The actress Cassandra Peterson celebrates 73 today
Peterson’s famous character Elvira, with her sharp wit, gothic look, and campy humor, became a beloved figure in pop culture, transforming her into a cult icon
The actress Cassandra Peterson celebrates 73 today
Best known for creating and portraying the iconic horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Cassandra Peterson, born on September 17, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas. Peterson’s early life was marked by a fascination with the macabre, which would later influence her career. After graduating high school, she began performing as a showgirl in Las Vegas, even meeting Elvis Presley, who encouraged her to pursue a career in entertainment. She moved to Europe in the 1970s, where she performed in an Italian rock band and worked as a model.
Upon returning to the United States, Peterson began building a career in comedy and acting, joining the Los Angeles improv group The Groundlings. Her big break came in 1981 when she was cast as the host of the horror TV series Movie Macabre. It was here that she developed her now-famous character Elvira. With her low-cut black gown, towering black beehive hairstyle, and valley-girl-meets-vampire persona, Elvira hosted campy B-horror movies with comedic commentary. The character quickly gained a massive following, turning Peterson into a household name.
Elvira’s popularity led to movies, such as Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988) and Elvira’s Haunted Hills (2001), and a host of merchandise, including comic books, action figures, and costumes. Peterson leveraged the character’s popularity to build a multimedia empire, becoming a beloved symbol of Halloween.
Throughout her later career, Peterson continued to embrace her Elvira persona, making frequent appearances at fan conventions, hosting Halloween events, and appearing in various television specials. Outside of Elvira, Peterson has also had roles in films like Pee-wee’s Big Adventure (1985) and Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold (1986).
Peterson was married to musician Mark Pierson from 1981 to 2003, and they have one daughter. In her 2021 memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira, she revealed her long-term relationship with a woman, marking a rare glimpse into her personal life.
Today, Cassandra Peterson is celebrated for her trailblazing career as Elvira, a character who helped define horror-comedy and remains an enduring figure in pop culture.
Watch some segments from the 1988 movie “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark”
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