As many of you know, Elvira has been a part of my life for many years. It started when I auditioned to be her stand-in and photo double for her first film, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in 1988. I met Cassandra Peterson–the woman who plays Elvira–for the first time on that fateful day. I went on to work for her for the next 17 years as her stand-in and double and then later as her road manager as we traveled the country together. We’ve remained great friends all these years, and I’m still her biggest fan.

And now she has released her much-anticipated memoir, Yours Cruelly, Elvira! It’s already garnished glowing reviews and hit the bestseller’s lists. This comes as no surprise to me, of course, as I’ve been aware of her talents for many years. She has been my friend and mentor and a woman I’ve admired and loved since the day we met. Congratulations, Cassandra!