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ELVIRA
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Scream Queen of the MonthTM
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Elvira's alter ego, Cassandra Peterson, was born in Manhattan, Kansas and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cassandra remembers being mesmerized by Ann-Margret. 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, Cassandra met renowned director, Federico Fellini, who cast her in his classic film, "Fellini's Roma".
Returning stateside, Cassandra 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.
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.
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