Bob Monkhouse
British entertainer (1928-2003)
Cassandra Peterson, best known for her iconic portrayal of the horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, has had a remarkable career. From hosting the popular TV show Elvira’s Movie Macabre to starring in two Elvira feature films, she has captivated audiences with her unique blend of humor and horror. Peterson’s Elvira character was inspired by her work with the improv troupe The Groundlings, and she has since made numerous cameo appearances as the character in various media.
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About the Cassandra Peterson
Cassandra Gay Petersonis an American actress best known for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Peterson gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ-TV in her stage persona as Elvira, hosting Elvira’s Movie Macabre, a weekly B movie presentation. A member of the Los Angeles-based improvisational and sketch comedy troupe The Groundlings, Peterson based her Elvira persona in part on a “Valley girl”-type character she created while a member of the troupe.
The popularity of Elvira’s Movie Macabre led to the 1988 film Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, and later the 2001 film Elvira’s Haunted Hills, both starring Peterson as Elvira. The television show was revived in 2010, featuring Elvira hosting public domain films, and airing on This TV until 2011. Elvira returned as a horror hostess in 2014 with 13 Nights of Elvira, a 13-episode series produced by Hulu, and again in 2021 for a one-night 40th Anniversary Special that aired on Shudder.
Peterson has made cameo appearances as Elvira in a number of films and television programs, including appearing as a guest commentator during WrestleMania 2 and as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, and Halloween Wars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cassandra Peterson is an American actress best known for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
Cassandra Peterson was born on September 17, 1951.
Cassandra Peterson’s most famous role is that of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, a horror hostess character she portrayed on the TV show Elvira’s Movie Macabre.
Cassandra Peterson based her Elvira persona in part on a ,Valley girl,-type character she created while a member of the improv comedy troupe The Groundlings.
Cassandra Peterson has starred as Elvira in the films Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and Elvira’s Haunted Hills (2001).
Cassandra Peterson has made cameo appearances as Elvira in a number of films and television programs, including as a guest commentator during WrestleMania 2 and as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula, and Halloween Wars.
The Elvira’s Movie Macabre television show was revived in 2010, featuring Elvira hosting public domain films, and airing on This TV until 2011.