Peter Marshall hosted Hollywood Squares from 1966 to 1981, which was much longer than he expected the gig to last. He auditioned in shorts because he was playing golf just before and flew back to New York to discuss a Broadway musical production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
This was long after Peter’s first entertainment job as a 15-year-old when he toured with the Bob Chester Band for $50 a week. He also worked in the Army Radio station during the Second World War and left for a full-time TV career at London’s West End in productions of Bye Bye Birdie, Skyscraper, and La Cage aux Folles.
Peter Marshall hesitated on hosting ‘Hollywood Squares’
Interestingly, Peter thought his role as Hollywood Square host would last only 13 weeks, but he was in for a surprise. While in New York, he got the offer to come onboard the game show, however he was skeptical and insisted on returning to Broadway instead.
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Upon learning that his refusal will get him replaced by Dan Rowan, Peter swung to action and accepted the offer. He admitted to doing so out of spite because Dan was one of two people he had ever disliked in life. That was the start of a breakthrough career run for Peter, who won four Daytime Emmy for his impressive show host act.
Peter recalled writing comedy with Tommy Noonan for Rowan and Dick Martin’s comedy act. They technically set up for the duo, getting them agents and even booking them as a show of support. Sadly, Dan withdrew from them and would not even visit Tommy in the hospital while he suffered a brain tumor.
Peter’s petty decision turned out to be the best he ever made for his career, as he became close friends with the likes of Paul Lynde, Vincent Price, George Gobel, Ruta Lee and Karen Valentine. The iconic TV personality died of kidney failure last month at his Encino home in California.