Peggy King, the 1950s television and recording star known as "Pretty Perky Peggy King," has died at 96. King passed away on Sunday, October 25, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease at the Saunders House assisted living facility in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.
Her publicist, Alan Eicher, confirmed the news. King was a regular on The George Gobel Show from 1954 to 1957, when it was one of NBC's top variety programmes.
Gobel gave her the nickname that defined her career. She was nominated for an Emmy for best female singer in 1955, performed "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" at the 1955 Academy Awards, and co-hosted the Emmys in 1958.
Her talent and charm made her a household name across the United States during the golden age of television. She was named best new singer of 1956 by DownBeat and Billboard, received one of the first stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, and was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010.
Her career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on February 16, 1930, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, King signed with MGM in 1952, leading to a singing cameo in Vincente Minnelli's The Bad and the Beautiful.
Her transition from film to television was seamless, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She also appeared in Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy (1955) and the thriller Zero Hour!.
Her last released recording was the album Songs a la King in 2016, which served as a testament to her enduring passion for music even in her later years. Throughout her life, King remained a beloved figure among her peers and fans alike.
Her contributions to the variety show format helped define the genre for future generations of entertainers. She is survived by her daughter, Suzy Rudofker, and son-in-law, Dwain Goforth.
The family has requested privacy as they mourn the loss of the legendary performer. Her legacy will continue to be celebrated through her extensive catalog of recordings and archival footage of her television appearances.
The entertainment world remembers her as a vibrant talent who brought joy to millions. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days, as friends and colleagues prepare to pay their final respects to the iconic star.