You know that guy who seems to have it all figured out? The one who’s been everywhere, done everything, and still comes off as humble and down-to-earth? Well, that was Peter Marshall. Born Ralph Pierre LaCock, this legendary entertainer carved out an incredible career in show business, and it all started when he was just a teenager. "I got my first job singing with the Bob Chester Band out of Detroit when I was 15," Peter told Closer in 2022. "I was out there on the road, making $50 a week, and I was as happy as a clam. Who wouldn’t be, right?"
But Peter’s journey wasn’t just about singing gigs. His mom, a costume designer, had started him and his sister Joanne Dru (yes, the Hollywood star) in dance classes when they were just five years old. "She was the one who really set us on this path," Peter recalled. "And look where it got us! Joanne became a huge star, and I? Well, let's just say I had a pretty lucky life." During World War II, Peter even sharpened his announcing chops on an Army radio station, proving that his talent wasn’t just limited to performing.
After the war, Peter returned to civilian life, adopting the stage name Peter Marshall. He teamed up with Tommy Noonan to form the comedy duo Noonan and Marshall, which quickly gained traction on TV and in films. But Broadway called his name too. Peter found himself performing in smash hits like Bye Bye Birdie, Skyscraper, and La Cage aux Folles, both in New York and London’s West End. "Hosting a game show? That wasn’t even on my radar," Peter admitted with a laugh. "But sometimes, life throws you a curveball you can’t ignore."
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How Peter Marshall Became the Face of ‘Hollywood Squares’: A Reluctant Star is Born
It all started in 1966 when Peter was asked to audition for Hollywood Squares, a show based in sunny California. "I thought it was just a 13-week gig," he explained. "I was out playing golf, so I showed up in shorts. That’s how casual I was about it." But life had other plans for him. By the time Peter returned to New York, he was in talks to star on Broadway in a musical adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Then the offer for Hollywood Squares came knocking again. "I said no, I don’t think I want to do it. I’d rather stick with Broadway," Peter recalled. "But then they dropped the bombshell: if I didn’t take the job, Dan Rowan was going to."
Now, here’s the kicker: Dan Rowan, of Laugh-In fame, wasn’t exactly Peter’s favorite person. "To be honest, I’ve only disliked two people in my entire life, and Dan Rowan was one of them," Peter admitted. The roots of their feud dated back to Rowan’s early days with comedy partner Dick Martin. "Tommy Noonan and I helped write their act. We even got them an agent and booked gigs for them," Peter explained. "But once they hit it big, Dan changed. When Tommy got sick with a brain tumor, Dick visited him, but Dan? Not once." So, the decision became crystal clear. "I said, ‘Screw Dan Rowan. I’ll do it.’"
And that’s how Peter Marshall became the face of Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981, earning four Daytime Emmy Awards along the way. "I loved every minute of it," Peter said. "It was one of the best things that ever happened to me." The show wasn’t just a job—it was a family. "We all became so close—Paul Lynde, Vincent Price, George Gobel, Ruta Lee, Karen Valentine. We even took vacations together every year. It was more than a show; it was a family."
Even in his later years, Peter couldn’t believe the life he’d lived. "My dad died at 36, so I never expected to live this long or have such a blessed life," he reflected. "But I’ve had an incredible family—my wife Laurie, my kids, my grandkids. They’ve been the reason I’ve kept going. I’ve had a very lucky life, and I’ll always be grateful for that."
