LEGEND LOST
The Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall dies at 98 from ‘kidney failure’ at LA home
Plus, more about his legacy
THE HOLLYWOOD Squares host Peter Marshall has died at 98 years old.
In addition to his long history with the NBC game show, Peter was a singer and a Broadway actor.
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His family announced that the 98-year-old died from kidney failure, as reported by his publicist, Harlan Boll.
The former game show host died early on Thursday at his home in Encino, Los Angeles.
Born Ralph Pierre LaCock in West Virginia, Peter Marshall made a name for himself as a singer.
"I always wanted to be a singer from the get-go. I can always remember music being important in my life," he said in a TV interview.
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However, the musician soon became widely known as the game show host for The Hollywood Squares from 1966 until 1981, winning four Emmy Awards.
Speaking about his job over the 16 years, Peter revealed at the time that he only worked once a week.
"It was the easiest job I ever had, and I never rehearsed," Peter said in a 2010 interview for the Archive of American Television.
"I walked in, said 'Hello stars,' I read questions and laughed.
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"And it paid very well."
Before he became the host America knew and loved, Peter was the leading man in the Broadway musical Skyscraper alongside Julie Harris.
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When Peter took on the role of game show host, he didn't think it would last as long as it did.
He said it "was just a freak opportunity" to the Herald-Dispatch of Huntington in 2013.
"I had been on Broadway with Julie Harris and was going back to Broadway when I did the audition, and I thought it was a few weeks but that turned into 16 years."
In 2002, Peter returned to a remake of The Hollywood Squares as a panelist.
Peter is survived by his wife, Laurie Stewart, and his four children, including Pete LaCock, former first baseman of the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.
TOUCHING TRIBUTES
After news broke of the game show host's death, fans rushed to social media to share their condolences.
"Awww... another thread of life fabric unraveled," wrote one fan, adding, "Rest well Mr. Marshall. Such a talented man, and such class."
Game show icon!!! Nice he lived a long life. Rest in peace #PeterMarshall," wrote another.
Author Morgan Evans paid a touching tribute on X.
"Rest in peace to my friend, Peter Marshall," he began his post.
"I was very lucky to have gotten to know Peter over these last six years and I will miss him deeply.
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Morgan went on to reveal he is dating Peter's granddaughter and that the beloved host, "embraced me like family.
"Incredibly grateful that I was able to spend time with such a legend."
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