Remembering Peter Marshall: Friends And Colleagues Pay Tribute
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Television personality Peter Marshall arrives at AFI Associates luncheon … [+]
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Friends and colleagues of Peter Marshall are speaking out about the former Hollywood Squares host following his death on Thursday. Marshall, 98, died at his home in Encino, California from kidney failure.
Marshall, a singer, actor and game show host, led The Hollywood Squares for 15 years, from 1966 to 1981.
The array of tributes include…
“I was deeply saddened to learn this morning of my dear friend Peter Marshall’s passing. Since meeting Peter in 1961, when we co-starred in 20th Century Fox’s Swingin’ Along, I fondly remember his charm, kindness, and wonderful singing voice. From film to appearing on many episodes of Hollywood Squares, we have always remained close over the last 60 years. I loved working with Peter. He will be forever missed and always hold a special place in my heart. I send my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his wife, my dear friend, Laurie and Peter’s entire family.”
— Barbara Eden
LOS ANGELES: Actress Barbara Eden poses for a portrait in 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo … [+]
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“Peter was always a class act as an actor on Broadway as an entertainer singer and as a host his big thing was making other people look great. And, as a friend, he was my biggest supporter. When I took over the Hollywood Squares after he finished his award-winning record-breaking run, he cheered me on. He gave me some tips, and was truly excited for me. Who does that? Just a lovely talented man who allways took the higher road. A big man has left us, and I will never forget his inspiration.”
— John Davidson
PHILADELPHIA, PA: Actor, singer and game show host, John Davidson visits Fox 29’s ‘Good Day’ at FOX … [+]
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“Peter as the host/star of Hollywood Squares, generously turned the spotlight from himself to all of us in the squares.
He made us all SHINE in that warm glow! He did the same in his personal life. The world has dimmed a little!
Hey Pete…ask God some of those silly questions! With deepest love.”
— Ruta Lee
Ruta Lee during City of Hope Annual Convention Closing Night at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly … [+]
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“When people would ask me how ‘my’ Hollywood Squares could improve on the original I had a ready answer. It couldn’t. It didn’t have Peter Marshall. That wasn’t false modesty. Peter was ‘”The Master of the Hollywood Squares.’” I was his Padawan (check your Star Wars dictionary). I was also his friend. What a lovely bonus THAT was.”
— Tom Bergeron
BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Host Tom Bergeron speaks onstage at the “Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars” … [+]
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“So very sad to here of Peter’s passing. I spoke to him just a couple of months ago. There have been a lot of hosts of Hollywood Squares over the years, but Peter Marshall was the best. He was funny, very Intelligent, easy to get along with and kept things going on the show. I kept in touch with him over the years. So many don’t know that he was also great comedian and singer. I use him in my act and do a bad impression of him with in conversation with Paul Lynde. We will miss you my friend.”
— Rich Little
HOLLYWOOD, CA: Comedian Rich Little arrives to accept the honor of the Johnny Grant Award from the … [+]
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“The passing of dear Peter Marshall is sad news. Yes he lived a long life, yet the thought of him not being on this planet is affecting. He was filled with such innate musical talent and skill. I would wager to say that there wasn’t a single person who ever met Peter, who didn’t come away saying ‘what a kind man.’ Thanks for your kindness Peter and may angels be with you in heaven.”
— Michael Feinstein
NEW YORK: Michael Feinstein performs during the opening night of “Happy Holidays: Swingin’ With The … [+]
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“Let me describe Peter Marshall in one word…’Special.’ I was fortunate to guest on Hollywood Squares numerous times with Peter and we made a personal appearance together in Ohio. However, I first met Peter when I was an apprentice in Summer Stock at the Century 2 Auditorium in Wichita, Kansas. He starred in The Music Man and was awesome not only as a performer, but as a human being. The most kind, selfless, giving person there could be.
The hearts Peter touched are endless…”
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA: Actor/director Anson Williams attends a pre-Veterans Day tribute at the … [+]
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“We have lost an absolute icon today – dear friend Peter Marshall. He was as good and kind and loving and talented a man as he appeared in front of the camera. I was blessed to share more than 300 episodes of Fantasy with him, plus to be a guest many, many times on the hilarious Hollywood Squares. His ease with people made everyone comfortable enough to just be themselves. I’ll cherish the many phone conversations we have had during the years, including our most recent one six weeks ago. He had a great, great life and touched so many.”
—Leslie Uggams
LOS ANGELES, CA: Actress Leslie Uggams arrives at the 5th Annual “A Fine Romance” at 20th Century … [+]
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“Thanks, Peter – for always being the most embracing, fun, funny, and supportive of the Hollywood hosts. Hollywood Squares would not have been the same without you. 98 years of grace and dignity. RIP my friend, your memory and all the laughs we shared will be cherished. Xoxoxo”
—Willie Aames
PARSIPPANY, NJ: Willie Aames attends Chiller Theater Expo Winter 2017 at Parsippany Hilton on … [+]
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“Sandy and I are absolutely heartbroken by this sad news of an absolutely wonderful man.”
—Wink Martindale
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 08: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Wink Martindale visits the SiriusXM studios on … [+]
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“Peter Marshall had everything; talent, looks, wit, charm… he was simply a golden boy, born to star. Best of all, his heart was big enough to love all of show business and every person in it. My husband Bill Hayes, like Peter, was a song and dance man. They understood performing a song well could be a preview of heaven. And if heaven means perfection, Peter is surely there.”
— Susan Seaforth Hayes
BEVERLY HILLS, CA: Susan Seaforth Hayes attends the 30th Annual Gypsy Awards Luncheon at The … [+]
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‘“In the early 70s, I read a Daily Variety open call audition ad, looking for ‘singers who moved well.’ I knew I could sing, moved ok, showed up and Peter hired me to sing lead for an act that he was putting together for a tour. He called us the ‘Chapter Five’ and that day forever changed my life! Peter was a boss like no other, taught me true professionalism when I was just a fish out of water, and gave me a career. We had a blast together on the road and not a day felt like work. So many laughs! Such a treasure!”
— Monica Mancini
NEW YORK, NY: Monica Mancini at The Apollo Theater on October 22, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by … [+]
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Peter Marshall set the bar high for game show hosts, Very High, with his humor, intelligence, and easy going manner. He showed everyone how to successfully conduct a game show. He will be sorely missed by him family, friends, and millions of fans.
— JoAnne Worley
HOLLYWOOD – APRIL 21: Comedian Jo Anne Worley attends the opening night of the play “Chicago” at … [+]
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R.I.P. Peter Marshall.
THE HOLLYWOOD SQUARES — (top row) Wally Cox, Peter Marshall, Morey Amsterdam (bottom row) Abby … [+]
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