Back in 1966, Peter Marshall walked into his audition for "Hollywood Squares" wearing shorts, fresh from a day on the golf course. "I figured there was no way they’d hire me," he told Closer. "And then I headed back to New York to star in Breakfast at Tiffany's on Broadway." But life had other plans for this legendary entertainer. Little did Peter know that this impromptu audition would lead to a 15-year run as the beloved host of the iconic game show, not to mention hosting its nighttime syndicated version for a full decade.
At 95 years old, Peter looks back fondly on his time with "Hollywood Squares." What started as what he thought would be a 13-week gig turned into a career-defining role. "The show's quirky, hilarious celebrities were the perfect foil for my calm demeanor," Peter recalls. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In the beginning, they faced stiff competition from reruns of "The Dick Van Dyke Show." "We struggled for about nine months," Peter admits. "But then, slowly, we started to grow, and before we knew it, we were a major hit."
A Day in the Life of Hosting Hollywood Squares
So, Peter, was hosting "Hollywood Squares" as fun as it looked?
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Oh, it was a blast! It didn’t feel like work at all. We’d tape a show, take a quick 15-minute break, and then do another one. We’d often squeeze in lunch or dinner between shows. We could churn out five shows in just five hours. It was incredibly efficient for me. I didn’t need to rehearse. All I did was come in, go over the questions, and we were ready to roll. That’s all there was to it."
Building Lifelong Friendships
How did you get along with the regular celebrity panelists?
"We got along great! I formed some of the most cherished friendships on that show. Wally Cox and I went to P.S. 165 together in New York. Paul Lynde and I go way back to when he was struggling in New York. George Gobel was one of my closest friends. I’ve known Vincent Price since I was 18. And then there were the amazing women like Karen Valentine and Ruta Lee—we became like family. Every year, we’d all take a vacation together. We went to Jamaica, Canada, and many other places. Those were some of the best times of my life. I made lifelong friendships there."
Difficult Celebrities: The Exceptions
Were there any celebrities you didn’t enjoy working with?
"Like in any job, there were a couple of difficult personalities. Eva Gabor was delightful, but Zsa Zsa Gabor? Let’s just say she wasn’t the easiest to work with. She demanded a car for every appearance, among other things. But honestly, 99 percent of the celebrities were fantastic. There are a few others I could mention, but I’d rather focus on the positive."
Did the stars really drink between shows?
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"Absolutely. We’d tape three shows, then take a dinner break. While I’m not much of a drinker, Paul Lynde would enjoy a glass of wine. By the time we got to the Thursday and Friday shows, the atmosphere was electric. People were relaxed, having a few drinks, and it made for some of the funniest episodes. Those late shows always had a certain magic to them."
A Rival Host and Personal Resentment
Is it true you only agreed to host "Hollywood Squares" so Dan Rowan of "Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In" wouldn’t get the job?
"That’s absolutely true. In my entire life, I’ve only disliked two people, and Dan Rowan was one of them. They told me that if I didn’t take the job, Dan Rowan would be the host. I said, 'Forget Dan Rowan.'"
Why did you feel so strongly about Dan Rowan?
"It goes back to my early career when I teamed up with Tommy Noonan. We created a comedy act that became quite popular, and we wrote material for Dan Rowan and Dick Martin. They became Rowan and Martin and eventually landed "Laugh-In." But then tragedy struck—Tommy developed a brain tumor. Dick Martin was incredibly supportive, sending money and visiting Tommy regularly. Dan Rowan, however, never visited once during Tommy’s final eight months. That broke my heart and fueled my dislike for Dan Rowan."
Accepting Change: New Hosts for a New Era
Were you upset when "Hollywood Squares" was revived in the mid-1980s with a new host?
"Not at all. By that point, I had moved on to new projects on Broadway. Besides, my good friend John Davidson took over, and I think he did an excellent job. I also admire Tom Bergeron. He’s a fantastic host, and I’m thrilled with how he carried the torch."
Beyond Hollywood Squares: A Life in the Theater
People know you best from "Hollywood Squares," but you’ve had a long and illustrious career in theater. Tell us about that.
"Absolutely. I had the privilege of starring with Chita Rivera in London in Bye Bye Birdie and with Julie Harris on Broadway. But until "Hollywood Squares," I couldn’t sell four tickets on my own. That game show made me a household name. Still, theater has always been my true love. It’s where my heart lies."
The Secrets to Longevity in Hollywood
What’s your secret to such a long and successful career in Hollywood?
"I don’t know if I have one specific secret. I just keep doing things. If you ask me what I do for a living, I’d say I’m a singer first. Then I’m an actor. And then I’m a game show host. But singing has always been my greatest passion."
Do you ever plan to fully retire?
"Well, this past year has been tough. I had COVID in January, followed by pneumonia. I’m finally starting to feel better, but at my age, recovery isn’t easy. So, yes, I’m officially retired now."
Who helped you through your illness?
"My wife and my children have been incredible. My wife has been taking care of me, and I’m getting better every day because of the immense love I have in my life."
Love and Family
How did you meet your wife, Laurie?
"I met Laurie while I was performing in La Cage aux Folles. She worked for TWA and happened to be seated next to me in first class. She had seen me in La Cage and assumed I was gay! That was how we met. I was 60, and she was 25,
