Cassandra Peterson credits the late Pee-wee’s Playhouse star John Paragon with helping with her Elvira character

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-06-23/john-paragon-paul-reubens-pee-wee-herman-cassandra-peterson

Peterson wanted to be known that Paragon, who died in April but whose death was revealed last week, was more than the wide-eyed, teal-faced Jambi the Genie. "Without John, I could tell you Elvira would never be the character that she came to be," says Peterson of her cult horror favorite character. Pee-wee's Playhouse star Paul Reubens also wanted it be known how helpful Paragon was off-screen. “He was very charismatic, and his performing was very electrifying. He was hard not to notice," says Reubens, adding: "He made you want to work with him."