Cassandra Peterson, Elvira's alter ego, was born in Manhattan,
Kansas and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She remembers
always being a fan of Ann-Margret. Since Cassandra saw her in "Viva
las Vegas" she wanted to be a dancer. Just days after graduating
from high school, Cassandra went to Vegas where, at the age of 17,
she became the youngest showgirl in Las Vegas history. When Elvis
Presley saw her perform he encouraged her to pursue a singing
career. Going to Europe, Cassandra toured extensively as lead
singer for an Italian rock band. She settled in Rome, where she
became fluent in Italian. Here Cassandra met Federico Fellini, who
cast her in his classic film, "Fellini's Roma". Returning to the
USA 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 actors as Pee Wee Herman. 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" and
others followed, but Cassandra was just the typical struggling
actress and spent years wondering where her 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 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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