Cassandra Peterson American actress. Date of Birth: 17.09.1951 Country: USA

1. Biography of Cassandra Peterson
2. Early Career and Guinness World Record
3. Italian Venture and Collaboration with Federico Fellini
4. The Groundlings and the Birth of Elvira
5. Career in Film and Television
6. Selected Filmography

Biography of Cassandra Peterson

Cassandra Peterson is an American actress, best known for her portrayal of Elvira - Mistress of the Dark in film and television. She was born in the small town of Manhattan, Kansas, and her family soon relocated to Colorado Springs, where she grew up. In 1969, she graduated from high school.

Early Career and Guinness World Record

Immediately after graduating, Cassandra headed to Las Vegas, where she became a showgirl at "The Dunes" casino. This led to her being recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the youngest showgirl in the history of Las Vegas. During this time, she also had a minor role in the 1971 James Bond film, "Diamonds Are Forever," as part of the same show.

Italian Venture and Collaboration with Federico Fellini

In the early 1970s, Cassandra moved to Italy, where she performed with the renowned rock group "I Latins Ochanats." It was there that she met Federico Fellini, who gave her a small role in his film, "Roma" (1972). After returning to the United States, she traveled extensively across the country, performing in nightclubs and gay discos with the musical comedy show, "Mammas Boys."

The Groundlings and the Birth of Elvira

In 1979, Cassandra joined the Los Angeles improvisational troupe, "The Groundlings," where the character of Elvira was born. She developed and refined the iconic Elvira persona, which would become her most famous role.

Career in Film and Television

Throughout her career, Cassandra Peterson has appeared in various films and television shows. Some of her notable roles include Elvira in "Elvira's Haunted Hills" (2001), "Superstition" (1997), and "Encounter in the Third Dimension" (1999). She also appeared as herself in movies like "Dear God" (1996) and "It's My Party" (1996).

Selected Filmography

- 2006 - Tomoko's Kitchen - Mary Malders
- 2004 - Red Riding Hood - Red's Mother
- 2001 - Elvira's Haunted Hills - Elvira / Lady Elura Hellsubus
- 1999 - Encounter in the Third Dimension - Elvira
- 1997 - Superstition - Elvira
- 1996 - Dear God - Herself (uncredited)
- 1996 - It's My Party - Party Guest (uncredited)
- 1993 - Acting on Impulse (TV movie) - Roxy
- 1992 - Ring of the Musketeers (TV movie) - Jennifer
- 1992 - Ted and Venus - Lisa
- 1988 - Pledge Night - Girl at Party
- 1988 - Elvira, Mistress of the Dark - Elvira / Aunt Morgana Talbot
- 1986 - Balboa - Angie Stoddard
- 1986 - Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold - Sorais
- 1986 - Echo Park - Sherry
- 1985 - Pee-wee's Big Adventure - Biker Mama
- 1983 - Stroker Ace - Girl
- 1983 - The Sting II - O'Malley's Girl
- 1982 - Jekyll and Hyde... Together Again - Nurse
- 1981 - King of the Mountain - Neighbor
- 1980 - Cheech & Chong's Next Movie - Hostage
- 1980 - Coast to Coast - Party Girl
- 1972 - Roma (uncredited)