Hollywood Squares

The long-running game show, Hollywood Squares, made a comeback in 1998 with a fresh new look and an all-star cast of panelists. The revival, which premiered on September 14, 1998, was hosted by the charismatic Tom Bergeron, who brought his signature charm and wit to the role. The show's format remained largely the same, with two contestants competing to win money by correctly guessing the answers to trivia questions posed by the panelists. However, the production values were updated, and the show featured a more modern and vibrant set.

The panel of celebrities was a veritable who's who of Hollywood, with a mix of veteran performers and up-and-coming stars. Whoopi Goldberg served as the permanent center square, bringing her unique comedic style and quick wit to the show. Bruce Vilanch, the head writer for the original Hollywood Squares, returned to the revival as a regular panelist, along with Gilbert Gottfried, Martin Mull, and Caroline Rhea. These panelists were known for their comedic timing and quick thinking, and they provided plenty of laughs and entertainment throughout the show's run.

In addition to the regular panelists, a rotating cast of semi-regular panelists also appeared on the show. These included Brad Garrett, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, George Wallace, and Kathy Griffin, among others. Shadoe Stevens also returned to announce, although he did not have a square on the panel as he had during the John Davidson era. With such a talented and diverse cast of panelists, the Hollywood Squares revival provided viewers with hours of entertainment and laughs. The show was a hit with audiences, and it remained on the air until 2004, cementing its place as a beloved and enduring game show.

Main Cast of Hollywood Squares

Tom Bergeron as Self - Host

Tom Bergeron

Self - Host
Tom Bergeron's tenure as the host of "Hollywood Squares" exemplified his signature charm and wit that has made him a beloved figure in the realm of game shows. His role as Self - Host was not merely a presenting job but a performance that required a quick tongue, an ability to engage with both the celebrity guests and contestants, and a knack for keeping the show's energy lively and entertaining. Bergeron's adeptness at weaving humor into the fabric of the gameplay, his genuine reactions to the banter of the stars in the squares, and his seamless facilitation of the classic tic-tac-toe format with a twist, all contributed to a warm and inviting atmosphere that endeared him to viewers. His intuitive sense of timing and his ability to maintain the show's pace while allowing for spontaneous and hilarious moments made him the perfect ringmaster for this iconic television staple. Bergeron's performance not only helped to modernize the show for a new generation but also paid homage to its rich history, ensuring that "Hollywood Squares" remained a fixture of daytime television entertainment.
Shadoe Stevens as Self - Announcer (voice)

Shadoe Stevens

Self - Announcer (voice)
Shadoe Stevens brought his distinctive voice and vibrant energy to the beloved game show "Hollywood Squares" as the Announcer, a role he inhabited with both charm and panache. His voiceovers were an essential part of the show's fabric, providing a lively and recognizable sonic backdrop to the on-screen banter and trivia challenges. Stevens's ability to deliver rapid-fire introductions, punchlines, and contestant updates with impeccable timing and a touch of playful mischief made him a beloved fixture of the program. His interactions with the host and the celebrity guests were seamless, often adding an extra layer of humor that complemented the witty repartee occurring within the tic-tac-toe style game board. Shadoe Stevens's tenure as the announcer not only solidified his status as a small-screen staple but also contributed to the enduring legacy of "Hollywood Squares" as a staple of American television entertainment.

Secondary Cast of Hollywood Squares

Mark McEwen

Self - Panelist

Kerri Strug

Self - Panelist

Eleanor Mondale

Self - Panelist

Crew of Hollywood Squares

Full backstage crew list →