A beloved personality of the Golden Age of television, Peggy King became a household name during her tenure on "The George Gobel Show" from 1954 to 1957. It was on this popular program that Gobel affectionately bestowed upon her the enduring nickname, "Pretty Perky Peggy King," a moniker that perfectly encapsulated her energetic stage presence and sunny disposition.

King's talent extended beyond variety show appearances. In 1955, her exceptional vocal abilities earned her an Emmy Award nomination for Best Female Singer. That same year, she graced the Academy Awards stage, performing "Count Your Blessings," and later co-hosted the Emmy Awards in 1958, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in entertainment. Her extensive television credits include guest spots on iconic programs like Bob Hope’s “Chevy Show,” “American Bandstand,” “The Steve Allen Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and “The Jack Benny Program.” She also showcased her dramatic range with roles in classic series such as "Maverick" and "Dragnet."

Beyond the small screen, King made her mark in Hollywood films. An early contract with MGM in 1952 led to a cameo in Vincente Minnelli’s acclaimed drama "The Bad and the Beautiful," where her voice featured on the soundtrack. She also appeared alongside the legendary comedy duo in "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" and played a stewardess in the 1957 thriller "Zero Hour!" Her versatility was further demonstrated in television musicals, starring opposite Tab Hunter in "Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates" and in a version of "Jack and the Beanstalk" with Joel Grey and Celeste Holm.

King's musical career flourished under a long-term contract with Columbia Records, where she released two best-selling albums and a string of hit singles. Famously, composer Arthur Hamilton penned the classic torch song "Cry Me a River" specifically for her, though, due to label decisions by Mitch Miller, she was ultimately unable to record it. The song would later become a signature hit for Julie London.

Even in her later years, King's contributions to entertainment were celebrated. She was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010 and was among the first luminaries to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her passion for music remained strong, with her last album, "Songs a la King," released in 2016, and she continued to perform regularly in the Philadelphia, New York, and Los Angeles areas as late as 2014.

Born on February 16, 1930, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, King began her career singing on radio in Cleveland and was a regular on "The Mel Torme Show" for CBS. She is survived by her daughter, Suzy Rudofker, and son-in-law, Dwain Goforth.