Julie Andrews' husband, Pink Panther creator Blake Edwards, has died at the age of 88.
The director, writer and producer passed away at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California on Wednesday night after suffering complications from pneumonia. His wife and other family members were by his bedside, according to his longtime publicist, Gene Schwam.
Born William Blake Crump in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Edwards began his career as an actor and screenwriter, penning seven scripts for late actor/filmmaker Richard Quine.
He landed his big break on Orson Welles' production of War of the Worlds and went on to create screenplays for detective series Richard Diamond, Private Detective and Peter Gunn.
He later established himself as a director, working with Audrey Hepburn to bring Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's to the big screen in 1961, before taking on Days of Wine and Roses in 1962.
But he will perhaps be best remembered as the comic genius behind the Pink Panther series, teaming up with Peter Sellers for six of the hit movies in the franchise.
His other comedy credits include 10, Victor/Victoria and S.O.B., all starring Andrews, his wife of 41 years.
In 2004, he was presented with an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of his extensive body of film work.
Edwards is survived by Andrews, his two children Jennifer and Geoffrey from his first marriage to Patricia Walker, and two adopted kids from Vietnam, Amelia Leigh and Joanna Lynne. He was also stepfather to The Sound of Music icon's daughter Emma, from her previous union to Tony Walton.
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Blake Edwards, Julie Andrews' Husband & 'Pink Panther' Creator, Dies At 88
Blake Edwards Passes Away at 88
Beloved comedy writer-director Blake Edwards passed away late Wednesday evening after suffering from a bout of pneumonia. Edwards had been hospitalized for the last two weeks, and died at St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California at the age of 88, with wife Julie Andrews and other family members and friends at his bedside.
The prolific artistry of Blake Edwards is responsible for creating such classic movies as Breakfast at Tiffany's, 10, and The Pink Panther. He was known for his crisp, clever dialogue and his ability to create poignancy out of absurdity. He reigned throughout the late 60s, 70s, and well into the 80s as the premier comedic voice in film. Before bringing his wit to the big screen, Blake was also known in the television world for creating the popular series Peter Gunn, for which he was nominated for an Emmy, and Mr. Lucky.
In 1982, Edwards received an Oscar nomination for his writing on Victor/Victoria. Though he lost, he was later awarded a Lifetime Achievement Oscar in 2004. His work slowed down considerably in the late 80s, though his voice resonated throughout the rest of that decade and continues to be heard today in the comedies of Judd Apatow and Adam McKay. At the time of his death, Blake was working on two very different Broadway musicals. The first was a stage adaptation of his own The Pink Panther, and the second was an original comedy titled Big Rosemary, which is set during the prohibition era.
At the time of his hospitalization, Edwards was recovering from an unsuccessful knee surgery, and had been confined to a wheelchair for the better part of a year. It is suspected that this past injury helped to worsen his condition.
Blake is survived by his wife Julie Andrews, whom he married in 1968 and worked with successfully over the years. He also leaves behind a stepdaughter Emma, as well as a daughter Jennifer, and a son, Geoffrey from his previous marriage to Patricia Edwards. Blake and Julie had also adopted two Vietnamese children named Amy and Jo.
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