Cassandra Peterson, best known for her role as the horror hostess Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, has recently revealed that she was in a 19-year relationship with a woman. The actress opened up about her personal life in her memoir, “Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark.”
Peterson writes that she met her partner, Teresa “T” Wierson, in the 1980s while she was going through a divorce from her first husband. Wierson was a woman she had met at a party, and the two soon became friends. Their friendship gradually turned into a romantic relationship, and they eventually moved in together.
Despite the relationship being a secret, Peterson writes that it was a happy and loving one. She credits Wierson with helping her get through some of the toughest moments in her life, including the death of her mother and her battle with breast cancer.
However, Peterson also writes that the relationship had its challenges. She struggled with the guilt and shame of being in a same-sex relationship, particularly as she had built a career on her sexy, seductive persona as Elvira. Peterson also writes that she faced some backlash from members of the LGBTQ+ community who were disappointed that she had not come out sooner.
Despite these challenges, Peterson says that she feels it is important to share her story in the hopes of helping others who may be going through similar experiences. She writes, “I want to show people that being gay is just another way of being human. We need to be accepting of everyone, no matter who they love.”
Peterson’s revelation has been met with overwhelming support from her fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Many have praised her for her courage in coming forward and sharing her story, and have expressed admiration for her honesty and openness.
In addition to her relationship with Wierson, Peterson’s memoir also delves into her early years, including her upbringing in Kansas and her early struggles in Hollywood. She writes candidly about her experiences with sexism and sexual harassment in the industry, as well as her battles with addiction and depression.
Cassandra Peterson’s career began in the entertainment industry as a dancer and actress in Las Vegas. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she landed small roles in television shows and films.
In the late 1970s, Peterson was asked to audition for a local horror movie host show called “Fright Night,” which eventually led to her creating her own character: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. The character was inspired by a mix of horror icons, including Morticia Addams from “The Addams Family” and Vampira, the first horror hostess. Elvira was known for her gothic appearance, which included a revealing black dress, heavy makeup, and long black hair.
In 1981, Elvira landed her own show, “Elvira’s Movie Macabre,” which aired classic horror movies with commentary from the Mistress of the Dark. The show was a hit, and Elvira became a cultural phenomenon. She even appeared in a number of films and television shows, including “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” “The KROFFT Supershow,” and “The Red Hour.”
Further, Peterson continued to play the Elvira character for decades, making appearances at conventions and other events. She also released a number of merchandise and products featuring the character, including a comic book series, action figures, and Halloween costumes.
Overall, Peterson’s memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a Hollywood icon who has always been more than just her famous character. It is a testament to her resilience, bravery, and determination to live life on her own terms.
