You can thank Elvis for Elvira, Cassandra Peterson says
October 30, 2025
Cassandra Peterson has entertained fans as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, for over four decades. She developed the character in the 1980s after leaving her showgirl career, partly due to advice from Elvis Presley. She eventually became a horror host with a risque signature look that became iconic. Elvira’s cult following grew through TV, films and, now, books. Her latest project, “Elvira’s Cookbook from Hell,” features spooky recipes and crafts. Peterson regrets not making Elvira’s costume more comfortable, as she rarely inhabits the character now.