Peggy King, Singer and ‘George Gobel Show’ Star of Television’s Golden Age, Dies at 96
Peggy King, a singer and television performer who became prominent in the 1950s, has died aged 96. Her publicist said she died on Sunday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. King was best known for appearing on The George Gobel Show, and her career reflected the growth of television variety entertainment during its golden age.
King appeared on the programme from 1954 to 1957, earning the nickname “Pretty Perky Peggy King” and a 1955 Emmy for best female singer. She co-hosted the 1958 Emmy Awards and featured on shows including those hosted by Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Jack Benny and Perry Como. Her other work included guest roles on Maverick and Dragnet, films including The Bad and the Beautiful, and two best-selling albums; she is survived by her daughter.
In short
- Peggy King has died aged 96 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
- She won a 1955 Emmy for her singing on television.
- Her career spanned variety shows, films, recordings and classic television.
Explained simply
Peggy King was an American singer whose career took off as television became a popular form of home entertainment in the 1950s. Variety programmes mixed music and comedy, often bringing performers into viewers’ homes each week.
King became widely known through The George Gobel Show, where she sang alongside comedian George Gobel. Her work on television also included appearances with well-known entertainers and roles in films and drama series.
Her career offers a glimpse of how singers could reach national audiences through early television as well as records and film. The Emmy she won in 1955 recognised her singing on a medium that was still establishing its place in American entertainment.