jesussbotsford: “Pink Panther” Actor Herbert Lom Dead At 95 (VIDEO)

Friday, September 28, 2012

“Pink Panther” Actor Herbert Lom Dead At 95 (VIDEO)

Herbert Lom has died at age 95.

The actor, who is best known for his role as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus in the “Pink Panther” films, passed away in his sleep today.

Herbert starred as the boss of Inspector Clouseau, who was played by actor Peter Sellers, in six films in the series which include “The Return of the Pink Panther”, “The Curse of the Pink Panther,” and in 1993′s “Son of the Pink Panther”.

Lom first appeared as the police chief in 1964′s “A Shot in the Dark” and his alter-ego became more incompetent as the movies continued.

The Czech-born actor appeared in over 100 movies during his 60-year acting career including hit movies such as “Spartacus” with Kirk Douglas and “The Ladykillers” with Sir Alec Guinness and Peter Sellers.

Herbert also made a name for himself playing the role of Napoleon Bonaparte twice in 1942′s “The Young Mr. Pitt” and later in “War and Peace”.

Herbert Lom’s son, Alec Lom, said of his late father, “Like many actors, he never wanted to be pigeon-holed in a particular role and, after having played the role of East European gangster in many films, it was a delight to him later in his career to be cast by Pink Panther producer and director Blake Edwards in a comedy role opposite Peter Sellers, and he hugely enjoyed that move.

“He had many funny stories about the antics that he and Peter Sellers got up to on the set. It was a nightmare working with Peter because he was a terrible giggler and, between my father and Peter’s laughter, they ruined dozens and dozens of takes.”

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