Biography for
Cassandra Peterson More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

17 September 1951, Manhattan, Kansas, USA

Nickname

The Mistress of the Dark

Height

5' 7" (1.70 m)

Mini Biography

Cassandra Peterson, Elvira's alter ego, was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She remembers always being a fan of Ann-Margret. Since Cassandra saw her in Viva Las Vegas (1964), she wanted to be a dancer. Just days after graduating from high school, Cassandra traveled to Las Vegas where, at the age of 17, she became the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history. When Elvis Presley saw her perform he encouraged her to pursue a singing career. She toured Europe extensively as lead singer for an Italian rock band. She settled in Rome, where she became fluent in Italian. Here Cassandra met Federico Fellini, who cast her in his classic film, Roma (1972). Returning to the US, Cassandra formed her own nightclub review, "Mama's Boys", which toured the national club circuit. In the late 1970s she joined the satiric improvisational troupe, The Groundlings, which also produced such stars as Paul Reubens (aka "Pee Wee Herman"). There she honed her now renowned comedic skills as both a writer and performer. Film and television appearances such as Cheech & Chong's Next Movie (1980) and others followed, but Cassandra was just the typical struggling actress and spent years wondering where her next meal was coming from. It was the fall of 1981, with the birth of her character, Elvira, that it all changed. While she has since played herself in many film and television shows, Cassandra Peterson ultimately combines her numerous talents into an intriguing persona which has not only become a Halloween icon, but a "vamp" for all seasons.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Lukas Fichtinger

Spouse

Mark Pierson

(4 July 1981 - present) (divorced) 1 child

Trade Mark

Beauty mark (mole) under her right eye, black dress with the plunging neck line and slit on the right side, ruby ring, snake-shapped earrings, black fingernails, black pumps, the dagger she stores on her belt, and her bouffant hairdo.

Trivia

Big fan of Vincent Price, Roger Corman and Edward D. Wood Jr..

Close friend of Vincent Price.

Strong supporter of gay rights.

First woman who did a music video in 3D ("Superstition").

Favourite movies: Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978).

#1 of Sci-Fi's Sexiest B-Queens, by Femme Fatales magazine. [1997]

Owns a production company in Los Angeles called Queen B Productions. She merchandises Elvira products.

Pentagon named a Stealth computer system "Elvira" inspired by her.

Strong supporter of animal rights.

Attended Palmer High School, Colorado Springs, Colorado; graduated in class of 1969.

Once was a complete vegetarian, now eats dairy plus chicken and fish.

Daughter, Sadie born. [1991]

In 2002, she licensed the name and likeness of "Elvira" to International Game Technologies for use in an Elvira-themed video slot machine.

In 1996, she licensed the "Elvira" name and likeness to Midway Manufacturing (a division of WMS Gaming) for the "Scared Stiff" pinball game.

Measurements: 34-21-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine).

Has hosted the Halloween themed Knott's Scary Farm amusement park in Buena Park, California, from 1982 - 2001.

Was scalded by boiling water when she was five years old. Underwent seventeen skin grafting operations over the course of her childhood to repair the scar tissue. Now covers some of her remaining scars (around neck and shoulders) with make-up or clothing.

Is a natural redhead.

Although she has appeared in nude layouts, she has never appeared nude as the Elvira character.

Maila Nurmi, the original Vampira, unsuccessfully tried to sue Cassandra Peterson for stealing her act.

Personal Quotes

At least, I get my little black dress cleaned once in awhile. [When asked about the fact that Monica Lewinsky liked to compare with her, 1998].

"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." Recalling her career before 1981.

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