How Elvira Built a Brand to Die For

Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) joins Dan to pull back the coffin lid on her 45-year reign as the queen of Halloween. She shares how The Groundlings and a one-off local TV gig turned into her pop culture empire, why embracing her alter ego became her greatest business decision, and how she spends Halloween. Elvira also talks about her new cookbook Elvira's Cookbook from Hell (spoiler: it includes Cheese Whiz and crushed potato chips), her autumnal gin, and her friendship with Pee-wee Herman. From reframing Hollywood typecasting to becoming a brand that defines a holiday, Elvira proves that success sometimes means leaning all the way into what makes you different—even if it’s spooky. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices