How 'Elvira' Was Inspired By ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and Vincent Price (Flashback)

Elvira herself, Cassandra Peterson, tells ET how one lucky audition led to a decades-spanning career playing ‘Mistress of the Dark.’ In this rare interview, Peterson reveals the backstory she created for the horror hostess. She explains that her time with the Groundlings influenced the pop culture icon becoming more comedian than sex symbol. Before the wigs, costumes and makeup came into her life, Peterson confesses she was a fan of watching ‘bad movies.’ Plus, she does an impression of an early version of Elvira that was inspired by Tina Louise on ‘Gilligan’s Island.’