LOS ANGELES - Peter Marshall, the beloved actor, singer, and game show host who entertained audiences for 16 years on "The Hollywood Squares," has died at the age of 98, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. Marshall's smooth and charismatic style helped redefine the modern game show host, elevating him to household name status.

From 1966 to 1981, Marshall presided over more than 5,000 episodes of "The Hollywood Squares" on NBC. Though the game itself was a variation of tic-tac-toe, the true charm of the show lay in Marshall's witty banter and engaging conversations with the celebrity contestants. Regulars like Paul Lynde, George Gobel, and Joan Rivers provided laugh-out-loud moments with their comedic answers to Marshall's playful questions.

In a 2010 interview, Marshall shared that hosting "The Hollywood Squares" was the easiest job he had ever done in show business. Walking in, greeting the stars, and asking questions that led to laughter was what made the experience so enjoyable for him. Not to mention, it paid very well.

"The Hollywood Squares" quickly became an integral part of American culture, winning four Daytime Emmy Awards for outstanding game show during Marshall's tenure. Its success led to numerous international adaptations and several reboots in the United States. The show's appeal extended beyond its regular cast, attracting A-list celebrities like Aretha Franklin, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Ed Asner, and Janet Leigh as occasional guests.

While Marshall had wonderful chemistry with many of his co-stars, he developed a special bond with George Gobel, often referring to him as his closest friend on "Hollywood Squares" and his all-time favorite square. The camaraderie among the cast members added to the show's allure and enduring popularity.

Before stepping behind the podium on "The Hollywood Squares," Marshall had already lived a diverse show business life. He toured with big bands as a young teenager, performed in comedy duos on both nightclubs and television, acted in movies as a contract player for Twentieth Century Fox, and even graced the Broadway stage in several musicals.

Reflecting on his unexpected transition into game show hosting, Marshall acknowledged that he was first and foremost a singer, not a host. The opportunity to host "The Hollywood Squares" came when he auditioned for the role after Bert Parks, the original host of the pilot, stepped down. What was supposed to be a temporary gig turned into sixteen fruitful years.

Marshall's impact on "The Hollywood Squares" was significant. In its early days, the show was more conventional, but everything changed when producers started writing jokes for Paul Lynde, who occupied the center square. With the introduction of humor, Marshall transitioned effortlessly from being a straight man to working alongside comedic talents.

Throughout his career, Marshall always carried with him the memory of his father's passing when he was just a child. As a teenager, he joined his mother and sister, actress Joanne Dru, in New York, where he began his journey in show business. Serving in World War II, Marshall got his first taste of broadcasting as a DJ for Armed Forces Radio stationed in Italy.

In 1949, Marshall formed a successful comedy duo, partnering with Tommy Noonan. They performed in nightclubs, theaters, and made appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show." Although major starring roles in Hollywood eluded him, Marshall found success in musical theater, starring alongside renowned talents like Chita Rivera and Julie Harris.

Marshall's passing marks the end of an era in game show history. His contributions to the genre, his infectious laughter, and his ability to connect with audiences will forever be remembered. As fans and colleagues mourn his loss, they also celebrate the lasting impact that Peter Marshall has left on the world of entertainment.