Was Peter Marshall Related to Penny Marshall?

Peter Marshall, best known as the host of the popular game show “Hollywood Squares,” was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Born Ralph Pierre LaCock, he adopted the stage name Peter Marshall early in his career. Despite sharing a last name with Penny Marshall, another entertainment giant, the two were not related.

Penny Marshall was born Carole Penny Marshall and came from a well-known Hollywood family. Her brother, Garry Marshall, was a successful director and producer.

While both Peter and Penny left lasting legacies in show business, their connection was purely coincidental.

Peter Marshall’s career was diverse, with notable roles on Broadway, including appearances in “Skyscraper” and “La Cage aux Folles.”

He also starred in London’s West End production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” a musical that poked fun at American pop culture in the 1950s. His portrayal of Albert Peterson, the character who writes a hit song for a pop star, was well-received.

In addition to his stage work, Marshall hosted a memorial service for singer Andy Williams in 2012 and participated in events like Charleston’s FestivALL in 2014. He even narrated the 2017 documentary “Wait for Your Laugh,” focusing on the life of comedian Rose Marie.

Marshall retired from the entertainment industry in 2021 after a battle with COVID-19 and passed away on August 15, 2024, at the age of 98. His contributions to entertainment will be remembered by many.