Cassandra Peterson Comes Out Of Closet; Introduces Long Time Partner Teresa 'T' Wierson

Cassandra Peterson dropped her new memoir, "Yours Cruelly Elvira: Memories of the Mistress of the Dark," on Tuesday and revealed that she has been in a relationship with a woman for almost two decades.

Peterson, 70, came out of the closet for the first time through her new memoir and disclosed the name of her long-time partner, Teresa 'T' Wierson.

The actress, who is popularly known for her 1988's "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark," noted that Wierson was her trainer who later became her friend. She also worked as Peterson's assistant before they eventually began dating.

The actress was married to actor Mark Pierson between 1981 to 2003 and they also worked together in "Elvira: Mistress of the Dark."

In the memoir, Peterson revealed that Wierson entered her life and began to live together after she divorced Pierson. The actress noted that Wierson also split from her partner at that time and had "no place to go."

She explained that having someone in her life, like Wierson, at that time was a "huge relief" and she felt "happier" living with her.

The actress mentioned one evening in her book when her daughter, Sadie Pierson, was at her ex-husband's place and she went out for a movie with Wierson. After coming back home, Peterson recalled saying "goodnight" to her and "suddenly felt compelled to kiss her — on the mouth."

She further added, "Never been interested in women as anything other than friends." However, she fell in love with Wierson and noted, "I'm happy and relieved to finally allow our secret to see the light of day."

Peterson reflected on why she kept her relationship under the wraps for so long. "I worried that if I announced I was no longer living the 'straight life,' my fans would feel lied to, call me a hypocrite, and abandon me," she said.

Although the actress didn't hide her relationship from her close friends and family. Peterson isn't the only actress who came out of the closet this year. Demi Lovato also identified as "Pansexual."

On the work front, the actress was featured in a comedy movie, "Shoplifters of the World," which was released in March 2021.