Ralph Pierre LaCock, better known by his stage name Peter Marshall, was a prominent figure in Hollywood and hosted the popular game show, Hollywood Squares. His journey into the entertainment industry began at a young age, encouraged primarily by his mother, a former costume designer. Dance lessons commenced for him and his sister when they were just five years old, marking their early beginnings in show business.
During the Second World War, Peter’s talent for broadcasting found a new canvas at an Army radio station where he polished his announcing skills. On his return to civilian life, he took on the stage name Peter Marshall and formed one part of the comedy duo Noonan and Marshall, broadening his horizons into the realm of television and film.
Aside from TV and cinema, Peter tried his hand at theatre and found remarkable success on Broadway as well as across the Atlantic in London’s West End. He showcased his talent in productions such as ‘Bye Bye Birdie’, ‘Skyscraper’, and ‘La Cage aux Folles’, embodying diverse roles that demonstrated his performing versatility.
However, despite an already prolific career, game show hosting was an avenue he had never envisioned exploring. In 1966, an unexpected opportunity to audition for the host of a new program, Hollywood Squares, based in California, presented itself. During this time, Peter was considering a return to Broadway as he was engaged in talks to star in a musical rendition of ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, back in New York.
His decision was shuffled when he learned that the alternative host was none other than Dan Rowan of Laugh-In, a person whom Peter candidly disclosed was among the very few he bore a grudge against. This deep-seated discord originated when Rowan’s comedic fame alongside Dick Martin skyrocketed after Noonan and Marshall helped create their routine. Peter had facilitated their agent and booking connections but felt slighted when Rowan became aloof following their rise to success.
Peter’s resentment intensified when Tommy Noonan, his comedic partner, developed a brain tumor. While Martin paid visits to their ailing friend, Rowan did not, further widening the rift between him and Peter. This made the choice to accept the Hollywood Squares offer not only a professional choice, but a personal one.
Peter accepted the host position subsequent to this incident, driving him to quip, ‘Screw Dan Rowan. I’ll do it.’ This decisive moment led Peter to reign as the host of Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981. During this remarkable stretch, he also snatched up four Daytime Emmy Awards, establishing himself as a memorable and successful game show host.
His tenure at the helm of Hollywood Squares was marked by his growing fondness for the job and fellow celebrities. Notable personalities like Paul Lynde, Vincent Price, George Gobel, Ruta Lee, and Karen Valentine were more than fellow performers; they became close friends. Their camaraderie evolved into something akin to a surrogate family, leading them to vacation together annually.
Reflecting on this phase of his life, Peter confessed that Hollywood Squares was instrumental in shaping his career. The decades he spent hosting the show became more than just a professional endeavor; it turned into a cherished experience that profoundly impacted his existence.
In his later years, Peter looked back on his life with gratitude, conscious of how fortunate he had been. He never anticipated living such a rewarding life, especially considering his father’s premature passing at 36. His longevity and prosperous life, he believed, were in part a testament to the love he received from his family.
His wife, Laurie, his children, and grandchildren were the fulcrum of his life. Their constant support and unwavering love played integral roles in his happiness and, by his own admission, his longevity. For Peter, family was not merely an important element of his life; it was his life.
Consequently, the entertainer who passed away recently at 98 led a fulfilling life, crowned with both professional success and personal fulfillment. His journey through the entertainment industry, from his initiation in dance to his star-studded career, yielded a wealth of experiences and achievements that are worth celebrating.
To best encapsulate Peter’s life, one could say it was filled with serendipity, punctuated by moments of challenge, triumph, and accomplishment. The iconic figure he became, both onstage and offstage, was a testament to his grit, talent, and the heart he poured into every performance.
Even in the face of hurdles, Peter Marshall made it a point never to waver from his course. His determination to not let others dictate the terms of his career, exemplified by his decision to host Hollywood Squares, is part of what made him an enduring figure in the entertainment world.
In his passing, Peter leaves behind a rich, enduring legacy, a testament to a life well-lived and a career well-crafted. Peter’s story serves as an inspiring illustration of perseverance and passion, marking him as a memorable persona in the tapestry of showbiz.