In Memoriam: Peter Marshall (1926-2024)
Peter Marshall celebrated the new millennium with the release of his album Boy Singer. The album was the first full-length recording in over thirty years from the longtime Master of The Hollywood Squares, but not the last. Over the course of an extraordinary career spanning nine decades, Marshall made his mark in every arena of show business. Peter passed away yesterday at the age of 98, epitomizing a long life, well-lived.
TV buffs, of course, remember Peter’s multiple Emmy Award-winning 15-year tenure (1966-1981) as host of the original Hollywood Squares, while kids of a certain generation – and kids at heart everywhere – recognize him for his turn as Bert Healy, crooning “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” in director John Huston’s beloved big-screen adaptation of Annie. Music long played a role in Peter’s extraordinary career. He was, indeed, a “boy singer” in the big band era, and at the height of his Hollywood Squares fame, he headlined Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe with his solo act which included both music and comedy. (His comic chops were honed as one-half of the duo Noonan and Marshall in the 1940s and 1950s with Tommy Noonan.)
Onstage, he starred as Albert in the London premiere of Bye Bye Birdie opposite Chita Rivera; as Timothy Bushman in Skyscraper, opposite Julie Harris – he introduced “I’ll Only Miss Her When I Think of Her” and “Everybody Has the Right to Be Wrong,” both of which were covered by none other than Frank Sinatra – and as Georges in the final Broadway company of Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman’s groundbreaking musical La Cage Aux Folles. On Broadway and on tour, Marshall played Georges more than 800 times. He took on the Gilbert and Sullivan canon with his performance as Captain Corcoran in HMS Pinafore, recorded for television in 1982. On the non-musical stage, Peter starred for two years in the national tour of Neil Simon’s Rumors while his dramatic side was explored on television via guest appearances on such shows as Banacek, Lou Grant, CHiPs, and Hotel.
Cast recordings preserved his performances in Bye Bye Birdie and Skyscraper, and Peter recorded singles for labels including Decca as well as the 1969 album For the Love of Pete for Dot (arranged and conducted by Harry Nilsson associate George Tipton, and now streaming). His three latter-day albums of classic standards from The Great American Songbook, including moving tributes to Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday, were released in the new millennium and are all currently available on digital streaming services. For the Love of Pete included a vocal version of the theme to Hollywood Squares, and his role as emcee was preserved on the 1974 LP Zingers from The Hollywood Squares (along with quips from Paul Lynde, Rose Marie, Karen Valentine, Charley Weaver, George Gobel, Mel Brooks, Charo, Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, and many others). He hosted a Music of Your Life radio program for fifteen years, bringing the music he loved to listeners.
One of Peter’s last high-profile performances was as narrator of the acclaimed 2017 documentary Wait for Your Laugh about his close friend Rose Marie. Peter made numerous appearances in his later years as host on public television and as an online presence, sharing his birthdays with fans while raising money for animal rights causes near and dear to his heart.
Peter Marshall was a friend to many, patriarch of a large family, and a fervent supporter of animals everywhere. He was always quick to share a smile and a story – or many – of his varied experiences in showbiz with an unrivaled kindness and generosity. In Bye Bye Birdie, the titular character (modeled after the young Elvis Presley) shares his credo in Charles Strouse and Lee Adams’ “A Lot of Livin’ to Do”: “There’s music to play, places to go, people to see, everything for you and me!” Peter Marshall packed a lot of living into his 98 years, spreading good works, comedy, music, and love. We’ll miss you, Peter.
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19 thoughts on “In Memoriam: Peter Marshall (1926-2024)”
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Although Skyscraper wouldn’t have happened without Julie Harris, it was Peter Marshall who made the cast album halfway enjoyable. (And for those unfamiliar, Charles Nelson Reilly was also a cast member of that show, singing two forgettable songs, who became a regular on Hollywood Squares.)
I think you’re confusing your 70s game shows. Charles Nelson Reilly was a regular on “Match Game,” not “Hollywood Squares.”
Tisk, Tisk, you should look before you leap (or in this case, comment in front of the whole freaking world)
Charles was on Hollywood Squares, and still well known for that.
Well, DICK… Mr. Gooderman wrote that CNR was a “regular” (implying permanent) cast member on HS. He was on a few times in the early 1970s pre-Match Game, appeared on the ill-fated “Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour” from 1983-1984, and on HS for a week during the 2002 revival. If you asked anyone what game show CNR was “well known” for, I’d say 10 out of 10 people who even remember CNR today would say, “Match Game,” and not “Hollywood Squares.” If there was anyone who still remembers HS, they would say Paul Lynde and not CNR. Even if I were completely wrong, your “Tisk, Tisk,” and “in front of the whole freaking world,” were entirely snotty whereas I had politely pointed out Mr. Gooderman’s likely confusion without trying to make him feel foolish.
Just to set the record straight, I seldom watched either show, and frankly, both were so similar in design (at least to me) that I *thought* I saw Mr Reilly on Hollywood Squares. I could not tell you whether he was a “regular” on either show because I did not watch either show with any regularity. The fact that I saw him on both, I thought he was a regular. If I was, in fact, incorrect, I apologize. All I wanted to point out was Mr Marshall’s association with Mr Reilly.
He appeared on Hollywood Squares.
Peter also did a tour of The Music Man. I’m not sure if it was the official first national tour, but his bio lists that he did The Music Man.
Yes he did, and it was great! My mother and I used to love going to Theater of the Stars here in Atlanta, and Peter in the Music Man was my first play. I was hooked and he was fantastic 🙂
He’ll always be BEST remembered for his role as the host of ”THE HOLLYWOOD SQUARES”. He will sadly be missed.
98?!! Wow. Hollywood Squares seems an eternity ago. Trivia question I used to get people mostly sports buffs on was : Who was Pete LeCock’s father?? Pete LeCock was a 1st baseman for the KC Royals for a brief time In the 70’s. And answer was and is Peter Marshall host of Hollywood Squares.
I saw Skyscraperbin its first week. Peter Marshall was fabulous and l am so thankful I had the lp And later the cd. What a great talent! Thank you peter.
Skyscraper deserves a reissue on CD. I would even settle for streaming. It’s not a great show, but definitely worth another look/listen.
Ever the consummate classic gentleman, Peter expressed great affection toward fellow entertainers such as Barbara Eden with whom I also had an acquaintance with. I was enriched in having known Peter and sharing many great stories of performing on stage. He will be missed.
Peter also wrote a book. BACKSTAGE WITH THE ORIGINAL HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, which I co-wrote. I worked on the show in the late 60’s and Peter and I remained friends all these years. It was great fun working on the book with him. It’s still available on Amazon and Bear Manor Media.
Peter was my most favorite friend and I will miss him forever.
What a grand voice and a great man to match
Thank you to all you lovely people for your memories of my husband Peter, especially to you, Joe Marchese, for this beautiful tribute! He was anincredibly talented, beautiful, kind human being who enhanced so many lives as a performer, friend, family member, and the best husband God could’ve created. I am forever grateful because of him.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to the comments. Peter was a real “mensch” and will be missed.
Laurie, I will always cherish my memories of Peter and his tremendous kindnesses. Sending much love today and every day to you and your entire family.
My step-uncle Peter Marshall also wrote a very funny book titled CHEER UP. So humourous and showed of his comedic bent. I will deeply miss him.!