Peter Marshall: The Life, Loves, And Legacy Of A Game Show Legend

Hollywood Squares host Peter Marshall became a household name when he took the helm of the hit NBC game show in 1966. For 15 years, he kept audiences entertained and laughing with his charm and wit. But Peter's journey didn’t stop there. He went on to carve out an impressive career in television and radio, earning an Emmy Award along the way. Born in 1926, Peter was married three times as he climbed the Hollywood ladder, eventually finding lasting love with his third wife, Laurie Marshall (née Stewart). Fans were heartbroken when news of his passing in 2024 reached them.

Peter’s First Marriage: Nadene R. Teaford

Let’s take it back to the beginning. Peter’s first marriage was to Nadene R. Teaford, and they tied the knot way back in 1947. The couple even made appearances together on the game show It Takes Two in 1969. For those who don’t know, Peter was no stranger to the small screen—he popped up on other popular game shows over the years. But Nadene? She preferred to stay out of the spotlight. In fact, her only IMDb credit is for that appearance on It Takes Two. Many details of their life together remain private, but what we do know is that they had four children together: MLB star Pete LaCock, the late David LaCock, producer Suzanne LaCock, and Jaime LaCock. They eventually divorced in 1973 after nearly three decades together.

Peter’s Second Marriage: Marya “Sally” Carter

Fast forward to 1977, and Peter married his second wife, Marya “Sally” Carter. Sally, a former Playboy Playmate, wasn’t new to Hollywood. She was previously married to actor Steve Ihnat and had two children with him before meeting Peter. Sally wasn’t just a model; she was also an actress with roles in films like The Phantom Planet (1961), The Red Pony (1973), and The Trial of Chaplain Jensen (1975). From 1973 to 1976, she appeared on the crime drama The Rookies, played Nurse Farragut on Charlie’s Angels in 1977, and had a small role in the detective series Switch in 1978. Despite her successful career, Peter’s marriage to Sally was short-lived. They divorced in 1983, and Peter later admitted in a 2022 interview with Closer that he wouldn’t do that marriage again if given the chance.

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“I don’t think so. Maybe my second marriage,” Peter confessed. “My first marriage produced my four children and lasted 25 years. My second was for an hour and a half. I would not do that one again. You know, as you reflect, there are things you would do differently, but I think it all has led to this moment.”

Peter’s Final Marriage: Laurie Stewart

Peter found lasting love with his third wife, Laurie Stewart. The two tied the knot in 1989, and Peter couldn’t stop gushing about her. “I met Laurie when I was doing La Cage aux Folles. She worked for TWA and was seated next to me in first class,” he shared with Closer. “She had seen me in La Cage and thought I was gay! That was the beginning. I was 60 years old, and she was 25. But we’ve been together 35 years.”

In January 2021, Peter and Laurie both contracted COVID-19, but Laurie stood by his side through it all. “My wife and my children—they have been wonderful,” Peter said. “My wife is still taking care of me. I keep getting better because I have so much love in my life.”

Peter Marshall’s Passing

On August 15, 2024, Peter’s publicist announced his passing at the age of 98 due to kidney failure. Laurie was by his side at their Encino, California, home when he passed. A heartfelt message on his official X account read, “Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away this morning. We will love him forever.” Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues alike, celebrating his life and contributions to the world of game shows.