Legendary Hollywood Golden Age singer Peggy King dies at 96
One of Hollywood’s golden age’s last big stars has left us. Peggy King, the actress and singer who became a familiar face on American television in the 1950s, has died at age 96.
One of Hollywood’s golden age’s last big stars has left us. Peggy King, the actress and singer who became a familiar face on American television in the 1950s, has died at age 96.
Her publicist, Alan Eicher, confirmed to Variety that Peggy King died on Sunday, October 25, at the Saunders House assisted living facility in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. She had previously been diagnosed with Alzhheumer’s.
Born on February 16, 1930, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Peggy King spent most of her life singing. After graduating from Ravenna High School, she began singing on the radio in Cleveland.
Later, Peggy became a regular on CBS’s The Mel Tormé Show and found success with a commercial jingle for Hunt’s Tomato Sauce.
Columbia Records signed her to a long-term contract, and she released two best-selling albums for the label, along with several hit singles. Her talent earned her an Emmy Award nomination in 1955 for Best Female Singer. Three years later, she returned to the ceremony as a co-host.
Peggy King did many things, but perhaps she rose to the height of fame especially through her appearances on The George Gobel Show. She was a regular on the comedy and variety program from 1954 to 1957, and host George Gobel nicknamed her “Pretty Perky Peggy King.”
