Little Known Facts About Horror Movie Icon Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

Measurements: 34-21-34 (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

Her real name is Cassandra Peterson, but everyone that knows her, knows her as Elvira, Mistress Of the Dark from her self-titled B horror movies or from her late-night cult and horror movie midnight matinee. Born on September 17, 1949 in Manhattan, Kansas but growing up in Colorado Springs, CO left much to be desired so this determined and destined-to-be star moved to Las Vegas, Nevada immediately after graduating high school at the age of 17. There she showcased her talents singing and dancing; she loved to perform. Her Vegas career put her in the right place at the right time to meet The King, Elvis Presley. She took his encouraging advice on being a performer and joined an Italian rock band and toured as their lead singer.

Life was not always glamor and lights for this starlet; at the young age of five, she tipped a pot of boiling water over onto herself. She had to undergo numerous skin grafts to replace the damaged tissue, but looking at her, you could never tell. She now covers the scars with makeup or clothes - the dress she wears as Elvira only exposes the parts of her skin that were not burned. She did not find fame overnight; she often wondered if she had what it takes to make it in the entertaining business and thought about quitting on occasion.

Her looks are head-turning to say the least. She has been offered to do a Playboy spread as Elvira, but declined. However, she has done a shoot for them as herself. Elvira's trademarks include black fingernails, red lips, a beauty mark underneath her right eye, a long black revealing vampy dress, spiked heels, huge hair and a ruby ring.