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.”
Over the years, she became known for her musical talent and eccentric television appearances, which earned a place among the entertainers who helped define American show business during the golden age.
Legendary Hollywood Golden Age singer Peggy King dies at 96
Besides singing, King also appeared frequently on screen. She appeared on several popular television programs, including The Steve Allen Show, The Jack Benny Program, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Moreover, she performed at the 1955 Academy Awards, singing Count Your Blessings from the classic film White Christmas.
However, King’s career was not limited to television. She signed a contract with MGM in 1952 and appeared in films including The Bad and the Beautiful, Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy, and Zero Hour!.
King never showed any signs of slowing down. She continued performing well into the later stages of her life, appearing as late as 2014. Her final released album, Songs a la King, arrived in 2016.
In 1960, King became one of the first entertainers to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was later inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010. Peggy King is survived by her daughter, Suzy Rudofker,
Rest in peace, Peggy King. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.
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