Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (Cassandra Peterson)

Cassandra Peterson is an American actress, writer, and singer best known for her iconic character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, a campy, goth-inspired horror hostess who became a pop culture phenomenon. She was born on September 17, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas, and grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

From an early age, Peterson had a fascination with horror and glamour. She began her entertainment career as a showgirl in Las Vegas, where she performed alongside legends like Elvis Presley. In the 1970s, she joined the musical-comedy troupe The Groundlings in Los Angeles, honing her comedic skills.

In 1981, Peterson debuted as Elvira, hosting a local horror movie television series, Elvira's Movie Macabre. Her quick wit, distinctive look (complete with her towering black beehive hairdo), and playful innuendos catapulted her to fame. The character's popularity led to movies like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988) and Elvira’s Haunted Hills (2001), as well as numerous television appearances, merchandise lines, and cultural icon status.

Peterson's career spans over four decades, during which she has remained a beloved figure in the horror and comedy genres. In 2021, she published her memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira, which candidly recounts her life, career, and the challenges she overcame to achieve success.