Cassandra Peterson Biography

Fast Facts

• Inducted into the Horror Host Hall of Fame in 2012 for her performance as Elvira from "Movie Macabre․"
• After being severely burned by scolding water at five-years-old, she would eventually undergo close to 20 skin-grafting operations to repair the damage
• Originally appeared in Italian films after relocating to Europe in her early 20s
• Began her career at age 17 as a showgirl in Las Vegas' Vive Les Girls
• Quote: "Elvis [Presley] was the one who convinced me I could go further, beyond Vegas and dancing․ It made a big impact on my life, obviously․ Coming from him, you're going to take his advice, right?"
• Quote: "The longer time goes on, the more [Elvira] becomes a legend․ She's become the Santa Claus of Halloween․"
• Quote: "I was your typical struggling actress․ I went to every audition, took a million acting, dancing and singing lessons and spent years wondering where my next meal was coming from․"
• Invested in Los Angeles' Comikaze event after its establishment in 2011
• Hosted L․A․'s Knott's Scary Farm annual amusement park event from 1982 until 2001
• After returning to the United States, she would become a member of The Groundlings before landing the seminal role of Elvira in 1981's "Movie Macabre"
• Founded Queen B Productions to market Elvira products