But, what I never could’ve imagined was Peterson’s haunting yet admirable transparency.

I suppose going into Yours Cruelly, Elvira, I expected devilishly wild stories, and believe me, there’s plenty - some including dozens of chickens, Led Zeppelin, and a ghost. Much like was seen in the Elvira feature film, Peterson’s life wasn’t always mystical and fabulous, and she often faced sexual harassment and was even assaulted. In these transformative years, Peterson experienced run-ins with Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Elvis, and NBA star Wilt Chamberlain. In her book, she shares that even at 70 years old, she still catches herself adjusting her hair or even the Elvira beehive wig to conceal them.īesides the constant insecurity her scars conjured within, Peterson also endured an abusive home life in a small Kansas town that led her to leave home at fourteen and support herself as a go-go dancer and eventual showgirl. Peterson agonized over the scars for years. She spent weeks in the hospital with third-degree burns on more than 35 percent of her body. At just eighteen months old, Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and drenched herself in boiling water. Yours Cruelly, Elvira, details Peterson’s life before and after becoming The Mistress of the Dark, beginning with an event far more horrific than any of the films she would present on Elvira’s Movie Macabre. All of which sprawl across the pages of Peterson’s fiery memoir. Of course, Parton and Peterson have plenty in common, distinct, iconic voices, vibrant, dare I say, bouncy personalities, and slapstick humor. When reading, I couldn’t shake my thoughts of the legendary Dolly Parton, so it felt so ironic that Peterson named Parton as her top casting choice for Elvira in a biopic. I mean, it’s damn near impossible to forget the cheeky, tassel-twirling queen of Halloween. Two opportunities I know I’ll never forget. I had the immense pleasure of reading Cassandra Peterson’s new memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira, and attending a live event celebrating the release. Quote from Barnes & Noble Virtually Presents: Cassandra Peterson Celebrates Yours Cruelly, Elvira (Sept.

Q: If your new memoir Yours Cruelly, Elvira is adapted into a movie, who would you want to play you?Ī: Dolly Parton! We have the same…uhm. Yours Cruelly, Elvira by Cassandra Petersonģ05 pages $22.99 hardcover, $14.99 ebook, $29.65 audiobook (or 1 audible credit)

Cruelly yours elvira