Elvira's alter ego, Cassandra Peterson, was born in Manhattan, Kansas and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cassandra remembers being mesmerized by Ann-Margret. "I always wanted to be a dancer, ever since I saw Ann-Margret in 'Viva Las Vegas'." Just days after graduating from high school, Cassandra fled to Vegas where, at the age of 17, she became the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history.

Cassandra's desire to emulate Ann-Margret led to an evening with the legendary Elvis Presley, who saw her perform and encouraged her to pursue a singing career. Off to Europe, Cassandra toured extensively as lead singer for an Italian rock band. Eventually settling in Rome, where she became fluent in Italian, Cassandra met renowned director, Federico Fellini, who cast her in his classic film, "Fellini's Roma".

Returning stateside, Cassandra formed her own nightclub review, "Mama's Boys", which toured the national club circuit. In the late 70's, she joined the satiric improvisational troupe, The Groundlings, which also produced such notables as Phil Hartman, Pee Wee Herman, Jon Lovitz and Julia Sweeney. There she honed her now renowned comedic skills as both a writer and performer.

Film and television appearances such as "Cheech And Chong's Next Movie", "Fantasy Island", "Happy Days" and "St. Elsewhere" followed, but Cassandra recalls, "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."

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 including "Echo Park", "Alan Quartermain" and "Pee Wee's Big Adventure", 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.

Extra credit: Peterson is a longtime supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA); in a much-publicized 1991 incident, she turned down an offer to perform as an elephant trainer in the TV extravaganza Circus of the Stars.

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.

Trivia

• Big fan of Vincent Price, Roger Corman and Edward D. Wood Jr.
• Close friend of Vincent Price
• Strong supporter of gay rights
• Sometimes credited as "Cassandra Petersen"
• First woman who did a music video in 3D ("Superstition")
• Favourite movies: Plan 9 from Outer Space and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes!.
• #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 1966.
• 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.

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Last update : 31-10-2007

Keywords : Specials, Celebrity Profiles, Elvira, Cassandra Peterson, Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Elvira Queen of Halloween, Elvira Bio, Elvira Pictures, Elvira Wallpapers, Elvira Profile, Cassandra Peterson Profile,

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