It’s with heavy hearts that we share the news of Peter Marshall's passing. The legendary TV host, best known for his iconic tenure on The Hollywood Squares, has left us. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, August 15.
Peter Marshall, a man who lit up TV screens for decades, was 98 years old. His publicist, Harlan Boll, revealed that he passed away peacefully at his Encino, California home due to kidney failure. Surrounded by family, he left this world as he lived in it—loved and cherished by all who knew him.
In a touching tribute posted on his official X account, his family shared, “Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away this morning. We will love him forever.” Those words echo the sentiment of fans worldwide who cherished his wit, charm, and timeless presence.
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From Filling In to Becoming a Legend
Marshall’s journey to becoming a TV icon wasn’t planned. He stepped into the role of hosting The Hollywood Squares as a temporary replacement for Bert Parks, expecting it to last just 13 weeks. But as fate would have it, his charm and humor turned that short gig into a 16-year run, from 1966 to 1981.
“We were up against reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show in the beginning, and let me tell you, we struggled for about nine months,” Marshall recalled in an interview with Closer in February 2022. “But slowly, things started to change. We grew, and before we knew it, we were a hit. It was magical.”
Hosting The Hollywood Squares wasn’t just a job for Marshall; it was pure joy. Working alongside some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, he created countless unforgettable moments that remain etched in the memories of fans worldwide.
“It was such a blast. Honestly, it didn’t feel like work,” Marshall reminisced. “We’d do a show, take a 15-minute break, and then do another. Lunch or dinner in between, and we’d knock out five shows in just five hours. I didn’t rehearse much. I’d just go over the questions, and that was it. It was effortless.”
A Life Full of Love and Legacy
Beyond his professional success, Peter Marshall’s personal life was equally remarkable. He is survived by his loving wife, Laurie Stewart, whom he married in 1989. Together, they celebrated 35 years of marriage, defying age gaps and proving that love knows no boundaries.
“I met Laurie on a flight when I was performing in La Cage aux Folles. She worked for TWA and was seated next to me in first class. She had seen me in the show and thought I was gay!” Marshall laughed as he recounted their story. “I was 60, she was 25, but love found us. We’ve been together ever since, and it’s been the best journey.”
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In addition to Laurie, Marshall leaves behind daughters Suzanne Browning and Jaime Dimarco, son Pete LaCock from his first marriage, 12 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a houseful of furry friends.
Remembering a Tragic Loss
Marshall also opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his son, David LaCock, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19. “It’s devastating,” he shared. “David was an incredible man, an artist, and a loving father to eight children and six grandchildren. Losing a child is the hardest thing a parent can face, and it breaks my heart every day.”
While funeral arrangements have yet to be announced, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Actors & Others for Animals, a cause close to Peter’s heart. As a lifelong animal lover, Marshall dedicated much of his life to advocating for animals.
“Peter recently participated in a 50th-anniversary tribute for Betty White’s Pet Set and hosted Doris Day’s 90th birthday celebration to benefit her animal foundation,” a post on his official website highlighted. “In 2017, he narrated Wait For Your Laugh, a documentary honoring his late friend and Hollywood Squares colleague Rose Marie. In 2002, he published his memoir, Backstage With the Original Hollywood Square, sharing his incredible journey with fans worldwide.”
