Blake Edwards, born William Blake Crump, first got his break into entertainment on the “War of the Worlds” radio production from Orson Welles in 1938 and would go on to start a film career in the early 1940s. That career would blossom into a massively prolific stint in film as a writer, director, producer and actor.

His legacy includes creating The Pink Panther series; directing classics like 10, Days of Wine and Roses, Victor/Victoria, Operation Petticoat, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s; and enduring as a comedic icon that has influenced the greats of the last fifty years.

Sadly, Edwards died at the age of 88 this morning.

Edwards continued to work into the early 90s with his last film, Switch, released in 1991. His talent and impact on the industry and on fans can not be overstated.

In 2004, Edwards received an Honorary Academy Award for his stellar career, and in true form, injected some hilarity into the proceedings, delivering a few slapstick laughs even in the driest of proceedings.

He will be missed, but his films live on, as does the eternal lesson of not taking everything so damned seriously.

What’s your favorite Blake Edwards film?

Source: Variety