivers, and Rich Little. Reflecting on his experience, Marshall once remarked, “It was the easiest thing I’ve ever done in show business. I walked in, said ‘Hello, stars,’ I read questions and laughed. And it paid very well.”
In addition to his work on “Hollywood Squares,” Marshall had a diverse career that included acting in films such as “Ensign Pulver” and “The Rookie,” and performing in Broadway productions like “Skyscraper” alongside Julie Harris and “Bye Bye Birdie” with Chita Rivera. He also hosted various other shows, including “The Peter Marshall Variety Show” and “Fantasy Island.”
Marshall’s tenure as a game show host came to an end when “Hollywood Squares” was canceled in 1981, a decision he attributed to network executive Fred Silverman, who had a longstanding disdain for the show. Despite this setback, Marshall continued to work in entertainment, performing in Las Vegas and touring with productions like “La Cage aux Folles.”
In January 2021, Marshall and his wife Laurie were diagnosed with COVID-19. Initially treated at home, Marshall’s condition worsened, leading to hospitalization.
Ultimately, he was discharged to spend his final days at home, surrounded by family and pets, rather than alone in a hospital. Marshall later credited the medical team that cared for him at home with saving his life after a battle with pneumonia and sepsis.
Peter Marshall is survived by his wife Laurie, daughters Suzanne Browning and Jaime Dimarco, and son Pete LaCock, a former professional baseball player. He was predeceased by his son David LaCock in 2021. Marshall leaves behind a legacy of laughter and joy, having touched the lives of many through his work in television and theater.
