Few icons in horror have managed to mix spooky, sultry, and side-splitting quite like Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Portrayed by the incomparable Cassandra Peterson, Elvira first burst into public consciousness in 1981 as the host of Elvira's Movie Macabre, a late-night horror showcase featuring campy B-movies and even campier commentary.

With her towering beehive hair, plunging black dress, and razor-sharp wit, Elvira became more than just a host—she became a pop culture phenomenon. She represented a delicious mix of horror homage and parody, welcoming viewers into the weird and wonderful world of bad cinema with sass, puns, and unapologetic flair.

Over the years, Elvira starred in her own feature films (Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, Elvira’s Haunted Hills), graced comic books, appeared in pinball machines, and inspired action figures, Funko Pops!, statues, costumes, and collectibles galore. Her brand of gothic-glam-meets-goofball has endured for decades, and her fanbase spans horror junkies, drag queens, goth kids, and anyone who’s ever felt a little “too much” for the mainstream.

Elvira isn’t just a character—she’s a lifestyle. One that embraces oddballs, celebrates spooky season all year long, and proves that being over the top is sometimes exactly the right amount.