Cassandra Peterson

Cassandra Peterson (born September 17, 1951) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ-TV wearing a revealing, black, gothic, cleavage-enhancing gown as host of Elvira's Movie Macabre, a weekly horror movie presentation. Her wickedly vampish appearance is offset by her comical character, quirky and quick-witted personality, and Valley girl-type speech. 2Early life Peterson was born in Manhattan, Kansas. She grew up near Randolph, Kansas, until the area was flooded to create Tuttle Creek Reservoir; her family then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to a 2011 interview, Peterson states that as a child, she was more fascinated by horror-themed toys while other girls were occupied with Barbie dolls. During her teens, Peterson worked as a go-go dancer in a local gay bar. She graduated from General William J. Palmer High School in 1969. 2Career 3Early career Inspired by Ann-Margret in Viva Las Vegas, while on a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada during high school, she convinced her parents to let her see a live show whereupon she was noticed by the production staff; despite being only 17, she convinced her parents to let her sign a contract. Immediately after graduating, she drove back to Las Vegas, where she became a showgirl in Viva Les Girls at The Dunes; here, she met Elvis Presley, whom she briefly date