CASSANDRA PETERSON: Retiring ELVIRA, Elvis’ Big Warning & Embracing Being Different

[@BarefootPeasant]

Hung out with "Elvira" at a con about 13 yrs ago. The event that year included Thursday evening for the first time, and the night was actually *dead*. Sitting alone at her signing table, she recognized me walking by after taking a photo with me earlier. She waved me over, and we sat around chatting for a good 20 min. Love Cassandra!

[@geraldd2404]

😊😊😊

[@Rob-dp3vr]

Liar

[@BarefootPeasant]

​@@Rob-dp3vr Well, you sure make a great first impression, don't you? I've got my doubts that you were there to see for yourself, so I'm curious... what makes you such an authority? Have you and I ever met? Or, do you know Cassandra personally? Or, maybe you just don't believe she could be that bored, or that friendly? Glad to know you've got it all figured out.

[@nedmerrill6228]

I hung out with her also. Paid her 60 bucks and she signed her name on a picture. I consider us friends now.

[@teddy.d174]

@@BarefootPeasant Unfortunately some people are 💩birds, mostly because of jealousy and insecurity. Just ignore and move on…anyway awesome story, I’m 50 and I remember watching her show growing up. She was one of my very first crush’s. I’m disappointed that I never went to get a picture with her, whilst she was still dressing as Elvira.

[@mikepartipilo1642]

She is still so beautiful at her age wow

[@TheNewfiechef]

I remember seeing her Saturday nights on TV and just thinking it’s the woman of my dreams. Fast forward a few years and I find out she’s a red head and I knew she was perfect. Every young boy, young man, and old man’s fantasy.

[@moonratt]

At the 20min-ish mark where it turns out she never sold or was conned into handing over rights to Elvira, so she's getting 100% of the pie. Good for her. That's so rare to hear.

[@karlepaul6632]

Yeah, she never got "conned" out of anything because she never originally owned 100% of the copyright originally. She only owned a little bit...and over the years she bought more and more of the rights until she eventually got all of it. She's the one that bought out whatever other owner/company/corporation(whoever it was). Kinda like a reverse way of a typical losing it all story. 😆

[@theresemarkham9387]

Listening to this episode now and I am learning so much about Cassandra. She is so open and honest. I am so glad that you got her on the podcast. Happy Halloween!

[@theonlyexception54]

@@theresemarkham9387 you should read her book. I couldn’t put it down. Her life is incredible.

[@rybigbee01]

If you haven’t read, or better yet listened, to her autobiography… it’s fantastic and you should!

[@h91rex100]

lol this is the clown lady that tried to censor joe rogan and have his podcast removed from spotify

[@heikira438]

​@@h91rex100Not surprising considering she thinks Biden ever had a high note 😂. I stopped watching after that. She's a clown

[@crystaljones7084]

I can definitely say I am one of those of whom Elvira saved. I was also an outcast, bullied, beaten, all that. Watching Elvira gave me such strength as a child. Thank you Cassandra peterson, for showing young ladies how to be proud of yourself. You are a true role model.💜

[@jeffalvich9434]

It's been a few years ago, but back when Elvira was on TV Cassandra used to come into my wife's family deli in Culver City, California...... They all served her at one time or another and one time my wife actually pointed her out to me when I was in the deli..... My wife always described her as being so kind, kinda shy/quiet, and very pretty...... Cassandra, if you read this, this is the way you are remembered. Thank you

[@Jameswormsley03]

🖤🦇 73 years and still wonderful Cassandra Peterson/Elvira will always be the iconic Mistress of the Dark

[@harleygem5049]

Cassandra is a goddess! Elvira was my idol as a teen then I learned about Cassandra and loved Elvira even more! 72...omg she looks stunning!

[@dominique9187]

There's no better way than this podcast to get to know people! Both of you opened up in this episode. Cassandra seems so satisfied with her choices and the life she's having now. What a nice guest. It was so fun to watch, espacially today 'cause I was in hospital last week. This podcast cheered me up. Thanks!

[@mikepartipilo1642]

It would been cool see Cassandra in more movies

[@calebleland8390]

Really funny moment from a movie she was in. In All About Evil, she plays the mom of a teen boy, and at one point, she walks into his room and he has an Elvira poster on the wall. I know it's supposed to be meta, but I find it hilarious that he has a poster of his mom in lingerie. Always makes me laugh.

[@Cureguy1]

@@calebleland8390 She has a bit part in Pee Wee's Big Adventure as part of the biker gang when she grabs Pee Wee by his collar and says "ya gotta let me have him first". I think she is in some grind house film as a topless dancer, amazingly enough.

[@calebleland8390]

@@Cureguy1 I completely forgot that she was in that movie. Great scene.

[@Cureguy1]

@@calebleland8390 It was.Unless you were a real fan of Cassandra you would never know it was the woman who played Elvira. I lot of people don't even know she is a redhead.

[@anthonyyoutubefan7567]

I've been hoping to see her play a character in Star Wars, esp. The Mandoverse.

[@Aurajameson]

She's my favorite woman ever. I've loved her since I was a kid in the 80s. I grew up watching Movie Mac and wanted to be Elvira when I grew up! And Cassandra is the kindest woman ever and loves her fans. Makes me love her even more!!

[@terrylarson9048]

It's such a great episode ! Love ya both, and Elvira is Icon.

[@lordraiden5398]

I lusted after Elvira as a teen. Never missed a Movie Macabe on Saturdays. Then I saw Cassandra without all the Elvira makeup and was blown away at how pretty she was. She is still beautiful and has not lost a step. Glad to know she is doing well.

[@authorrayrogers]

I had the absolute pleasure to speak to Ms. Peterson once. I was introduced through her writing partner and my boss at the time, John Paragon (RIP). She was the most genuine, sweetest celebrity I've ever met. She looks you RIGHT in the eye when you talk to each other. It was a brief conversation, but totally memorable. She's very much like the great Dolly Parton, what you see is what you get. Love her always!

[@blainemcgovern]

I have loved Cassandra since I was a little kid, I can still remember watching Midnight Macabre with my parents and I remember thinking of her as this dark, funny, beautiful angel. So happy you did this with her, she's just lovely, certainly an icon, but just so down to earth and seemingly easy to talk and laugh with, this whole episode just put a huge smile on my face, thanks for doing it Michael, you'll always be my favorite Lex, and thank you Cassandra for just being who you are, you are truly an amazing woman and I just loved this ❤

[@Kpictures_NYC]

I've always admired her for being so smart and funny. Her love for horror films, especially the cheesy ones made a huge impact on my passion for horror. I remember watching her show and always looked forward to her comments before and after the commercial break. She's incredible.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

Excellent interview. She was so honest in her answers. It's difficult to think that she's now in her 70's. Looking very good, no matter her age.

[@NewMessage]

This lady made all our lives better.

[@SLAVALLE1]

Great interview. OMG, love her even more now! Her honesty was obviously apparent over the last 45 years. This is a real woman! Good Luck with your book!

[@Kryptonian4449]

Amazing guest! Cassandra is a true legend. Thanks Michael. 👊

[@JohnLaRue-zp2uj]

Cassandra, 72 is the new 22. Thank you for your insight lady.

[@beedalton9675]

She still.cute got the sexy voice still

[@jmfs3497]

Right on! I grew UP watching Elvira's Movie Macabre with my older brothers. It felt dangerous as a kid, but also hilarious. I have very few good memories from childhood, and that show was one of them.

[@mscandylevar2444]

Love this episode had to go back and listen again. Love Casandra, so glad you got her back on again. Been a fan of hers for along time, I have a few Tshirts with Elvira on it. Saw all her shows and saw her at Knott’s Berry farm. Hope Casandra returns again on the pod,going to pick up her book. This is the best episode this year, Cassandra is so open and honest and no hold backs. Thank you Michael you Rock!

[@adrens02]

I wanted this one to be like 2 hours. She's so great!

[@theresemarkham9387]

I just finished this episode and it was delightful. She is definitely a smart business woman. She has led an interesting life. I am glad that you got her back on the podcast. Happy Halloween!

[@leonsredemption]

I met her at Washington State Horror Con and had such a good time! She was very kind and sweet. I absolutely love her to bits ❤️❤️🙏🙏

[@muppetsstoogesfan1]

Elvira appeared in a Halloween Scooby Doo movie with Bill Nye a few yrs back.

[@MarcusC68]

I'll watch any interview Cassandra does. She is always honest. More people should be as comfortable with themselves as she has always been.

[@valeriemoreno8535]

Inside of You hit this out of the ballpark! Interviewing Cassandra…the one and only Elvira! This was amazing! Michael, this podcast is just AMAZING! Wish you much more success! ❤

[@DandA604]

73, smart, strong, gorgeous, and independent. Such an inspiration to so many. ❤

[@bridgetboyle687]

Hey Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I found your podcasts prior to watching Smallville. Actually never watched it until after Lucifer. Your podcast means a lot the way you talk about topics the honesty of them.

[@mkmaclennan269]

Such a fun conversation! I love her! She looks absolutely fabulous without all of the makeup and I love all of the makeup! Thank you for sharing this!

[@Irisishunter]

what an absolutely joyful lady, I may of spent a lot of time er thinking about her as a teenager but never watched or read an interview about her before. What a fantastic life she has had.

[@katherinenorthrup8640]

This is such a great episode ❤❤❤

[@Neomaster67]

You should be so proud of your show. The reputation you have built and earned is allowing you access to great guests. Thank you for the amazing personal insight we are allowed to witness. Keep up with the awesome interviews.

[@bullstag47]

I love it, thanks for getting into interviewing fellow celebrities, you guys are great at it.

[@dametrot]

Awwww wonderful interview , and yes Seeing the Elvira movie in 88 on the south coast of England was just such a huge influence on me. Magical indeed ❤

[@jfrancis6191]

This was Michael’s best interview. You can tell how much he likes her.

[@THEAVERAGEMO]

You guys together was the BEST! Love your podcast, love Cassandra on different podcasts as well. This was like listening to 2 super humans unite!!! Both of you, so talented, witty and clever. Thank you!

[@xservox]

Cassandra's book is incredible!

[@scotts2515]

Great Interview, so much fun. Biggest surprise was the JCPenny ad. Well done!

[@lindamawdsley6130]

Don’t know Cassandra but will definitely check out “Elvira” and her new book. Loved this interview, the chat was so free flowing and interesting, didn’t really want it to end. Thanks for this very entertaining episode🙂

[@JazzyRaqs-13]

Wow!!! What a great podcast. Cheers to Michael for keeping it classy and being considerate and compassionate to his legendary guest during sensitive topics 😊❤

[@mk1gti]

I enjoy all of your podcasts but this one was especially good! Cassandra is such a warm and soulful person who is so much fun!

[@Gotham1230]

Great interview! Being born in ‘87, I feel Elvira’s boom was a little before my time, but I do remember seeing her when I was little and well, you know lol. Haven’t had the opportunity to meet her but Ms. Peterson seems super down to earth and just a fun person to talk to. Even though she retired the character, maybe animation is still in the cards?

[@kaboomzzz]

She looks so good. Love you, Cassandra! Watched “Elvira Mistress of the Dark” for the millionth time again this week. Part of our annual spooky season watchlist. Elvira will live forever! ❤❤❤❤

[@MizzKittay]

Elvira Mistress of the Dark will forever be the whole reason I am obsessed with all things that go bump in the night!!!! She looks amazing! Great interview!!!

[@ElectricKnight.]

My only complaint is that this should have been a 2 hour show. Or a 3 hour show. Honestly, 24/7 Cassandra sounds like a good idea to me. 🖤❤🖤

[@manp1039]

Great interview! I loved hearing about Elvira's journey with owning her character. She mentioned getting the rights to run the Elvira fan club in the first year and the rights to sell t-shirts the following year. I’m curious-did she eventually gain more rights beyond that? Was she able to control other aspects like merchandising, licensing, or even the character’s name and likeness in different formats? It’d be fascinating to know how much creative control she was able to secure as her brand grew!

[@ericdeyoung543]

I had a crush on her when I was young. I'm so glad she's doing so well all around. Thanks for bringing her on.

[@ImmortalThanos]

Elvira is a pillar of American pop culture. We are all so lucky to have had her be a part of our lives.

[@Newfers77]

I am very fortunate to have met her at a con and gotten a hug. The best hug I've ever gotten in my life. Truly a fucking legend. Adore her.

[@Wayzor_]

The amount of loads this woman has inspired is immeasurable.

[@luisgarcia-nj9vj]

All those potential children

[@SCconservative2011]

I'm 45 and I'd totally do her at 72. She's still stunningly beautiful and is such a lovely soul. Elvira was definitely the subject of many of my formative fantasies as a kid. Love her 💕

[@saintscott1741]

Michael, I have never left a comment, however I enjoy you immensely! I have been sucked into the void of your show, so thank you! Great show, great interview. I'm going to watch a whole bunch more that I haven't yet. Thanks for being a cool human who isn't afraid to be vulnerable and silly. I have never seen |Smallville, but you make me want to watch. I appreciate your content.

[@ArmandoOriz_]

It's a great tv series!!

[@christinemarsh4827]

This is so syncronistic. 😁 I just watched the Elvira: Mistress of the Dark movie for the first time today.

[@amuse311]

Man I love Cassandra, and I loved her book. What a gem of a woman.

[@GaryBailey-hk4ex]

I met Vincent Price when he was doing a reading of Edgar Allan Poe at Proctor's theatre, and I was next store at a big used bookstore. I had picked up two hardcover books on the history of Horror movies, and I found several old Famous Monsters of Filmland, which I stacked on the books. Then I heard a voice behind me, unmistakable, and a hand on my shoulder, and he said I Really like your choices of reading material, and right away I realized it was Vincent Price. He then went and autographed my Dr. Phibes issue, House of Wax issue, and then signed photos in the other three issues of himself, plus he signed the books, for he did the forward in the one, and signed some of his photos from the Fly, Shock, Last Man On Earth, and many more!!! What a Pleasant surprise for a 12 yr.old kid. Gary Bailey God of Thunder and Lightning 🌩️⚡🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧🍀💚🦉🌹❤️💗

[@ISOLATIONHUB]

Oh man i cant believe i am just now seeing this. Interviews like this with her are rare! thanks dude

[@Crystopsy]

Cassandra seems like such a sweetheart! Great interview!

[@stephenkehl7158]

Just surreal to hear the she and Paul Reubens would have long conversations and call each other Elvira and Pee-Wee. What a universe, where those two iconic characters are real-life friends like that!

[@LTPottenger]

WOW I've met Fluff a few times! That story ABOUT THE dunes is too funny!

[@pars5027]

Awesome interview with Casandra Peterson! She is still beautiful! And so interesting!!

[@Davivd2]

This is my first time seeing the person behind the character. She's super impressive. I hope that I can be in as good a shape as her at 70. Sharp, energetic, happy.

[@jamesdunn3907]

OH my! Thank you for bringing Cassandra on! Love her!

[@Merglet]

She looks freaking amazing and is such a sharp wit. 70 is the new 40.

[@auntvesuvi3872]

Thanks to Rosey, Ryan and Cassandra!!! 🤩 I adore her.

[@grumpyguitarguy9572]

That was AWESOME!!!!! And Cassandra is AWESOME too!!!!!!! I'm subscribed for sure!!!! Great show Michael.

[@INFLATION.IS.BRUTAL]

SHE'S LIKE THE MARILYN MONROE OF HALLOWEEN..😂

[@ianbubble1378]

72 and still a smokeshow 😍😍😍

[@tilsonanth0ny]

Such an Icon, she will always have my heart.

[@GOTTAMIKE]

Creativity, hard work, along with smarts; she deserves everything she has.

[@ELVISPOLICE]

LOVE CASSANDRA/ELVIRA !! What an ICON!!

[@RansomHollywood]

I just MET Elvira a few weeks ago at that 'Monster/Con' in Washington she was talking about. Aged 73 or not--she's SMOKIN FRIGGIN HOT!

[@mightyb8679]

A damn treat! Thanks for sharing with us MR

[@Loco4Poco27]

Great conversation/ interview. Love your work man…..

[@koobs4549]

She’s like a fine wine, aged to perfection & best enjoyed when savored. She’s an absolute class act.

[@russell28533]

Wow, 72? Cassandra is a timeless beauty.

[@Sammasambuddha]

Because she bites! As advertised! LoL

[@eternalcheesecake]

I read her book, it really is so good, full of amazing stories. BTW, I think part of the reason why she looks and feels so good at 72 is that she doesn't eat animals. Kudos to her.

[@totallytivo]

To clarify about Gilligan's Island, Cassandra and Judith Baldwin auditioned to play the RECAST of Ginger for the Gilligan's Island reunion TV movies. Tina Louise didn't want to do it unless they paid her a LOT of money, and that didn't happen.

[@CamMcGinn1981]

I still love hearing "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum is not filmed in front of a live studio audience". It always cracks me up. Love Cassandra and Elvira.

[@garyhyatt8079]

I got lucky with Cassandra but not the way one might think. In 1986 I had done a local origination video my partner and I called "Cable Macabre". A title someone else was thinking of using but gave it to me. Like Wayne's World you could borrow shooting and editing equipment, make your own program through a local Cable company and see it on one of their channels. Somehow my video partner must've contacted Cassandra and she actually showed up and presented us with an ACE award (Award for Cable Excellence) as Cassandra. Her beauty wasn't a surprise of course but her speaking voice was musical, like laughter, that was amazing! I love her and was so glad to see her on "Inside Of You". Thanks guys.

[@jadedknight1973]

I met her in Seattle last month and she is so sweet❤

[@zerokool2575]

She does not look 72. That’s crazy.

[@backacheache]

#InsertOccultJokeHere

[@beedalton9675]

Watching her show In the 80s as a kid.....I'm all grownup........ I'd still date her

[@JakeBlake-m3d]

Well we should take notes. I believe having children ages you and she has just 1 kid right? Also a healthy diet with very little smoking, drugs, alcohol if any. Exercise and stress reduction is key also. AND for the final method MOISTURIZE your SKIN daily!. Anyone can achieve longevity look if they take care of themselves. Wear and Tear is why people "age" not time itself. Note: " Peterson was a vegetarian for many years; as of 2021, she continues to maintain a "mostly vegetarian" diet." - Wikipedia page

[@zerokool2575]

@ also I hate to say it but genetics play a huge part. Most people that look young for their age when they are a kid continue to look that way their whole life but she seriously looks like she’s Matts age and she could be his mother.

[@ace360]

What a Awesome Guest!!!🤯🎃🤘 Happy Halloween 🎇

[@austinbeard1814]

Always love the shout outs to good ol' WKU Rosie! Go Tops!!!

[@Belluser-we1uc5cb2l]

I have been a fan of Elvira since the 80's. It will be sad if she retires. This interview 😅"Did you sleep with him" No. "But you wanted to" 😅 Howard Stern does this too. Hilarious

[@jimdawson2549]

72!! She looks amazing!!

[@PcolaTigger69]

Michael: Your podcasts are always the BEST. You're AWESOMESAUCE!

[@pamelacrawford4105]

I love your channel! This was a really great interview! I just bought her book. Can’t wait to read it! 😊😊😊

[@wlnorris75]

She is a national treasure! I've never got to meet her at a con. i wish she would come back around Central KY and make an appearance.

[@Alexandrashepiro]

I remember seeing Elvira for the first time on a episode of CHiPS back in the early 80s!

[@disteenguishedmonstoor]

I love Elvira! And Vincent Price! My first introduction to Vincent Price was as a kid in the late 70's in a Canadian made TV show called The Hilarious House of Frightenstein which is still around & free on Tubi.👻💀👹 AND there's a recent comic book limited series called Elvira Meets Vincent Price!😃

[@dawnmcmurray8535]

Got to meet her for a second time this week at Horror Con in Washington state. It was such a fun day.

[@dreamerz15]

Cassandra is just the coolest.

[@DC-ms5ip]

my FAVORITE part at 42:15-42:17... "WHAT?! Well, FUCK YOU" hahaha.

[@edwardsanchez3708]

I just bought Elvira Mistress of the Dark on 4k. I grew up watching her. What a fun and amazing time to grow up

[@brinsonopinion]

I still watch the Elvira livestream over on Shout Studios channel. When you asked about Vincent Price, she was on The Tonight Show with him! It's here on KZbin. She liked a comment I made on her Instagram last week & I talked about it for DAYS I've always loved her and to know she's come out on top of the game with the ownership & all just makes me happy ❤🖤❤🖤❤

[@HeelsBee]

Oh I love her so much! Need to rewatch the movie on Halloween!

[@jrchanning]

This was an awesome episode, what a terrific guest Cassandra was, what an interesting and fascinating life she's had !! 😄