Cassandra Peterson is an American actress and singer widely known for her on-screen horror hostess character, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She is also a dancer, model, voice artist, and comedian. Peterson gained prominence in the late 1980s when she became the official hostess for the horror movie series Elvira’s Movie Macabre. Read on to learn more about Cassandra Peterson’s life story, professional achievements, and net worth.
Cassandra Peterson’s Life Story
Cassandra Peterson was born on September 17, 1951 in Manhattan, Kansas. She grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and attended General William J. Palmer High School. After graduating high school, Peterson moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to pursue a career in show business. She began her career as a showgirl at the Dunes Hotel, where she became the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history.
In the late 1970s, Peterson moved to Italy to pursue a career in acting. She starred in a series of Italian horror films and gained recognition for her roles in films such as The Vampires, The Red Queen Kills Seven Times, and The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave.
Cassandra Peterson’s Professional Achievements
In 1981, Cassandra Peterson was offered the role of horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She accepted the role and became an instant sensation. Her character gained popularity in the United States and Europe and Peterson began to appear in movies, television shows, and commercials. She also released several Elvira-themed albums and wrote two books about her character.
In addition to her work as Elvira, Peterson also starred in a number of films, including Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, The Working Girls, and National Lampoon’s European Vacation. She also appeared in television shows such as The Simpsons, Married… with Children, and The Drew Carey Show.
Cassandra Peterson is an iconic actress and singer who has achieved success with her horror hostess character, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and commercials and has released several Elvira-themed albums and books. Peterson’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.