Elvira: How She Became Mistress Of The Dark

An underage showgirl, advice from Elvis, and beef with Vampira? Elvira traveled a long and sometimes terrifying road to become a horror icon.

#Elvira #TheMakingOf #Icon

A childhood accident | 0:00
Discovering horror | 1:07
Vegas showgirl | 2:15
Inspired by Elvis | 3:08
Character improv | 3:48
Almost Vampira | 4:43
Last minute character | 5:51
Dagger belt | 7:17
Owning the rights | 7:59
Gay icon | 8:48

[GrungeHQ]

What do you think of Elvira's career?

[sophiaisabelle]

Elvira is and will be one of the most iconic divas onscreen. Her stage presence alone gravitates you right away.

[joannecotton]

I’ve heard of Elvira but never knew about her life until now. She is the icon and has inspired people and artists. A stunning woman and beautiful inside and out. She is a real person being herself and that’s what we should all be

[williepearl]

I was introduced to Elvira by a friend and her mother when I was in elementary school. I instantly loved her and she was probably the first woman that I identified with even at a young age. I wanted to be like her, I wanted her confidence.

[MLFreese]

She's one of those rare women who never loses her beauty with age.

[felipelovecraft]

Ever since I was little, I've always had a crush for Elvira. I'm glad Cassandra was destined to be Elvira.

[corinnepmorrison]

Beautiful redheaded actress... Her tongue-in-cheek comments were great!! Thank you John Paragon!! 👍🏻

[briansullivan]

No one could hate Elvira, she's the funniest Mistress of the Dark ever. She had a beef with Vampira, now that woman is scary, shout out to Ed Wood

[we.r.wine.bottles.im.at.work.]

She has always been absolutely gorgeous 😍 ❤️ 💕 🏆🏆🤩🤩🤩🎃🎃🎃🎃

[brooklynbabe]

Cassandra Peterson is absolutely adorable my dear and a survivor

[robertw]

That statement about christian's hating Elvira is BS. I've been a Christian my whole life and love Elvira. She was one of my first crushes when I was a teenager in the early 80's. I wish people would stop putting everyone in a box. Also I don't hate gay people, one of my best friendsin high school was gay, and guess what, no one cared. So please stop putting everyone in a box. That's just so stupid to do.

[christophersilsby]

Her confidence came from her playing the part of Elvira. Some people who do parts where they are covered up. Puppeteer do it as well because their do it behind the stage.

[kathyo]

Growing up in LA, my brother and I would watch her regularly as teenagers. My brother will tell you that she's one of the icons who confirmed he was heterosexual. I just knew she was amazing. I've loved her and Vampira forever, but Elvira is my favorite.

[dougadams]

Don't forget about The Oak Ridge Boys song "Elvira"

[johnzeszut]

Everybody likes Elvira and I am glad that she made it to the top of the heap. For years a rumor was going around that the girl who played Bailey Quarters from "WKRP" was Elvira!

[michaelgautreaux]

In either persona, beautiful! ❤️
Saw what she needed & wanted to do & made it happen! 👍👍

[Dan-iyjl]

I always enjoyed Elvira. I appreciate her even more now after seeing this Grunge video. Thank you.

[michaelt.wardlespider]

My macabre dream girl. She usurped Carolyn Jones' Morticia; dropped Yvonne De Carlo's Lily to third; and Vampira to fourth, the moment I laid eyes upon her. Although I still love them all... Honorable mention for Patricia Quinn as Magenta.

[johnfidel]

*Thank you Elvis. You gave me 2 beautiful things to stare at when I was growing up :-)*

[SpiderxPunk]

My father actually dated her in high school; her family even owned a costume shop in Colorado Springs that - at least during our last visit - was still open. Albeit under a different owner.