Cassandra Peterson

 Cassandra Peterson was born in Manhattan, Kansas, and was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. At age 17, she became the youngest of the showgirls to perform on the Las Vegas stage in "Vive Les Girls" the show that was held in the Dunes Hotel. After getting advice from "The King" himself, Elvis Presley, she went to Europe in search of the career of a singer and actor. She was the main character in Federico Fellini's Roma (1972) as well as appeared across Europe as lead vocalist for the Italian rock group. After returning to the United States, her musical comedy show Mama's Boys took her on an extensive tour across the United States. She eventually moved to Hollywood in the United States, where she worked for 4 1/2 years with L.A.'s most popular improv comedy group, The Groundlings. In 1981, she was a candidate for the role of horror hostess at a Los Angeles television station. Her show, Elvira's Movie Macabre (1981), and her brand new character, Elvira, became an overnight sensation.Cassandra has utilized Elvira's fame and position to draw attention to numerous worthy causes and organizations throughout the years, including her well-known work in the field of animal welfare as well as raising funds and awareness in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.