Cassandra Peterson

Cassandra Gay Peterson (born September 17, 1951) is an American dancer, actress, comedian, writer, television personality, and singer. She is best known for her portrayal of the horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Peterson gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ-TV in her stage persona as Elvira, hosting Elvira's Movie Macabre, a weekly B movie presentation. A member of the Los Angeles-based improvisational and sketch comedy troupe the Groundlings, Peterson based her Elvira persona in part on a "Valley girl"-type character she created while a member of the troupe.