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{{Short description|English actor and comedian (1925–1980)}}
{{About|the British actor|the American director|Peter Sellars}}
{{About|the English actor|the New Zealand sports broadcaster|Peter Sellers (broadcaster)|the American director|Peter Sellars}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = Peter Sellers | name = Peter Sellers
| honorific_suffix = ] | honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|CBE}}
| image = Peter Sellers at home in Belgravia, London, 1973.jpg | image = Peter Sellers at home in Belgravia, London, 1973.jpg
| alt = Sellers smiling to the camera | alt = Sellers smiling to the camera
| caption = Sellers in 1973 | caption = Sellers in 1973
{{Collapsed infobox section begin|Brief summary}}
| birth_name = Richard Henry Sellers
| birth_date = {{birth date|1925|9|8|df=y}} | birth_date = {{birth date|1925|9|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = ], ], England, United Kingdom | birth_place = ], Portsmouth, England
| death_date = {{death date and age|1980|7|24|1925|9|8|df=y}} | death_date = {{death date and age|1980|7|24|1925|9|8|df=y}}
| death_place = London, England | death_place = ], England
| occupation = ] | works = ]
| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|comedian}}
| years_active = 1948–1980
| years_active = 1925–1980
| known_for = ] and ]
| spouse = {{plainlist|
| website = {{URL|petersellers.com}}
* {{marriage|Anne Howe|1951|1963|reason=divorced}}
| spouse =
* {{marriage|]|1964|1968|reason=divorced}}
{{plainlist |
* {{marriage|]|1970|1974|reason=divorced}}
* Anne Howe (1954–1963)
* {{marriage|]|1977}}}}
* ] (1964–1968)
| children = 3, including ] and ]
* ] (1969–1976)
* ] (1977–1980)}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
}} }}
'''Peter Sellers''', {{small|]}} (born '''Richard Henry Sellers'''; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980), was a British film actor, comedian and singer. He performed in the BBC Radio comedy series '']'', featured on a number of hit comic songs and became known to a world-wide audience through his many film characterisations, among them ] in '']'' series of films.


'''Peter Sellers''' (born '''Richard Henry Sellers'''; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series '']''. Sellers featured on a number of hit comic songs, and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, among them ] in '']'' series.
Born in ], Sellers made his stage debut at the ], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the ]. He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in ]'s wartime ] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various ] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with ], ] and ], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.


Born in ], Sellers made his stage debut at the ], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the ] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in ]'s wartime ] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various ] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with ], ] and ], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.
Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic-based, often ]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include '']'' (1959); ]'s '']'' (1962) and '']'' (1964); '']'' (1965); '']'' (1967); '']'' (1968); '']'' (1979) and the five films of the ''Pink Panther'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. Satire and ] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers garnered much critical acclaim for his work; he was nominated three times for an ], twice for the ] for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the ] for '']'' (1960). He won the ] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the ] for his role in ''Being There'', and also earned three other Golden Globe nominations in the same category. ] calls Sellers, "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century."<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Sellers|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=14 August 2012}}</ref>


Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often parodying characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include '']'' (1959), ]'s '']'' (1962) and '']'' (1964), '']'' (1965), '']'' (1967), '']'' (1968), '']'' (1979) and five films of the '']'' series (1963–1978). Sellers' versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. Satire and ] were major features of many of his films, as they had been in his radio and record performances, and they had a strong influence on a number of later comedians.
In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times, and had three children from his first two marriages. He died as a result of a heart attack in 1980, aged 54. English filmmakers the ] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since ]."<ref name="Boulting" />


Sellers was nominated three times for an ], twice for the ], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the ] for '']'' (1959). He won the ] for his role in ''I'm All Right Jack'' and was nominated an additional three times for the previous two films and the satire '']''. In 1980 he won the ] for his role in ''Being There'', having previously been nominated three times in the same category. ] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Sellers |url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html |archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
== Biography ==


In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s, when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the ] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since ]".<ref name="Boulting" />
=== Early life (1925–1935) ===
{{multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | header_align = center | footer_align = left | footer_background = | image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg| width1 = 200 | caption1 = <center>Blue plaque memorial at Sellers birthplace in Castle Road, ]</center> |alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg | width2 = 200 |alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall| caption2 = <center></center>}}


== Biography ==
Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in ], a suburb of ]. His parents were ]-born William "Bill" Sellers (1900–62) and Agnes Doreen "Peg" (née Marks, 1892–1967). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder ] brother.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=5}} Sellers remained an only child.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the ] ] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=9}}


===1925–1939: Early life and career beginnings===
Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by Dick Henderson, the headline act at the ] in Southsea: the crowd sang "]", which reduced Sellers to tears.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=9}}
{{multiple image|caption_align=center| align = right | direction = vertical | header_align = centre | footer_align = left | footer_background = | image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg| width1 = 200 | caption1 = ] memorial at Sellers' birthplace in Castle Road, ] |alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg | width2 = 200 |alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall| caption2 = }}


Sellers was born on 8 September 1925 in ], a suburb of ]. His parents were ]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" (née Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although he was christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the ] ] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=9}}
Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend ] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-92800508.html|author=Gibson, Eric|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives.|work=]|date=13 October 2002|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>


Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by ], the headline act at the ] in Southsea: the crowd sang "]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers' life.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=9}}
In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in ].{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was Protestant and Peg was Jewish, Sellers attended the North London ] ], run by the ].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although the family was not rich, Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=84}} According to biographer Peter Evans, Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=194}} particularly Catholicism, but soon after entering Catholic school, he "discovered he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith."{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the ], his mother was Jewish, "and Jews take the faith of their mother."{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=44}} According to Milligan, Sellers held a guilt complex about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once moved to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be a Jewish slur.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=194}}


Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend ] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=45}} Sellers' agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=57}} As an only child, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite news|author=Gibson, Eric |title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. |newspaper=] |date=13 October 2002 }}</ref>
Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. However, he was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn|Moritz|1961|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "The Jewish boy knows his ] better than the rest of you!"{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=12}}{{efn|The film critic ] noted that Sellers's ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of ]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=11}}}}


In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in ].{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was ] and Peg was ], Sellers attended the nearby ] ] in ], run by the ].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=84}} According to biographer ], Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=194}} particularly Catholicism; ] believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "discovered he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith".{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the ], his mother was Jewish, "and ]."{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=44}}
=== Early performances (1935–1939) ===
Accompanying his family on the variety show circuit,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=8}} Sellers learned ]. However, he received conflicting encouragement from his parents and developed mixed feelings about show business. His father doubted Sellers's abilities in the entertainment field, even suggesting that his son's talents were only enough to become a road sweeper, while Sellers's mother encouraged him continuously.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=18}}


According to Milligan, Sellers felt a sense of guilt about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=194}} Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn|Moritz|1961|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "The Jewish boy knows his ] better than the rest of you!"{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=12}}{{efn|The film critic ] noted that Sellers' ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of ]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=11}}}}
While at St Aloysius College, Sellers began to develop his improvisational skills. He and his closest friend at the time, Bryan Connon, both enjoyed listening to early radio comedy shows. Connon remembers that "Peter got endless pleasure imitating the people in '']''. He had a gift for improvising dialogue. Sketches, too. I'd be the 'straight man', the 'feed',&nbsp;… I'd cue Peter and he'd do all the radio personalities and chuck in a few voices of his own invention as well."{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=28}}


Accompanying his family on the variety show circuit,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=8}} Sellers learned ], but received conflicting encouragement from his parents and developed mixed feelings about show business. His father doubted Sellers' abilities in the entertainment field, even suggesting that his son's talents were only enough to become a road sweeper, while Sellers' mother encouraged him continuously.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=18}} While at St Aloysius College, Sellers began to develop his improvisational skills. He and his closest friend at the time, Bryan Connon, both enjoyed listening to early radio comedy shows. Connon remembers that "Peter got endless pleasure imitating the people in '']''. He had a gift for improvising dialogue. Sketches, too. I'd be the 'straight man', the 'feed',&nbsp;... I'd cue Peter and he'd do all the radio personalities and chuck in a few voices of his own invention as well."{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=28}}
With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, St Aloysius College was ] to ]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north ] town of ], where Sellers's maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as ]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing ]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}}


===1939–1945: War years===
During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band ] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" />
With the outbreak of the ], St. Aloysius College was ] to ]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north ] town of ], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as ]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers' first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing ]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=19}}


During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band ] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers' temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of ], ] and ],{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the ] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of ], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=85}}
=== Second World War (1939–1945) ===
As the Second World War progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of ], ] and ],{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the ] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of ], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=85}}


In September 1943, he joined the ], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=40}}{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader ]'s RAF '']'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=42}} His tour also included ] and ], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=26}} In September 1943, he joined the ], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1p=40|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader ]'s RAF '']'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=42}} His tour also included ] and ], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=26}}
According to ] who became friends with Sellers, he was "one of the best performers ever" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=46}} According to ], who became friends with Sellers, he was "one of the best performers ever" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=46}}


=== Early post-war career and ''The Goon Show'' (1946–1955) === ===1946–1955: Early post-war work and ''The Goon Show''===
In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the ] in Paris.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the Air Ministry,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=32}} and ] later that year.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=38}} He was fired after one performance of a comedy routine in ]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist ], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at ] in ] as "Britain's answer to ]".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the ] in London, which predominantly staged ] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows, on offer.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=58}}{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=40}} In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the ] in Paris.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the ],{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=32}} and ] later that year.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=38}} He was dismissed after one performance of a comedy routine in ]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist ], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at ] in ] as "Britain's answer to ]".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the ] in London, which predominantly staged ] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1p=58|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=40}}


Sellers wrote to the ] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act was largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be ], star of the radio show '']''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on ''Ray's a Laugh'' with comedian ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=48}} Sellers wrote to the ] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be ], star of the radio show '']''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on '']'' with comedian ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=48}}


By the end of 1948, the ] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, ], ] and Sellers.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the ], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn|Carpenter|2003|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by ], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=55}} By the end of 1948, the ] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, ], ] and Sellers.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the ], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn|Carpenter|2003|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by ], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=55}}


] (left) and ] (right) in '']'']] ] (left) and ] (right) in a publicity shot for the BBC's '']'']]


In 1949, Sellers started to date Anne Howe,{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=230}}{{efn|Her maiden name was Anne Howe, while her professional name was Anne Hayes.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=231}}}} an Australian actress who lived in London.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=68}} Sellers proposed to her in April 1950{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=56}} and the couple were married in London on 15 September 1951;{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=57}} their son, ], was born on 2 April 1954,{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=71}} and their daughter, Sarah, followed in 1958.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=98}} In 1949, Sellers started to date Anne Howe,{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=230}}{{efn|Her maiden name was Anne Howe, while her professional name was Anne Hayes.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=231}}}} an Australian actress who lived in London.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=68}} He proposed to her in April 1950{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=56}} and the couple were married in London on 15 September 1951;{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=57}} their son, ], was born on 2 April 1954,{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=71}} and their daughter, Sarah, followed in 1958.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=98}} Sellers' introduction to film work came in 1950, where he dubbed the voice of ] in '']''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=284}} He continued to work with Bentine, Milligan, and Secombe. On 3 February 1951, they made a trial tape entitled ''The Goons'', and sent it to the BBC producer Pat Dixon, who eventually accepted it. The first ''Goon Show''<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> was broadcast on 28 May 1951.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=177}} Against their wishes, they appeared under the name ''Crazy People''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=690}}


Sellers appeared until the last programme of the ten-series run, broadcast on 28 January 1960.<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> Sellers played four main characters—], ], ] and ]—and seventeen minor ones.{{sfn|Wilmut|Grafton|1981|p=116}} Starting with 370,000 listeners, the show eventually reached up to seven million people in Britain,<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and was described by one newspaper as "probably the most influential comedy show of all time".<ref name="Cook 27 April 1993">{{cite news|last=Cook|first=William|title=Radio: Landmarks in radio comedy|newspaper=]|date=27 April 1993|location=London|page=58}}</ref> For Sellers, the BBC considers it had the effect of launching his career "on the road to stardom".<ref>{{cite web|title=Comedy: The Goon Show |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/thegoonshow/ |publisher=BBC |accessdate=12 August 2012 |location=London |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111103340/http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/thegoonshow/ |archivedate=11 November 2012}}</ref>
Sellers's introduction to film work came in 1950, where he dubbed the voice of ] in '']''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=284}} He continued to work with Bentine, Milligan, and Secombe. On 3 February 1951, he made a trial tape entitled ''The Goons'', and sent it to the BBC producer Pat Dixon, who eventually accepted it. The first ''Goon Show''<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> was broadcast on 28 May 1951.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=177}} Against their wishes, they appeared under the name ''Crazy People''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=690}} Sellers appeared in ''The Goons'' until the last programme of the ten-series run, broadcast on 28 January 1960.<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> Sellers played four main characters—], ], ] and ]—and seventeen minor ones.{{sfn|Wilmut|Grafton|1981|p=116}}


In 1951 the Goons made their feature film debut in '']''.<ref name="Brown 26 July 2009">{{cite web|author=Brown, Mark |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jul/26/goons-film-sellers-milligan-secombe |title=Forgotten film of Goons restored by BFI |work=] |date=26 July 2009 |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116115623/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2009/jul/26/goons-film-sellers-milligan-secombe |archivedate=16 January 2014}}</ref> Sellers and Milligan then penned the script to '']'', the earliest film to showcase Sellers' ability to portray a series of different characters within the same film, and he made another appearance opposite his Goons co-stars in the 1952 flop, '']''.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=72}} In 1954, Sellers was cast opposite ], ], ], ] and ] in the ] comedy production, '']''. ] believes that this was Sellers' breakthrough role on screen and credits this film with launching the film careers of both Sellers and Hancock.{{sfn|Grierson|1966|p=34}}
Starting with 370,000 listeners, the show eventually reached up to seven million people in Britain,<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and was described by one newspaper as "probably the most influential comedy show of all time".<ref name="Cook 27 April 1993">{{cite news|last=Cook|first=William|title=Radio: Landmarks in radio comedy|newspaper=]|date=27 April 1993|location=London|page=58}}</ref> For Sellers, the BBC considers it had the effect of launching his career "on the road to stardom".<ref>{{cite web|title=Comedy: The Goon Show|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/thegoonshow/|publisher=]|accessdate=12 August 2012|location=London}}</ref>


===1956–1959: ''I'm All Right Jack'' and early films===
In 1951 the Goons made their feature film debut in '']''.<ref name="Brown 26 July 2009">{{cite web|author=Brown, Mark|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jul/26/goons-film-sellers-milligan-secombe|title=Forgotten film of Goons restored by BFI|work=]|date=26 July 2009|accessdate=4 August 2012}}</ref> Sellers and Milligan then penned the script to '']'', the earliest film to showcase Sellers's ability to portray a series of different characters within the same film, and he made another appearance opposite his Goons co-stars in the 1952 flop, '']''.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=72}} In 1954, Sellers was cast opposite ], ], ], ] and ] in the ] comedy production, '']''. ] believes that this was Sellers's breakthrough role on screen and credits this film with launching the film careers of both Sellers and Hancock.{{sfn|Grierson|1966|p=34}}


{{quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote="The first real film I made was ''The Ladykillers''. I used to watch Alec Guinness, who is an absolute idol of mine, do everything, his rehearsals, his scenes, everything. He is my ideal... and my idol."|source=—Sellers on studying Sir ] during filming ''The Ladykillers''.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lewis |first1=Roger |title=The Life and Death of Peter Sellers |date=1995 |publisher=Random House |page=368|ref=none}}</ref>}}
=== ''I'm All Right Jack'' and early years in film (1956–1959) ===
Sellers pursued a film career and took a number of small roles such as a police inspector in '']'' (1955).{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=362}} He accepted a larger part in the 1955 ]-directed ] '']'' in which he starred opposite ], ] and ] as Harry Robinson, the ]; biographer Peter Evans considers this Sellers's first good role.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=79}} ''The Ladykillers'' was a success in both Britain and the US,<ref>{{cite web|last=Duguid|first=Mark|title=Ladykillers, The (1955)|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/441533/index.html|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=14 August 2012}}</ref> and the film was nominated for an ] for ].<ref name="oscars 1957">{{cite web|title=The 29th Academy Awards (1957) Nominees and Winners|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/29th-winners.html|work=Oscar Legacy|publisher=]|accessdate=16 July 2012}}</ref>


Sellers pursued a film career and took a number of small roles such as a police officer in '']'' (1955).{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=362}} He accepted a larger part in the 1955 ]-directed ] '']'' in which he starred opposite his idol ], in addition to ] and ]. Sellers portrayed Harry Robinson, the ]; biographer Peter Evans considers this Sellers' first good role.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=79}} ''The Ladykillers'' was a success in both the UK and the US,<ref>{{cite web|last=Duguid |first=Mark |title=Ladykillers, The (1955) |url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/441533/index.html |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=14 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805010911/http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/441533/index.html |archivedate= 5 August 2012}}</ref> and the film was nominated for an ] for ].<ref name="oscars 1957">{{cite news|title=The 29th Academy Awards (1957) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1957 |work=Oscar Legacy |publisher=] |accessdate=16 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507092819/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1957 |archivedate= 7 May 2016}}</ref> The following year Sellers appeared in a further three television series based on ''The Goons'': '']''; '']''; and '']''. The shows aired on Britain's new ] channel.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=65}}
The following year Sellers appeared in a further three television series based on ''The Goons'', which aired on Britain's new ] network. The series were '']'', '']'' and '']''.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=65}} In 1957 film producer ] became impressed with Sellers's portrayal of an elderly character in ''Idiot Weekly'', and cast the 32-year-old actor as a 68-year-old projectionist in ]'s '']'', supporting ], ] and ].{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=71}} The film was a commercial success and is now thought of as a minor classic of British screen comedy in the post-war era.{{sfn|Burton|O'Sullivan|2009|p=25}} Following this, Sellers provided the growling voice of ] to the BAFTA award winning film '']''.{{sfn|Rankin|2009|p=383}} Later in 1957 Sellers starred in ]'s offbeat black comedy '']'', opposite ], ], ] and ].<ref name="bfi Naked Truth">{{cite web|title=The Naked Truth (1957)|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/43753|work=Film & TV Database|publisher=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


In 1957 film producer ], impressed with Sellers' portrayal of an elderly character in ''Idiot Weekly'', cast the 32-year-old actor as a 68-year-old projectionist in ]'s '']'', supporting ], ] and ].{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=71}} The film was a commercial success and is now thought of as a minor classic of post-war British screen comedy.{{sfn|Burton|O'Sullivan|2009|p=25}} Following this, Sellers provided the growling voice of ] to the BAFTA award-winning film '']''.{{sfn|Rankin|2009|p=383}} Later in 1957 Sellers portrayed a television star with a talent for disguises in ]'s offbeat black comedy '']'', opposite ], ], ] and ].<ref>
Sellers's difficulties in getting his film career to take off, and increasing problems in his personal life, prompted him to seek periodic consultations with astrologer ], who held considerable sway over his later career.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=117–118}} After a chance meeting with a North American Indian spirit guide in the 1950s, Sellers became convinced that the ] comedian ], who died in 1904, haunted him and guided his career and life-decisions.<ref name="Evans Dynamite" />{{sfn|Anthony|2010|p=200}}
Sources:
*{{cite web|title=The Naked Truth (1957)|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/43753|work=Film & TV Database|publisher=]|accessdate=3 August 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034523/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/43753|archivedate=3 December 2013}}
*{{cite book|title=Film Review|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QqEqAQAAIAAJ|year=1996|publisher=Orpheus Pub.}}</ref>


] starred with Sellers in four films between 1957 and 1959. Their last film together, '']'' – the highest-grossing film at the British box office in 1960 – saw Sellers receive the ].]]
In 1958 Sellers starred with ], ], David Lodge and ] as a ] in ]'s '']''.{{sfn|Spicer|2003|p=116}} Guest later claimed that he had written and directed the film as a vehicle for Sellers, and thus had started Sellers's film career.{{sfn|Dixon|2007|p=35}}{{sfn|Johnson|Vecchio|1996|p=136}} To practice his voice, Sellers purchased a reel-to-reel tape recorder.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=478}} The film received critical acclaim in the United States{{sfn|Reid|2006|p=283}} and Roger Lewis viewed it as an important practice ground for Sellers.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=478}} Next, Sellers featured with Terry-Thomas as one of a pair of comic villains in ]'s '']'' (1958), a musical fantasy film, opposite ], ] and ]. Terry-Thomas later said that "my part was perfect, but Peter's was bloody awful. He wasn't difficult about it, but he knew it".{{sfn|Terry-Thomas|Daum|1990|p=93}} The performance was a major landmark in Sellers's career and became his first contact with the Hollywood film industry.{{sfn|Culhane|1986|p=156}}{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=21}}


Sellers' difficulties in getting his film career to take off and increasing problems in his personal life prompted him to seek periodic consultations with astrologer ], who held considerable sway over his later career.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=117–118}} After a chance meeting with a North American Indian spirit guide in the 1950s Sellers became convinced that the ] comedian ], who had died in 1904, haunted him and guided his career and life-decisions.{{sfn|Anthony|2010|p=200}} Sellers was a member of the ], the exclusive theatrical fraternity founded by Leno in 1890.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=151}} In 1958 Sellers starred with ], ], David Lodge and ] as a ] in ]'s '']''.{{sfn|Spicer|2003|p=116}}
Sellers released his first studio album in 1958 called ''The Best of Sellers''; a collection of sketches and comic songs,{{sfn|Hall|2006|p=254}} the latter of which were undertaken in a variety of comic characters.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=79}} Produced by ] and released on ],{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=186}} the album reached number three in the ];<ref name="PS-A" /> The same year, Sellers made his first film with ] in '']'', a comedy in which he played a supporting role for the film's lead, Terry-Thomas.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=123}} Before the release of that film, the Boultings, along with Sellers and Thomas in the cast, started filming '']'', which became the highest grossing film at the British box office in 1960.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=130}} In preparation for his role as Fred Kite, Sellers watched footage of union officials.<ref name="Boulting" />{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=85}} The role earned him a ], and the critic for '']'' believed it was Sellers's best screen performance to date.<ref name="ARJ Guardian" />


Guest later claimed that he had written and directed the film as a vehicle for Sellers and thus had started Sellers' film career.{{sfnm|1a1=Johnson|1a2=Vecchio|1y=1996|1p=136|2a1=Dixon|2y=2007|2p=35}} To practise his voice, Sellers purchased a reel-to-reel tape recorder.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=478}} The film received critical acclaim in the United States<ref>{{cite news|author=A. H. Weiler. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9404E7D9173BE43BBC4952DFB7678383649EDE |title=Movie Review – Up the Creek – Up the Creek' at 55th |newspaper=NYTimes.com |date=11 November 1958 |accessdate=10 March 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309015023/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9404E7D9173BE43BBC4952DFB7678383649EDE |archivedate= 9 March 2014}}</ref> and Roger Lewis viewed it as an important practice ground for Sellers.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=478}} Next, Sellers featured with Terry-Thomas as one of a pair of comic villains in ]'s '']'' (1958), a musical fantasy film, opposite ], ] and ]. Terry-Thomas later said that "my part was perfect, but Peter's was bloody awful. He wasn't difficult about it, but he knew it".{{sfn|Terry-Thomas|Daum|1990|p=93}} The performance was a landmark in Sellers' career and became his first contact with the Hollywood film industry.{{sfnm|1a1=Culhane|1y=1986|1p=156|2a1=Starr|2y=1991|2p=21}}
In between ''Carlton-Browne of the F.O.'' and ''I'm All Right Jack'', Sellers starred in '']'', a film in which ] also appeared, and was directed by ]. He played three leading and distinct roles: the elderly Grand Duchess, the ambitious Prime Minister and the innocent and clumsy farm boy selected to lead an invasion of the United States.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=536}} The film received universal and high praise by critics.<ref>{{cite news|title=Subtlety and slapstick|newspaper=]|date=27 February 1960|location=London|page=5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Crowther, Bosley|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9903EEDD123DE53BBC4F51DFB6678382649EDE|title=The Mouse That Roared (1959)|work=]|date=27 October 1959|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


Sellers released his first studio album in 1958 called '']''; a collection of comic songs and sketches, among them ], where Sellers plays a variety of comic characters.{{sfn|Hall|2006|p=254}}{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=79}} Produced by ] and released on ],{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=186}} the album reached number three in the ];<ref name="PS-A" /> The same year, Sellers made his first film with ] in '']'', a comedy in which he played a supporting role for the film's lead, Terry-Thomas.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=123}} Before the release of that film, the Boultings, along with Sellers and Thomas in the cast, started filming '']'', which became the highest-grossing film at the British box office in 1960.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=130}} In preparation for his role as Fred Kite, Sellers watched footage of union officials.<ref name="Boulting" />{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=85}} The role earned him a ], and the critic for '']'' believed it was Sellers' best screen performance to date.<ref name="ARJ Guardian" /> In between ''Carlton-Browne of the F.O.'' and ''I'm All Right Jack'', Sellers starred in '']'', a film in which ] also appeared, and was directed by ]. He played three distinct leading roles: the elderly Grand Duchess, the ambitious Prime Minister and the innocent and clumsy farm boy selected to lead an invasion of the United States.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=536}} The film received high praise from critics.<ref>
After completing ''I'm All Right Jack'', Sellers returned to record a new series of ''The Goon Show''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=594}} Over the course of two weekends, he took his 16mm cine-camera to Totteridge Lane in London and filmed himself, Spike Milligan, ], ] and ]. Originally intended as a private film, the eleven-minute short film '']'' was screened at the 1959 ] and ] film festivals. It won the award for best fiction short in the latter festival, and received an Academy Award nomination for ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=120–121}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/471274/index.html|title=Running, Jumping and Standing Still Film, The (1960)|last=Oliver|first=John|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=17 July 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=The 32nd Academy Awards (1960) Nominees and Winners|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/32nd-winners.html|work=Oscar Legacy|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> In 1959 Sellers released his second album, ''Songs For Swinging Sellers'', which—like his first record—reached number three in the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="PS-A" /> Sellers's last film of the fifties was '']''; a comedy directed by ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501EED8143DE333A2575AC1A9629C946191D6CF|title=The Battle of the Sexes (1960) |work=]|date=13 April 1959|accessdate=4 August 2012}}</ref>
Sources:
*{{cite news|title=Subtlety and slapstick|newspaper=]|date=27 February 1960|location=London|page=5}}
*{{cite news|author=Crowther, Bosley |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9903EEDD123DE53BBC4F51DFB6678382649EDE |title=The Mouse That Roared (1959) |work=] |date=27 October 1959 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307101547/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9903EEDD123DE53BBC4F51DFB6678382649EDE |archivedate= 7 March 2016}}</ref>


After completing ''I'm All Right Jack'', Sellers returned to record a new series of ''The Goon Show''.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=594}} Over the course of two weekends, he took his 16mm cine-camera to Totteridge Lane in London and filmed himself, Spike Milligan, ], ] and ]. Originally intended as a private film, the eleven-minute short film '']'' was screened at the 1959 ] and ] film festivals. It won the award for best fiction short in the latter festival, and received an Academy Award nomination for ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=120–121}}<ref>
=== ''The Millionairess'', ''Lolita'', ''The Pink Panther'' and divorce (1960–1963) ===
Sources:
In 1960 Sellers portrayed an Indian doctor, Dr Ahmed el Kabir in ]'s romantic comedy '']'', a film based on a ] play ]. Sellers was not interested in accepting the role until he learned that ] was to be his co-star.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=141}} When asked about Loren, he explained to reporters "I don't normally act with romantic, glamorous women&nbsp;… she's a lot different from Harry Secombe."{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=84}} Sellers and Loren developed a close relationship during filming, culminating in Sellers declaring his love for her in front of his wife.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=146}} Sellers also woke his son at night to ask: "Do you think I should divorce your mummy?"{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=72}}{{efn|There is uncertainty if the relationship was anything more than platonic: a number of people, including Spike Milligan, consider it an affair, whilst others, including Graham Stark, think it remained nothing more than a strong friendship. Sellers's wife at the time, Anne, afterwards commented that "I don't know to this day whether he had an affair with her. Nobody does."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=145}} Sellers admitted to having an infatuation with Loren and made reference to her in a 1974 interview with ] that "he had a romance with a co-star" which was the cause of his marriage break-up. He did not elaborate though whether the affair was a sexual one.<ref name=Forbes />}} Roger Lewis observed that Sellers immersed himself completely in the characters he enacted during productions, that "he'd play a role as an Indian doctor, and for the next six months, he'd be an Indian in his 'real' life."<ref name="DM11296">{{cite news|last=Chollet|first=Laurence|title=Pursuing Peter Sellers, comic and madman|newspaper=]|date=1 December 1996|location=New Jersey|page=Y06}}</ref> The film inspired the George Martin-produced ] hit single "]", with Sellers and Loren, which reached number four in the ] in November 1960.<ref name="PS&SL" /> A follow-up single by the duo, ''Bangers and Mash'', reached number 22 in the UK chart.<ref name="PS&SL" /> The songs were included on an album released by the couple, ''Peter & Sophia'', which reached number five in the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="PS-A" />
*{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/471274/index.html |title=Running, Jumping and Standing Still Film, The (1960) |last=Oliver |first=John |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=17 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007231851/http://www.screenonline.org.uk/film/id/471274/index.html |archivedate= 7 October 2012|ref=none}}
*{{cite web|title=The 32nd Academy Awards (1960) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1960 |work=Oscar Legacy |publisher=] |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706094204/http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/32nd-winners.html |archivedate= 6 July 2011}}</ref> In 1959 Sellers released his second album, '']'', which—like his first record—reached number three in the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="PS-A" /> Sellers' last film of the fifties was '']'', a comedy directed by ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501EED8143DE333A2575AC1A9629C946191D6CF |title=The Battle of the Sexes (1960) |work=] |date=13 April 1959 |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926071432/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501EED8143DE333A2575AC1A9629C946191D6CF |archivedate=26 September 2015}}</ref>


===1960–1963: ''The Millionairess'', ''Lolita'', ''The Pink Panther'' and divorce===
In 1961 Sellers made his directorial debut with '']'', in which he also starred.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/42912|title=Mr. Topaze (1961)|work=Film & TV Database|publisher=]|accessdate=17 July 2012}}</ref> The film was based on the ] play ''Topaze''.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=108}} Sellers portrayed an ex-schoolmaster in a small French town who turns to a life of crime to obtain wealth. The film and Sellers's directorial abilities received an unenthusiastic response from the public and critics alike, and Sellers rarely referred to it again.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=109}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/hqqzs/mr-topaze-1961|title=Mr Topaze|work=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=167}} The same year he starred in the ]-directed '']'', a film based on the novel '']'' by ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=733}} He was nominated for the ] award at the ] for his role as John Lewis, a frustrated Welsh librarian whose affections swing between the glamorous Liz (]), and his long-suffering wife Jean (]).<ref name="BAFTA 62" />
In 1960, Sellers portrayed an Indian doctor, Dr Ahmed el Kabir, in ]'s romantic comedy '']'', a film based on a ] play ]. Sellers was not interested in the role until he learned that ] would be his co-star.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=141}} When asked about Loren, he explained to reporters, "I don't normally act with romantic, glamorous women&nbsp;... She's a lot different from Harry Secombe."{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=84}} Sellers and Loren developed a close relationship during filming, culminating in Sellers declaring his love for her in front of his wife.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=146}} Sellers also woke his son at night to ask, "Do you think I should divorce your mummy?"{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=72}} There is uncertainty if the relationship was anything more than platonic: a number of people, including Spike Milligan, consider it an affair, while others, including Graham Stark, think it remained only a strong friendship. Sellers' wife at the time, Anne, afterwards commented, "I don't know to this day whether he had an affair with her. Nobody does."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=145}}


Roger Lewis observed that Sellers immersed himself completely in the characters he enacted during productions, that "He'd play a role as an Indian doctor, and for the next six months, he'd be an Indian in his real life."<ref name="DM11296">{{cite news|last=Chollet|first=Laurence|title=Pursuing Peter Sellers, comic and madman|newspaper=]|date=1 December 1996|location=New Jersey|page=Y06}}</ref> The film inspired the George Martin-produced ] hit single "]", with Sellers and Loren, which reached number four in the ] in November 1960.<ref name="PS&SL" /> A follow-up single by the duo, "Bangers and Mash", reached number 22 in the UK chart.<ref name="PS&SL" /> The songs were included on an album released by the couple, ''Peter & Sophia'', which reached number five in the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="PS-A" /> That year he also appeared in '']'' (1960) playing a straight villain part.<ref name="ink">{{cite magazine|magazine=Filmink|first=Stephen|last=Vagg|title=John Guillermin: Action Man|url=https://www.filmink.com.au/john-guillermin-action-man/|date=17 November 2020}}</ref>
] in '']'']]


In 1961, Sellers made his directorial debut with '']'', in which he also starred.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/42912|title=Mr. Topaze (1961)|work=Film & TV Database|publisher=]|accessdate=17 July 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116075516/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/42912|archivedate=16 January 2014}}</ref> The film was based on the ] play ''Topaze''.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=108}} Sellers portrayed an ex-schoolmaster in a small French town who turns to a life of crime to obtain wealth. The film and Sellers' directorial abilities received unenthusiastic responses from the public and critics, and Sellers rarely referred to it again.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=109}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.radiotimes.com/film/hqqzs/mr-topaze-1961 |title=Mr Topaze |work=] |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003090529/http://www.radiotimes.com/film/hqqzs/mr-topaze-1961 |archivedate= 3 October 2012}}</ref>{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=167}} The same year, he starred in the ]-directed '']'', a film based on the novel '']'' by ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=733}} He was nominated for the ] award at the ] for his role as John Lewis, a frustrated Welsh librarian whose affections swing between the glamorous Liz (]) and his long-suffering wife Jean (]).<ref name="BAFTA 62" />
In 1962 Sellers played a retired British army general in ]'s '']'', based on the ]. The film was widely criticised for its slapstick cinematic adaption, and director Guillermin himself considered the film an "amateurish" effort.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=171}} However, Sellers won the ] and a BAFTA award nomination for his performance, and it was well received by the critics.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=171}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9907E0DD143BE53BBC4C52DFBE668389679EDE|title=Waltz of the Toreadors (1962)|work=The New York Times|date=4 August 1962|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> ] asked Sellers to play the role of Clare Quilty in the 1962 film '']'', opposite ] and ].{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=98}} Kubrick had seen Sellers in ''The Battle of the Sexes'' and listened to the album ''The Best of Sellers'', and was impressed by the range of characters he could portray.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=117}} Sellers was apprehensive about accepting the role, doubting his ability to successfully portray the part of a flamboyant American television playwright who was according to Sellers "a fantastic nightmare, part homosexual, part drug addict, part sadist".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=91}} Kubrick encouraged Sellers to improvise and stated that he would often reach a "state of comic ecstasy."{{sfn|LoBrutto|1999|pp=204–205}}{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=118}} Kubrick had American jazz producer ] record portions of the script for Sellers to listen to, so he could study the voice and develop confidence, granting Sellers a free artistic licence.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=117}} Sellers later claimed that his relationship with Kubrick became one of the most rewarding of his career.{{sfn|LoBrutto|1999|p=205}} Writing in '']'', ] noted that Sellers gave, "...a firework performance, funny, malicious, only once for a few seconds overreaching itself, and in the murder scene which is both prologue and epilogue achieving the macabre in comedy."<ref name="Powell (1962)" /> Towards the end of 1962, Sellers appeared in '']'', a legal satire directed by ] and co-starring ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D0DE4DC163BE63ABC4F52DFB7678389679EDE|author=Crowther, Bosley|title=Trial and Error (1962)|work=]|date=17 November 1962|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


] in '']'']]
Sellers's behaviour towards his family worsened in 1962; according to his son Michael, Sellers asked him and his sister Sarah "who we love more, our mother or him. Sarah, to keep the peace, said, 'I love you both equally'. I said, 'No, I love my mum.'" This prompted Sellers to throw both children out, saying that he never wanted to see them again.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=254}} At the end of 1962, his marriage to Anne broke down.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=180}}{{efn|The '']'' was granted in March 1963 and Anne married Elias 'Ted' Levy in October the same year.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=114}}}} In 1963, Sellers starred as gang leader "Pearly Gates" in ]'s '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D03E4DE103FE731A25750C0A9629C946291D6CF|author=Crowther, Bosley|title=The Wrong Arm of the Law (1963)|work=]|date=3 April 1963|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> followed by his portrayal of a vicar in '']''.

In 1962, Sellers played a retired British army general in ]'s '']'', based on the ]. The film was widely criticised for its slapstick cinematic adaption, and director Guillermin himself considered the film "amateurish".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=171}} However, Sellers won the ] and a BAFTA award nomination for his performance, and it was well received by the critics.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=171}}<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9907E0DD143BE53BBC4C52DFBE668389679EDE |title=Waltz of the Toreadors (1962) |work=The New York Times |date=4 August 1962 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307071058/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9907E0DD143BE53BBC4C52DFBE668389679EDE |archivedate= 7 March 2016}}</ref> ] asked Sellers to play the role of Clare Quilty in the 1962 film '']'', opposite ] and ].{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=98}} Kubrick had seen Sellers in ''The Battle of the Sexes'' and listened to the album '']'', and was impressed by the range of characters he could portray.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=117}}

Sellers was apprehensive about accepting the role, doubting his ability to successfully portray the part of a flamboyant American television playwright who was, according to Sellers, "a fantastic nightmare, part homosexual, part drug addict, part sadist".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=91}} Kubrick encouraged Sellers to improvise and stated that he often reached a "state of comic ecstasy".{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1p=118|2a1=LoBrutto|2y=1999|2pp=204–205}} Kubrick had American jazz producer ] record portions of the script for Sellers to listen to, so he could study the voice and develop confidence, granting Sellers a free artistic licence.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=117}} Sellers later claimed that his relationship with Kubrick became one of the most rewarding of his career.{{sfn|LoBrutto|1999|p=205}} Writing in '']'', ] commented that Sellers gave "a firework performance, funny, malicious, only once for a few seconds overreaching itself, and in the murder scene which is both ] and ] achieving the macabre in comedy."<ref name="Powell (1962)" />

Towards the end of 1962, Sellers appeared in '']'', a legal ] directed by ] and co-starring ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D0DE4DC163BE63ABC4F52DFB7678389679EDE |author=Crowther, Bosley |title=Trial and Error (1962) |work=] |date=17 November 1962 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325015005/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D0DE4DC163BE63ABC4F52DFB7678389679EDE |archivedate=25 March 2016|ref=none}}</ref>

Sellers' behaviour towards his family worsened in 1962; according to his son Michael, Sellers asked him and his sister Sarah "who we love more, our mother or him. Sarah, to keep the peace, said, 'I love you both equally'. I said, 'No, I love my mum.'" This prompted Sellers to throw both children out, saying that he never wanted to see them again.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=254}} At the end of 1962, his marriage to Anne broke down.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=180}}{{efn|The '']'' was granted in March 1963 and Anne married Elias 'Ted' Levy in October the same year.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=114}}}} In 1963, Sellers starred as gang leader "Pearly Gates" in ]'s '']'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D03E4DE103FE731A25750C0A9629C946291D6CF |author=Crowther, Bosley |title=The Wrong Arm of the Law (1963) |work=] |date=3 April 1963 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203075326/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D03E4DE103FE731A25750C0A9629C946291D6CF |archivedate= 3 February 2015}}</ref> followed by his portrayal of a vicar in '']''<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501EEDF133CE63ABC4951DFB3668388679EDE |title=Heavens Above (1963) |work=The New York Times |date=21 May 1963 |accessdate=20 August 2015 |author=Crowther, Bosley |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307192736/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9501EEDF133CE63ABC4951DFB3668388679EDE |archivedate= 7 March 2016}}</ref>


{{quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="I'll play Clouseau with great dignity, because he thinks of himself as one of the world's best detectives. Even when he comes a cropper, he must pick himself up with that notion intact. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I think a forgivable vanity would humanize him and make him kind of touching. It's as if filmgoers are kept one fall ahead of him."|source=—Sellers on portraying Clouseau.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=128}}}} {{quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="I'll play Clouseau with great dignity, because he thinks of himself as one of the world's best detectives. Even when he comes a cropper, he must pick himself up with that notion intact. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I think a forgivable vanity would humanize him and make him kind of touching. It's as if filmgoers are kept one fall ahead of him."|source=—Sellers on portraying Clouseau.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=128}}}}


After his father's death in October 1962, Sellers decided to leave England and was approached by director ] who offered him the role of ] in '']'', after ] had backed out of the film.{{sfn|Walker|1981|pp=126–127}}{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=185}} Edwards later recalled his feelings as "desperately unhappy and ready to kill, but as fate would have it, I got Mr. Sellers instead of Mr. Ustinov—thank God!"{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=127}} Sellers accepted a fee of £90,000 (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|90000|1963}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} pounds){{inflation-fn|UK|df=yes}} for five weeks' work on location in Rome and Cortina.{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=89}} The film starred ] in the principal role, with two other actors—] and ]—having more prominent roles than Sellers.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} However, Sellers's performance is regarded as being on par with that of Charlie Chaplin and ], according to biographer Peter Evans.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} Although the Clouseau character was in the script, Sellers created the personality, devising the costume, accent, make-up, moustache and trench coat.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=128}} After his father's death in October 1962, Sellers decided to leave England and was approached by director ] who offered him the role of ] in '']'', after ] had backed out of the film.{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1pp=126–127|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=185}} Edwards later recalled his feelings as "desperately unhappy and ready to kill, but as fate would have it, I got Mr. Sellers instead of Mr. Ustinov—thank God!"{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=127}} Sellers accepted a fee of £90,000 (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|90000|1963|r=-4}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} pounds){{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}} for five weeks' work on location in Rome and Cortina.{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=89}} The film starred ] in the principal role, with two other actors—] and ]—having more prominent roles than Sellers.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} However, Sellers' performance is regarded as being on par with that of Charlie Chaplin and ], according to biographer Peter Evans.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} Although the Clouseau character was in the script, Sellers created the personality, devising the costume, accent, make-up, moustache and trench coat.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=128}}


''The Pink Panther'' was released in the UK in January 1964<ref>{{cite news|title=Peter Sellers triumphs as a detective|newspaper=]|location=London|date=27 January 1964|page=7}}</ref> and received a mixed reception from the critics,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=187}} although ], writing in '']'', remarked that Sellers had a "flawless sense of mistiming" in a performance that was "...one of the most delicate studies in accident-proneness since the silents."<ref name="Gilliatt (1964)" /> Despite the views of the critics, the film was one of the top ten grossing films of the year.{{sfn|Miles|2009|p=174}} The role earned Sellers a nomination for the ] at the ],<ref>{{cite web|title=The 22nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1965)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1964|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> and for a Best British Actor award at the ].<ref name="BAFTA 64" /> ''The Pink Panther'' was released in the UK in January 1964<ref>{{cite news|title=Peter Sellers triumphs as a detective|newspaper=]|location=London|date=27 January 1964|page=7}}</ref> and received a mixed reception from the critics,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=187}} although ], writing in '']'', remarked that Sellers had a "flawless sense of mistiming" in a performance that was "one of the most delicate studies in accident-proneness since the silents".<ref name="Gilliatt (1964)" /> Despite the views of the critics, the film was one of the top ten grossing films of the year.{{sfn|Miles|2009|p=174}} The role earned Sellers a nomination for the ] at the ],<ref name="Globes 64">{{cite web|title=The 22nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1965)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1964|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20120722081234/http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1964|archivedate=22 July 2012}}</ref> and for a Best British Actor award at the ].<ref name="BAFTA 64" />


=== ''Dr. Strangelove'', health problems, a second marriage and ''Casino Royale'' (1964–1969) === ===1964–1969: ''Dr. Strangelove'', health problems, second marriage and ''Casino Royale''===
]'']] ]'']]
In 1963, Stanley Kubrick cast Sellers to appear in '']'' alongside ], ], ] and ]. Sellers and Kubrick got on famously during the film's production and had the greatest of respect for each other, also sharing a love of photography.{{Sfn|Duncan|2003|p=95}} The director asked Sellers to play four roles: US President Merkin Muffley, Dr. Strangelove, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake of the RAF and Major T. J. "King" Kong.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=191}} Sellers was initially hesitant about taking on these divergent characters, but Kubrick prevailed.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=191}} According to some accounts, Sellers was also invited to play the part of General Buck Turgidson, but turned it down because it was too physically demanding.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=101}} Kubrick later commented that the idea of having Sellers in so many of the film's key roles was that "everywhere you turn there is some version of Peter Sellers holding the fate of the world in his hands".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=100}} Sellers was especially anxious about successfully enacting the role of Kong and accurately affecting a Texan accent.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=106}} Kubrick requested screenwriter ] to record in his natural accent a tape of Kong's lines.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=192}} After practising with Southern's recording, Sellers got sufficient control of the accent, and started shooting the scenes in the aeroplane. After the first day's shooting, Sellers sprained his ankle while leaving a restaurant and could no longer work in the cramped cockpit set.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=192–193}} Kubrick then re-cast Slim Pickens as Kong.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=193}} The three roles Sellers undertook were distinct, "variegated, complex and refined",{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=197}} and critic Alexander Walker considered that these roles "showed his genius at full stretch".{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=119}} Sellers played Muffley as a bland, placid intellectual in the mould of ];{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=195}} he played Mandrake as an unflappable Englishman;{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=197}} and Dr. Strangelove, a character influenced by pre-war German cinema, as a wheelchair-bound fanatic.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=120}} The critic for '']'' wrote that the film includes, "three remarkable performances from Mr. Peter Sellers, masterly as the President, diverting as a revue-sketch ex-Nazi US Scientist&nbsp;… and acceptable as an RAF officer,<ref>{{cite news|title=Film Comedy about the End of the World|newspaper=]|date=30 January 1964|location=London|page=16}}</ref> although the critic from ''The Guardian'' thought his portrayal of the RAF officer alone was, "worth the price of an admission ticket".<ref>{{cite news|title=Intelligent, subtle, funny 'Dr Strangelove': At the cinema|newspaper=]|date=2 March 1964|location=London|page=4}}</ref> For his performance in all three roles, Sellers was nominated for an ] at the ],<ref>{{cite web|title=The 37th Academy Awards (1965) Nominees and Winners|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/37th-winners.html|work=Oscar Legacy|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> and the Best British Actor award at the 18th British Academy Film Awards.<ref name="BAFTA 64" /> In 1963, Stanley Kubrick cast Sellers to appear in '']'' alongside ], ], ] and ]. Sellers and Kubrick got along famously during the film's production and had the greatest of respect for each other, also sharing a love of photography.{{Sfn|Duncan|2003|p=95}} The director asked Sellers to play four roles: US President Merkin Muffley, Dr. Strangelove, US Air Force Major T. J. "King" Kong, and Group Captain Lionel Mandrake of the RAF. Sellers was initially hesitant about taking on these divergent characters, but Kubrick prevailed.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=191}} According to some accounts, Sellers was also invited to play the part of General Buck Turgidson, but turned it down because it was too physically demanding.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=101}} Kubrick later commented that the idea of having Sellers in so many of the film's key roles was that "everywhere you turn there is some version of Peter Sellers holding the fate of the world in his hands".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=100}} Sellers was especially anxious about believably portraying Kong; he was unsure of his ability to speak in a ].{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=106}} Kubrick requested screenwriter ] to record in his natural accent a tape of Kong's lines.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=192}} After practising with Southern's recording, Sellers got sufficient control of the accent, and started shooting the scenes in the aeroplane.


After the first day's shooting, Sellers sprained his ankle while leaving a restaurant and could no longer work in the cramped cockpit set.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=192–193}} Kubrick then re-cast Slim Pickens as Kong.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=193}} The three roles Sellers undertook were distinct, "variegated, complex and refined",{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=197}} and critic ] considered that these roles "showed his genius at full stretch".{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=119}} Sellers played Muffley as a bland, placid intellectual in the mould of ];{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=195}} he played Mandrake as an unflappable Englishman;{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=197}} and Dr. Strangelove, a character influenced by pre-war German cinema, as a wheelchair-using fanatic.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=120}} The critic for '']'' wrote that the film includes, "three remarkable performances from Mr. Peter Sellers, masterly as the President, diverting as a revue-sketch ex-Nazi US Scientist&nbsp;... and acceptable as an RAF officer,"<ref>{{cite news|title=Film Comedy about the End of the World|newspaper=]|date=30 January 1964|location=London|page=16}}</ref> although the critic from ''The Guardian'' thought his portrayal of the RAF officer alone was, "worth the price of an admission ticket".<ref>{{cite news|title=Intelligent, subtle, funny 'Dr Strangelove': At the cinema|newspaper=]|date=2 March 1964|location=London|page=4}}</ref> For his performance in all three roles, Sellers was nominated for an ] at the ],<ref name="Oscars 65">{{cite web|title=The 37th Academy Awards (1965) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1965 |work=Oscar Legacy |publisher=] |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031093059/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1965 |archivedate=31 October 2014}}</ref> and the Best British Actor award at the 18th British Academy Film Awards.<ref name="BAFTA 64" />
Between November 1963 and February 1964, Sellers began filming '']'',{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=206}} an adaptation of a French play, '']'' by ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=205}} Sellers found the part and the director, ], uninspiring; the producers brought in Blake Edwards to replace Litvak. Together with writer ], they turned the script into a Clouseau comedy, also adding Herbert Lom as ] and ] as ]. During filming, Sellers's relationship with Edwards became strained; the two would often stop speaking to each other during filming, communicating only by the passing of notes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=210}} Sellers's personality was described by others as difficult and demanding, and he often clashed with fellow actors and directors.<ref name="Milne (1980)" /> Upon its release in late June 1964, ] noted the "joyously free and facile way" in which Sellers had developed his comedy technique.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C02E2DB163BE633A25757C2A9609C946591D6CF|author=Crowther, Bosley|title=A Shot in the Dark (1964)|work=]|date=24 June 1964|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


Between November 1963 and February 1964, Sellers began filming '']'',{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=206}} an adaptation of a French play, '']'' by ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=205}} Sellers found the part and the director, ], uninspiring; the producers brought in ] to replace Litvak. Together with writer ], they turned the script into a Clouseau comedy, also adding ] as ] and ] as ]. During filming, Sellers' relationship with Edwards became strained; the two would often stop speaking to each other during filming, communicating only by the passing of notes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=210}} Sellers' personality was described by others as difficult and demanding, and he often clashed with fellow actors and directors.<ref name="Milne (1980)" /> Upon its release in late June 1964, ] noted the "joyously free and facile way" in which Sellers had developed his comedy technique.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C02E2DB163BE633A25757C2A9609C946591D6CF |author=Crowther, Bosley |title=A Shot in the Dark (1964) |work=] |date=24 June 1964 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210054953/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C02E2DB163BE633A25757C2A9609C946591D6CF |archivedate=10 December 2013}}</ref>
{{quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote="I feel extremely vulnerable, and I need help a lot. A lot. I suppose I feel mainly I need the help of a woman. I'm continually searching for this woman. They mother you, they're great in bed, they're like a sister, they're there when you want to see them, they're not there when you don't. I don't know where they are. Maybe they're around somewhere. I'll find one, one of these days."|source=—Sellers on his need for women.<ref name="FH">{{cite web|author=Tibbetts, John C.|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-2273327121.html|title=The World of Peter Sellers|publisher=Film & History|date=1 October 2010|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription required}}</ref> }}


{{quote box|width=25%|align=right|quote="I feel extremely vulnerable, and I need help a lot. A lot. I suppose I feel mainly I need the help of a woman. I'm continually searching for this woman. They mother you, they're great in bed, they're like a sister, they're there when you want to see them, they're not there when you don't. I don't know where they are. Maybe they're around somewhere. I'll find one, one of these days."|source=—Sellers on his need for women.<ref name="FH">{{cite web |author=Tibbetts, John C. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+World+of+Peter+Sellers.-a0308435925 |title=The World of Peter Sellers |work=The Free Library |date=1 October 2010 |accessdate=24 September 2024}}</ref> }}
Towards the end of filming, in early February 1964, Sellers met ], a Swedish actress who had arrived in London to film '']''. On 19 February 1964, just ten days after their first meeting, the couple married.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=106}} Sellers soon showed signs of insecurity and paranoia; he would become highly anxious and jealous, for example, when Ekland starred opposite attractive men.<ref name="TM3109">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-204770308.html|title=What do you see in me? I'm not handsome.. I'm not tall.. I'm not special; Tortured love letter Peter Sellers wrote to Britt Ekland just weeks after whirlwind marriage |work=]|date=31 July 2009|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Shortly after the wedding, Sellers started filming on location in ] for ]'s '']'', opposite ] and ].{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=134}} The relationship between Wilder and Sellers became strained; both had different approaches to work and often clashed as a result.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=215}} On the night of 5 April 1964, prior to having sex with Ekland, Sellers took ]s (]) as a sexual stimulant in his search for "the ultimate orgasm",{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=216}} and suffered a series of eight ] over the course of three hours as a result.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=116}}{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=96}} His illness forced him to withdraw from the filming of ''Kiss Me, Stupid'' and he was replaced by ].{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=138}} Wilder was unsympathetic about the heart attacks, saying that "you have to have a heart before you can have an attack".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=224}}


Towards the end of filming, in early February 1964, Sellers met ], a Swedish actress who had arrived in London to film '']''. On 19 February 1964, just ten days after their first meeting, the couple married.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=106}} Sellers soon showed signs of insecurity and paranoia; he would become highly anxious and jealous, for example, when Ekland starred opposite attractive men.<ref name="TM3109">{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tortured-love-letter-peter-sellers-409865 |title=Tortured love letter Peter Sellers wrote to Britt Ekland weeks after whirlwind marriage |work=Daily Mirror |date=31 July 2009 |last=Smith |first=Richard |accessdate=7 March 2021|url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918101618/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/tortured-love-letter-peter-sellers-409865 |archivedate=18 September 2016}}</ref> Shortly after the wedding, Sellers started filming on location in ], for ]'s '']'', opposite ] and ].{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=134}} The relationship between Wilder and Sellers became strained; both had different approaches to work and often clashed as a result.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=215}} On the night of 5 April 1964, prior to having sex with Ekland, Sellers inhaled ] (]) as a sexual stimulant in his search for "the ultimate ]",{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=217}} and suffered a series of eight ] over the course of three hours as a result.{{sfnm|1a1=Evans|1y=1980|1p=116|2a1=Sellers|2y=1981|2p=96}} His illness forced him to withdraw from the filming of ''Kiss Me, Stupid'' and he was replaced by ].{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=138}} Wilder was unsympathetic about the heart attacks, saying that "you have to have a heart before you can have an attack".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=224}}
After some time recovering, Sellers returned to filming in October 1964, playing King of the Individualists alongside Ekland in '']'',{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=228}}{{efn|The character may have been called Imperial Me, according to '']''.<ref name="NYT" />}} a United Nations special, broadcast on the ] channel on 28 December 1964.<ref name="NYT" /> Sellers had been concerned that his heart attacks may have caused brain damage{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=228}} and that he would be unable to remember his lines, but he was reassured that his memory and abilities were unimpaired after the experience of filming.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=139}} Sellers followed this with the role of the perverted Austrian psychoanalyst Doctor Fritz Fassbender in ]'s '']'', appearing alongside ], ], Capucine, ] and ].{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} The film was the first screenwriting and acting credit for ], and featured Sellers in a love triangle.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=231}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1965/whats-new-pussycat|title=What's New Pussycat?|publisher=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> Because of Sellers's poor health, producer ] insured him at a cost of $360,000{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=108}} (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|360000|1964}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}}
]
Sellers became a close friend of ], a photographer who was then married to ]. Snowdon shared a love of women, photography, fine wine and fast cars with Sellers; both were also prone to bouts of depression.<ref name="MS0904">{{cite news|last=Brook|first=Danae|title=Peter Sellers did call my wife 'Ma'am darling' but then he fantasised about a lot of things|newspaper=]|date=19 September 2004|location=London|page=39}}</ref> They spent many weekends together with their wives and went on several holidays on board Sellers's yacht ''Bobo'' in Sardinia.<ref name="MS0904" /> On 20 January 1965, Sellers and Ekland announced the birth of a daughter, ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=233}} They moved to Rome in May to film '']'', an Anglo-Italian production in which they were both to appear.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=141}} The film was directed by ], whose English Sellers struggled to understand.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=142}} Sellers attempted to have De Sica fired, causing tensions on the set.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=142}} Sellers also became unhappy with his wife's performance, straining their relationship{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=238}} and triggering open arguments during one of which Sellers threw a chair at Ekland.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=240}} Despite these conflicts, the script was praised for its wit.<ref name="VarietyAF">{{cite web|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117796695?refcatid=31|title=After the Fox|work=]|date=31 December 1965|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/77583/after_the_fox.html|title=After the Fox (1966)|work=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


After some time recovering, Sellers returned to filming in October 1964, playing King of the Individualists alongside Ekland in '']'',{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=228}}{{efn|The character may have been called Imperial Me, according to '']''.<ref name="NYT" />}} a feature-length United Nations special broadcast in the United States on the ] channel on 28 December 1964.<ref name="NYT" /> Sellers had been concerned that his heart attacks might have caused brain damage{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=228}} and that he would be unable to remember his lines, but he was reassured that his memory and abilities were unimpaired after the experience of filming.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=139}} Sellers followed this with the role of the perverted Austrian psychoanalyst Doctor Fritz Fassbender in ]'s '']'', appearing alongside ], ], Capucine, ] and ].{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=101}} The film was the first screenwriting and acting credit for ], and featured Sellers in a love triangle.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=231}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1965/whats-new-pussycat |title=What's New Pussycat? |website=] |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007021027/http://www.film4.com/reviews/1965/whats-new-pussycat |archivedate= 7 October 2012}}</ref> Because of Sellers' poor health, producer ] insured him at a cost of $360,000{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=108}} (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|360000|1964|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}}
Following the commercial success of ''What's New Pussycat?'', Charles Feldman again brought together Sellers and Woody Allen for his next project, '']'', which also starred ];{{sfn|Benson|1988|p=238}} Sellers signed a $1&nbsp;million contract for the film{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=143}} (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1000000|1967}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}} Seven screenwriters worked on the project,{{sfn|Benson|1988|p=238}} and filming was chaotic.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=146}} To make matters worse, according to Ekland, Sellers was "so insecure, he won't trust anyone".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=127}} A poor working relationship quickly developed between Sellers and Welles: Sellers eventually demanded that the two should not share the same set.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=148}} Sellers left the film before his part was complete. A further agent's part was then written for ], to cover Sellers's departure.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=252}}{{efn|Various theories have been given about the animosity between the two actors, including Sellers trying to get Welles to laugh and Welles not responding; Sellers hearing a young woman comment that Welles was sexy; Sellers's comments about Welles's weight being objected to; and Sellers's jealousy at Welles's friendship with ], who was also a friend of Sellers.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=31}} Sellers's biographer Peter Evans declared that, "the real reason for this&nbsp;... hostility is still uncertain",{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=130}} while another biographer, ] commented that others were as much to blame for problems with the film.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=252}}}}


]
Shortly after leaving ''Casino Royale'', Sellers was appointed a ] (CBE) in honour of his career achievements.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Birthday Honours|newspaper=]|location=London|date=11 June 1966|page=14}}</ref> The day before the investiture at ], Sellers and Ekland argued, with Ekland scratching his face in the process; Sellers had a make-up artist cover the marks.{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=113}} Ekland later reported that although the couple argued, Sellers never hit her.<ref name="BBB - mail" /> During his next film, '']'', which again co-starred Ekland, the couple's marital problems worsened. Three weeks into production in Italy, Sellers told director ] to fire his wife, saying "I'm not coming back after lunch if that bitch is on the set".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=259}} Ekland later stated that the marriage was "an atrocious sham" at this stage.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=264}} In the midst of filming ''The Bobo'', Sellers's mother had a heart attack; Parrish asked Sellers if he wanted to visit her in hospital, but Sellers remained on set. She died within days, without Sellers having seen her.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=261}} He was deeply affected by her death and remorseful at not having returned to London to see her.{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=112}} Ekland served him with divorce papers shortly afterwards. The divorce was finalised on 18 December 1968, and Sellers's friend Spike Milligan sent Ekland a congratulatory telegram.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=285}} Upon its release in September 1967, ''The Bobo'' was poorly received.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9507E7D91238E53BBC4151DFBF66838C679EDE|author=Crowther, Bosley|title=The Bobo (1967)|work=]|date=29 September 1967|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>
On 20 January 1965, Sellers and Ekland announced the birth of a daughter, ].{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=233}} They moved to Rome in May to film '']'', an Anglo-Italian production in which they were both to appear.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=141}} The film was directed by ], whose English Sellers struggled to understand.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=142}} Sellers attempted to have De Sica fired, causing tensions on the set.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=142}} Sellers also became unhappy with his wife's performance, straining their relationship{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=238}} and triggering open arguments during one of which Sellers threw a chair at Ekland.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=240}} Despite these conflicts, the script was praised for its wit.<ref name="VarietyAF">{{cite web|url=https://www.variety.com/review/VE1117796695?refcatid=31 |title=After the Fox |work=] |date=31 December 1965 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111025852/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117796695?refcatid=31 |archivedate=11 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/77583/after_the_fox.html |title=After the Fox (1966) |work=] |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021033958/http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/77583/after_the_fox.html |archivedate=21 October 2012}}</ref>


Following the commercial success of ''What's New Pussycat?'', Charles Feldman again brought together Sellers and Woody Allen for his next project, '']'', which also starred ];{{sfn|Benson|1988|p=238}} Sellers signed a $1&nbsp;million contract for the film{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=143}} (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1000000|1967|r=-5}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}} Seven screenwriters worked on the project,{{sfn|Benson|1988|p=238}} and filming was chaotic.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=146}} To make matters worse, according to Ekland, Sellers was "so insecure, he won't trust anyone".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=127}} A poor working relationship quickly developed between Sellers and Welles: Sellers eventually demanded that the two should not share the same set.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=148}} Sellers left the film before his part was complete. A further agent's part was then written for ], to cover Sellers' departure.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=252}}{{efn|Various theories have been given about the animosity between the two actors, including Sellers trying to get Welles to laugh and Welles not responding; Sellers hearing a young woman comment that Welles was sexy; Sellers' comments about Welles's weight being objected to; and Sellers' jealousy at Welles's friendship with ], who was also a friend of Sellers.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=31}} Sellers' biographer Peter Evans declared that, "the real reason for this&nbsp;... hostility is still uncertain",{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=130}} while another biographer, ] commented that others were as much to blame for problems with the film.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=252}}}}
Sellers's first film appearance of 1968 was a reunion with Blake Edwards for the ] comedy ], in which he starred alongside ] and ]. He appears as Hrundi V. Bakshi, a bungling Indian actor who accidentally receives an invitation to a lavish Hollywood dinner party. His character, according to Sellers's biographer Peter Evans, was "clearly an amalgam of Clouseau and the doctor in ''The Millionairess''".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}} Roger Lewis notes that like a number of Sellers's characters, he is played in a sympathetic and dignified manner.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=620}} He followed it later that year with ]'s '']'', playing an attorney who abandons his lifestyle to become a ]. ] of the '']'' gave the film three stars, remarking that Sellers was "back doing what he does best", although he also said that in Sellers's previous films he had "been at his worst recently".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19681127/REVIEWS/811270301/1023|author=Ebert, Roger|title=I Love You, Alice B. Toklas |work=]|date=27 November 1968|accessdate=9 September 2012}}</ref>


Shortly after leaving ''Casino Royale'', Sellers was appointed a ] (CBE) in honour of his career achievements.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Birthday Honours|newspaper=]|location=London|date=11 June 1966|page=14}}</ref> The day before the investiture at ], Sellers and Ekland argued, with Ekland scratching his face in the process; Sellers had a make-up artist cover the marks.{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=113}} During his next film, '']'', which again co-starred Ekland, the couple's marital problems worsened. Three weeks into production in Italy, Sellers told director ] to fire his wife, saying "I'm not coming back after lunch if that bitch is on the set".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=259}} Ekland later stated that the marriage was "an atrocious sham" at this stage.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=264}} In the midst of filming ''The Bobo'', Sellers' mother had a heart attack; Parrish asked Sellers if he wanted to visit her in hospital, but Sellers remained on set. She died within days, without Sellers having seen her.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=261}} He was deeply affected by her death and remorseful at not having returned to London to see her.{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=112}} Ekland served him with divorce papers shortly afterwards. The divorce was finalised on 18 December 1968, and Sellers' friend Spike Milligan sent Ekland a congratulatory telegram.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=285}} Upon its release in September 1967, ''The Bobo'' was poorly received.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9507E7D91238E53BBC4151DFBF66838C679EDE |author=Crowther, Bosley |title=The Bobo (1967) |work=] |date=29 September 1967 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308212633/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9507E7D91238E53BBC4151DFBF66838C679EDE |archivedate= 8 March 2016}}</ref>
In 1969 Sellers starred opposite ] in the ]-directed film '']''. Sellers portrayed Sir Guy Grand, an eccentric billionaire who plays elaborate ]s on people. Irv Slifkin remarked that the film was a reflection of the cynicism of Peter Sellers, describing the film as a "proto-] adaption of Terry Southern's semi-free-form short novel", and "one of the strangest films to be shown at a gala premiere for Britain's royal family."{{sfn|Slifkin|2004|p=447}} The film, a satire on human nature,{{sfn|Ginibre|Lithgow|Cady|2005|p=296}} was in general viewed negatively by critics. ] of ''The New York Times'' believed that the film was of variable quality and summarised it as a "brutal satire".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9505E6DE163EE034BC4A52DFB466838B669EDE|author=Greenspun, Roger|title=The Magic Christian (1969)|work=]|date=12 February 1970|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref>


Sellers' first film appearance of 1968 was a reunion with Blake Edwards for the ] comedy ], in which he starred alongside ] and ]. He appears as Hrundi V. Bakshi, a bungling Indian actor who accidentally receives an invitation to a lavish Hollywood dinner party. His character, according to Sellers' biographer Peter Evans, was "clearly an amalgam of Clouseau and the doctor in ''The Millionairess''".{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}} Roger Lewis notes that like a number of Sellers' characters, he is played in a sympathetic and dignified manner.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=620}} He followed it later that year with ]'s '']'', playing an attorney who abandons his lifestyle to become a ]. ] of the '']'' gave the film three stars, remarking that Sellers was "back doing what he does best", although he also said that in Sellers' previous films he had "been at his worst recently".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/i-love-you-alice-b-toklas-1968 |author=Ebert, Roger |title=I Love You, Alice B. Toklas |work=] |date=27 November 1968 |accessdate=9 September 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116222339/http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/i-love-you-alice-b-toklas-1968 |archivedate=16 January 2014}}</ref>
=== "Period of indifference": two marriages, three ''Pink Panther'' films (1970–1978) ===
]


In 1969, Sellers starred opposite ] in the ]-directed film '']''. Sellers portrayed Sir Guy Grand, an eccentric billionaire who plays elaborate ]s on people. The critic Irv Slifkin remarked that the film was a reflection of the cynicism of Peter Sellers, describing the film as a "proto-] adaption of Terry Southern's semi-free-form short novel", and "one of the strangest films to be shown at a gala premiere for Britain's royal family".{{sfn|Slifkin|2004|p=447}} The film, a satire on human nature,{{sfn|Ginibre|Lithgow|Cady|2005|p=296}} was in general viewed negatively by critics. ] of ''The New York Times'' believed that the film was of variable quality and summarised it as a "brutal satire".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9505E6DE163EE034BC4A52DFB466838B669EDE |author=Greenspun, Roger |title=The Magic Christian (1969) |work=] |date=12 February 1970 |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325003046/http://www.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9505E6DE163EE034BC4A52DFB466838B669EDE |archivedate=25 March 2016}}</ref>
After a cameo appearance in '']'' (1970),<ref name="ST">{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2003860794_day31.html|title=A Day at the Beach" was worth digging up|work=The Seattle Times|date=31 August 2007|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> and a serious role later in 1970 as an ageing businessman who seduces ] in '']'',<ref name="Film470">{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1970/hoffman|title=Hoffman (1970)|publisher=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> Sellers starred in ]'s '']'' opposite ]. According to ''The Times'', the film was a major commercial success and became the seventh most popular film at the British box office in 1970.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waymark|first=Peter|title=Richard Burton top draw in British cinemas|newspaper=]|date=30 December 1971|location=London|page=2}}</ref> Andrew Spicer, writing for the ]'s ], considers that although Sellers favoured playing romantic roles, he "was always more successful in parts that sent up his own vanities and pretensions, as with the TV presenter and narcissistic lothario {{sic}} he played in ''There's a Girl in My Soup''".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/461941/index.html|title=Sellers, Peter (1925–1980)|last=Spicer|first1=Andrew|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=20 July 2012}}</ref> The film was seen as a small revival of his career.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=119}} However, Sellers next films, including ]'s '']'' (1972)<ref>{{cite web|author=Weiler, A. H.|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview|title=Where Does It Hurt (1972)|work=]|date=1 October 1972|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> and Peter Medak's '']'' (1973), were again poorly received, and his acting was viewed as frenetic rather than funny.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mannika, Eleanor|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/19661/Ghost-in-the-Noonday-Sun/overview|title=Ghost in the Noonday Sun (1974)|work=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> Despite these setbacks, Sellers won the Best Actor award at the 1973 Tehran Film Festival for his tragi-comedic role as a street performer in ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=In the News|journal=]|year=1972|volume=4|pages=35|publisher=Unicorn Publisher}}</ref>{{sfn|WWW|1981|p=714}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1973/optimists-of-nine-elms-the|title=The Optimists of Nine Elms|publisher=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> Fellow comedian and friend Spike Milligan believed that the early 1970s were for Sellers "a period of indifference, and it would appear at one time that his career might have come to a conclusion".<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> This was echoed by Sellers's biographer, Peter Evans, who notes that out of nine films in the period, three were never released and five had flopped, while only ''There's a Girl in My Soup'' had been a success.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=235}} In his private life, he had been seeing the twenty-three-year-old model ]. The couple married on 24 August 1970,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=310}}{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=171}} despite Sellers's private doubts—expressed to his agent, Dennis Selinger—about his decision to re-marry.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=172}}

===1970–1978: "Period of indifference": two marriages, three ''Pink Panther'' films===
]


After a cameo appearance in '']'' (1970),<ref name="ST">{{cite web|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2003860794_day31.html|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130130053234/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/movies/2003860794_day31.html|archivedate=30 January 2013|title=A Day at the Beach" was worth digging up|work=The Seattle Times|date=31 August 2007|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> and a serious role later in 1970 as an ageing businessman who seduces ] in '']'',<ref name="Film470">{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1970/hoffman |title=Hoffman (1970) |website=] |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010110201/http://www.film4.com/reviews/1970/hoffman |archivedate=10 October 2012}}</ref> Sellers starred in ]'s '']'' opposite ]. According to ''The Times'', the film was a major commercial success and became the seventh most popular film at the British box office in 1970.<ref>{{cite news|last=Waymark|first=Peter|title=Richard Burton top draw in British cinemas|newspaper=]|date=30 December 1971|location=London|page=2}}</ref> Andrew Spicer, writing for the ]'s ], considers that although Sellers favoured playing romantic roles, he "was always more successful in parts that sent up his own vanities and pretensions, as with the TV presenter and narcissistic lothario" he played in ''There's a Girl in My Soup''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/461941/index.html |title=Sellers, Peter (1925–1980) |last1=Spicer |first1=Andrew |work=] |publisher=] |accessdate=20 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709051353/http://www.screenonline.org.uk/people/id/461941/index.html |archivedate= 9 July 2012}}</ref> The film was seen as a small revival of his career.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=119}}
On 20 April 1972, Sellers reunited with Milligan and Harry Secombe to record '']'', which was broadcast on 5 October.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=182}} In May 1973, with his third marriage failing,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=31}} Sellers went to the theatre to watch ] perform. He became entranced with Minnelli and the couple became engaged three days later, despite Minnelli's current betrothal to ], and Sellers still being married.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=326}}{{efn|The marriage to Quarry was formally dissolved in September 1974.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=186}}}} Their relationship lasted a month before breaking up.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=231}} By 1974, Sellers's friends were concerned that he was having a nervous breakdown.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}} Directors John and Roy Boulting considered that Sellers was "a deeply troubled man, distrustful, self-absorbed, ultimately self-destructive. He was the complete contradiction."<ref name="Boulting" /> Sellers was shy and insecure when out of character.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=823}}<ref name="Mortimer (1980)" /> When he was invited to appear on ]'s ] in 1974, he withdrew the day before, explaining to Parkinson that "I just can't walk on as myself". When he was told he could come on as someone else, he appeared dressed as a member of the ].{{sfn|Parkinson|2009|p=255}} After a few lines in keeping with his assumed character, he stepped out of the role and settled down and, according to Parkinson himself, "was brilliant, giving the audience an astonishing display of his virtuosity".{{sfn|Parkinson|2009|p=256}} In 1974, Sellers again claimed to have communicated with the long-dead music hall comic Dan Leno, who advised him to return to the role of Clouseau.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}}


Sellers' next films, including ]'s '']'' (1972)<ref>{{cite news|author=Weiler, A. H. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview |title=Where Does It Hurt (1972) |accessdate=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325034255/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview |work=] |date=2016 |archivedate=25 March 2016}}</ref> and Peter Medak's '']'' (1974), were again poorly received, and his acting was viewed as frenetic rather than funny.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mannika, Eleanor |url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/19661/Ghost-in-the-Noonday-Sun/overview |title=Ghost in the Noonday Sun (1974) |accessdate=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107122708/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/19661/Ghost-in-the-Noonday-Sun/overview |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=] |date=2012 |archivedate= 7 November 2012}}</ref> Despite these setbacks, Sellers won the Best Actor award at the 1973 Tehran Film Festival for his tragi-comedic role as a street performer in ]'s '']''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=In the News|journal=]|year=1972|volume=4|page=35|publisher=Unicorn Publisher}}</ref>{{sfn|WWW|1981|p=714}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1973/optimists-of-nine-elms-the |title=The Optimists of Nine Elms |website=] |accessdate=3 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010110240/http://www.film4.com/reviews/1973/optimists-of-nine-elms-the |archivedate=10 October 2012}}</ref> Fellow comedian and friend Spike Milligan believed that the early 1970s were for Sellers "a period of indifference, and it would appear at one time that his career might have come to a conclusion".<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> This was echoed by Sellers' biographer, Peter Evans, who notes that out of nine films in the period, three were never released and five had flopped, while only ''There's a Girl in My Soup'' had been a success.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=235}} In his private life, he had been seeing the 23-year-old model ]. The couple married on 24 August 1970,{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1p=171|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=310}} despite Sellers' private doubts—expressed to his agent, Dennis Selinger—about his decision to remarry.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=172}}
In 1974, Sellers portrayed a "sexually voracious" ] in ]'s comedic biographical film of the Scottish poet ], '']'', starring opposite Milligan and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview|title=The Great McGonagall (1975)|work=]|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> However, the film was a critical failure, and Sellers's career and life reached an all-time low. As a result, by 1974 he agreed to accept salaries of £100,000 and 10% of the gross to appear in TV productions and advertisements, well below the £1 million he had once commanded per film.{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=56}} In 1973, he appeared in a ] cinema commercial; in 1975, he appeared in a series of advertisements for ], in which he played several eccentric characters, including Thrifty McTravel, Jeremy 'Piggy' Peak Thyme and an Italian singer, Vito.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=176}} Biographer Michael Starr asserts that Sellers showed enthusiasm towards these roles, {{sfn|Starr|1991|p=185}} although the airline campaign failed commercially.{{sfn|Segrave|2005|p=161}}


In April 1972, Sellers reunited with Milligan and Harry Secombe to record '']'', which was broadcast on 5 October.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=182}} In May 1973, with his third marriage failing,{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=31}} Sellers went to the theatre to watch ] perform. He became entranced with Minnelli and the couple became engaged three days later, despite Minnelli's current betrothal to ], and Sellers still being married.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=326}}{{efn|The marriage to Quarry was formally dissolved in September 1974.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=186}}}} Their relationship lasted a month before breaking up.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=231}} By 1974, Sellers' friends were concerned that he was having a nervous breakdown.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}} Directors John and Roy Boulting considered that Sellers was "a deeply troubled man, distrustful, self-absorbed, ultimately self-destructive. He was the complete contradiction."<ref name="Boulting" /> Sellers was shy and insecure when out of character.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=823}}<ref name="Mortimer (1980)" /> When he was invited to appear on ]'s ] in 1974, he withdrew the day before, explaining to Parkinson that "I just can't walk on as myself". When he was told he could come on as someone else, he appeared dressed as a member of the ].{{sfn|Parkinson|2009|p=255}} After a few lines in keeping with his assumed character, he stepped out of the role and settled down and, according to Parkinson himself, "was brilliant, giving the audience an astonishing display of his virtuosity".{{sfn|Parkinson|2009|p=256}} In 1974, Sellers again claimed to have communicated with the long-dead music hall comic Dan Leno, who advised him to return to the role of Clouseau.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=236}}
A turning point in Sellers's flailing career came in 1974, when he teamed up with Blake Edwards to make '']'', starring alongside ], Herbert Lom and ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=469}} The film was shot on a budget of £3 million and earned $33 million at the box office upon release in May 1975, reinvigorating Sellers's career as an A-list film star and restoring his millionaire status.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" />{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=56}}{{sfn|Barnes&Noble|2004|p=828}} The film earned Sellers a nomination for the ] award at the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The 22nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1976)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1975|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> In 1976, he followed it with '']''. During the filming from February to June 1976, the already fraught relationship between Sellers and Blake Edwards had seriously deteriorated. Edwards says of the actor's mental state at the time of ''The Pink Panther Strikes Again'', "If you went to an asylum and you described the first inmate you saw, that's what Peter had become. He was certifiable."<ref name="tcmarticle">{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=17706&category=Articles|title=The Pink Panther Strikes Again|publisher=]|author=Thames, Stephanie|accessdate=4 August 2012}}</ref> With declining physical health, Sellers could at times be unbearable on set. His behaviour was regarded as unprofessional and childish, and he frequently threw tantrums, often threatening to abandon projects.{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=56}} Peter Evans mentioned that Sellers was a "volatile and perplexing character left a trail of misery in his private life".<ref name="Evans Dynamite" /> He also noted that Sellers had a "compulsive personality and an eccentric hypochondriac" who became addicted to various medicines aside from his recreational drug habits during this period.<ref name="Evans Dynamite" /> His difficult behaviour during productions was widely reported and made it more difficult for Sellers to get employment in the industry at a time when he most needed the work.<ref name="WT1002" /> Despite Sellers's deep personal problems, ''The Pink Panther Strikes Again'' was well received critically. Vincent Canby of ''The New York Times'' said of Sellers in the film, "There is, too, something most winningly seedy about Mr. Sellers' Clouseau, a fellow who, when he attempts to tear off his clothes in the heat of passion, gets tangled up in his necktie, and who, when he masquerades—for reasons never gone into—as Quasimodo, overinflates his hump with helium."<ref name="NYT76" /> Sellers's performance earned him a further nomination at the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The 23rd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1977)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1976|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref>


In 1974, Sellers portrayed a "sexually voracious" ] in ]'s comedic biographical film of the Scottish poet ], '']'', starring opposite Milligan and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview |title=The Great McGonagall (1975) |accessdate=3 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107122359/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/20706/The-Great-McGonagall/overview |department=Movies & TV Dept. |work=] |author=Hal Erickson |author-link=Hal Erickson (author) |date=2012 |archivedate= 7 November 2012}}</ref> However, the film was a critical failure, and Sellers' career and life reached an all-time low. As a result, by 1974 he agreed to accept salaries of £100,000 and 10 per cent of the gross to appear in TV productions and advertisements, well below the £1 million he had once commanded per film.{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=56}} In 1973, he appeared in a ] cinema commercial; in 1975, he appeared in a series of advertisements for ], in which he played several eccentric characters, including Thrifty McTravel, Jeremy "Piggy" Peak Thyme and an Italian singer, Vito.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=176}} Biographer Michael Starr asserts that Sellers showed enthusiasm towards these roles,{{sfn|Starr|1991|p=185}} although the airline campaign failed commercially.{{sfn|Segrave|2005|p=161}}
{{quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="'He causes pain to everyone who gets close to him&nbsp;... Even when you're the victim of his outrageous behaviour, his selfishness, or one of his tantrums, you always found yourself smiling about it afterwards, even if you had to do it through gritted tears".|source=—Spike Milligan on Peter Sellers.<ref name="Evans Dynamite" />}}


A turning point in Sellers' flailing career came in 1974, when he teamed up with Blake Edwards to make '']'', starring alongside ], Herbert Lom and ].{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=469}} The film was shot on a budget of £3 million and earned $33 million at the box office upon release in May 1975, reinvigorating Sellers' career as an A-list film star and restoring his millionaire status.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" />{{sfnm|1a1=Barnes&Noble|1y=2004|1p=828|2a1=Upton|2y=2004|2p=56}} The film earned Sellers a nomination for the ] award at the ].<ref name="Globes 74">{{cite web|title=The 22nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1976)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1975|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130414205751/http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1975|archivedate=14 April 2013}}</ref> In 1976, he followed it with '']''. During the filming from February to June 1976, the already fraught relationship between Sellers and Blake Edwards had seriously deteriorated. Edwards says of the actor's mental state at the time of ''The Pink Panther Strikes Again'', "If you went to an asylum and you described the first inmate you saw, that's what Peter had become. He was certifiable."<ref name="tcmarticle">{{cite web|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=17706&category=Articles |title=The Pink Panther Strikes Again |website=] |author=Thames, Stephanie |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122214231/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=17706 |archivedate=22 January 2010}}</ref> With declining physical health, Sellers could at times be unbearable on set. His behaviour was regarded as unprofessional and childish, and he frequently threw tantrums, often threatening to abandon projects.{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=56}} His difficult behaviour during productions was widely reported and made it more difficult for Sellers to get employment in the industry at a time when he most needed the work.<ref name="WT1002" /> Despite Sellers' deep personal problems, ''The Pink Panther Strikes Again'' was well received critically. Vincent Canby of ''The New York Times'' said of Sellers in the film, "There is, too, something most winningly seedy about Mr. Sellers' Clouseau, a fellow who, when he attempts to tear off his clothes in the heat of passion, gets tangled up in his necktie, and who, when he masquerades—for reasons never gone into—as Quasimodo, overinflates his hump with helium."<ref name="NYT76" /> Sellers' performance earned him a further nomination at the ].<ref name="Globes 77">{{cite web|title=The 23rd Annual Golden Globe Awards (1977)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1976|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130414215627/http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1976|archivedate=14 April 2013}}</ref>
In March 1976 Sellers began dating actress ], whom he married on 18 February 1977.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=192}} Biographer Roger Lewis documents that of all of Sellers's wives, Frederick was the most poorly treated; Julian Upton likened it to a boxing match between a heavyweight and a featherweight, a relationship that "oscillated from ardour to hatred, reconciliation and remorse."{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}} Peter Evans claims that Milligan detested his friend's choice of partner and believed she was to blame for his increasing alcohol and cocaine dependency.<ref name="Evans Dynamite" /> On 20 March 1977, Sellers suffered a second major heart attack during a flight from Paris to London; he was subsequently fitted with a ].{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Buchan|first=David|title=Sellers 'op'|newspaper=]|date=29 March 1977|location=London|page=7}}</ref> Sellers returned from his illness to undertake '']''; although a commercial success, the critics were tiring of Inspector Clouseau. Julian Upton expressed the view that the strain behind the scenes began to manifest itself in the sluggish pace of the film, describing it as a "laboured, stunt-heavy hotchpotch of half-baked ideas and rehashed gags."{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}} Sellers too had become tired of the role, saying after production, "I've honestly had enough of Clouseau—I've got nothing more to give".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=131}} ], the senior vice-president and head of worldwide productions for ], who worked with Sellers on ''Revenge of the Pink Panther'', considered that Sellers was "deeply unbalanced, if not committable: that was the source of his genius and his truly quite terrifying aspects as manipulator and hysteric".{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=591}} He refused to seek professional help for his mental issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103152085.html|title=Rebuilding Peter Sellers|publisher=''The Record'' (Bergen County, NJ)|date=5 December 2004|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription required}}</ref> Sellers would claim that he had no personality and was almost unnoticeable, which meant that he "needed a strongly defined character to play".<ref>{{cite news|title=Obituary: Mr Peter Sellers|newspaper=]|date=25 July 1980|location=London|page=16}}</ref> He would make similar references throughout his life: when he appeared on '']'' in 1978, a guest appearance that earned him an ] nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in Variety or Music,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/muppet-show|title=The Muppet Show|publisher=]|accessdate=4 August 2012}}</ref> he chose not to appear as himself, instead appearing in a variety of costumes and accents. When ] told Sellers he could relax and be himself, Sellers replied:


In March 1976, Sellers began dating actress ], whom he married on 18 February 1977.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=192}} Biographer Roger Lewis documents that of all of Sellers' wives, Frederick was the most poorly treated; Julian Upton likened it to a boxing match between a heavyweight and a featherweight, a relationship that "oscillated from ardour to hatred, reconciliation and remorse."{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}} On 20 March 1977, Sellers suffered a second major heart attack during a flight from Paris to London; he was subsequently fitted with a ].{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}}<ref>{{cite news|last=Buchan|first=David|title=Sellers 'op'|newspaper=]|date=29 March 1977|location=London|page=7}}</ref> Sellers returned from his illness to undertake '']''; although it was a commercial success, the critics were tiring of Inspector Clouseau. Julian Upton expressed the view that the strain behind the scenes began to manifest itself in the sluggish pace of the film, describing it as a "laboured, stunt-heavy hotchpotch of half-baked ideas and rehashed gags".{{sfn|Upton|2004|p=58}} Sellers too had become tired of the role, saying after production, "I've honestly had enough of Clouseau—I've got nothing more to give".{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=131}} ], the senior vice-president and head of worldwide productions for ], who worked with Sellers on ''Revenge of the Pink Panther'', considered that Sellers was "deeply unbalanced, if not committable: that was the source of his genius and his truly quite terrifying aspects as manipulator and hysteric."{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=591}} He refused to seek professional help for his mental issues.<ref>
{{quote
{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103152085.html |title=Rebuilding Peter Sellers |work=The Record|location=Bergen County, NJ |date=5 December 2004 |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107203023/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103152085.html |archivedate=7 November 2012}}{{subscription required}}
</ref> Sellers would claim that he had no personality and was almost unnoticeable, which meant that he "needed a strongly defined character to play."<ref>{{cite news|title=Obituary: Mr Peter Sellers|newspaper=]|date=25 July 1980|location=London|page=16}}</ref> He would make similar references throughout his life: when he appeared on '']'' in 1978, a guest appearance that earned him an ] nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in Variety or Music,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/shows/muppet-show |title=The Muppet Show |publisher=] |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008131737/http://www.emmys.com/shows/muppet-show |archivedate= 8 October 2012}}</ref> he chose not to appear as himself, instead appearing in a variety of costumes and accents. When ] told Sellers he could relax and be himself, Sellers replied:
{{blockquote
| But that, you see, my dear Kermit, would be altogether impossible. I could never be myself&nbsp;... You see, there is no me. I do not exist&nbsp;... There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed.|Peter Sellers, ''The Muppet Show'', February 1978{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=352}} | But that, you see, my dear Kermit, would be altogether impossible. I could never be myself&nbsp;... You see, there is no me. I do not exist&nbsp;... There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed.|Peter Sellers, ''The Muppet Show'', February 1978{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=352}}
}} }}


=== ''Being There'', ''Fu Manchu'' and marital problems (1979–1980) === ===1979–1980: ''Being There'', ''Fu Manchu'', and continued domestic problems===
In 1979, Sellers starred alongside Lynne Frederick, ] and ] in ]'s '']''. He portrayed three roles, including King Rudolf IV and King Rudolf V—rulers of the fictional small nation of Ruritania—and Syd Frewin, Rudolf V's half-brother. Upon its release in May 1979, the film was well received; ] of ''The New York Times'' observed how Sellers divided "his energies between a serious character and a funny one, but that it was his serious performance which was more impressive."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9506EED61439E732A25756C2A9639C946890D6CF|title=The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)|author=Maslin, Janet|work=The New York Times|date=25 May 1979|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> However, Philip French, for ''The Observer'', was unimpressed by the film, describing it as "a mess of porridge" and stating that "Sellers reveals that he cannot draw the line between the sincere and the sentimental".<ref name="French Zenda" /> In 1979, Sellers starred alongside Lynne Frederick, ] and ] in ]'s '']''. He portrayed three roles, including King Rudolf IV and King Rudolf V—rulers of the fictional small nation of Ruritania—and Syd Frewin, Rudolf V's half-brother. Upon its release in May 1979, the film was well received; ] of ''The New York Times'' observed how Sellers divided "his energies between a serious character and a funny one, but that it was his serious performance which was more impressive".<ref>{{cite web|last=Maslin|first=Janet|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9506EED61439E732A25756C2A9639C946890D6CF|title=The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)|author-link=Janet Maslin|work=]|date=25 May 1979|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> However, ], for ''The Observer'', was unimpressed by the film, describing it as "a mess of porridge" and stating that "Sellers reveals that he cannot draw the line between the sincere and the sentimental".<ref name="French Zenda" />


Later in 1979, Sellers starred opposite ], ] and ] in the ] '']'' as Chance, a mindless, emotionless gardener addicted to watching TV.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=357}} In a BBC interview in 1971, Sellers had said that more than anything else, he wanted to play the role, and successfully persuaded the author of the book ] to allow him and director ] to make the film, provided he could write the script.<ref name="Smith" />{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} During the filming, to remain in character, Sellers refused most interview requests and kept his distance from the other actors.{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} Sellers considered Chance's walking and voice the character's most important attributes, and in preparing for the role, he worked alone with a tape recorder, or with his wife, and then with Ashby, to perfect the clear enunciation and flat delivery needed to reveal "the childlike mind behind the words".{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} Sellers described his experience of working on the film as "so humbling, so powerful", and co-star Shirley MacLaine found Sellers "a dream" to work with.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=204}} Sellers's performance was universally lauded by critics and is considered by critic Danny Smith to be the "crowning triumph of Peter Sellers's remarkable career".<ref name="Smith" /> Critic ] wrote that the acting skill required for this sort of role, with a "schismatic personality that Peter had to convey with strenuous vocal and gestural technique&nbsp; A lesser actor would have made the character's mental dysfunction flamboyant and drastic&nbsp; intelligence was always deeper, his onscreen confidence greater, his technique much more finely honed":<ref name="Rich" /> in achieving this, Sellers "makes the film's fantastic premise credible".<ref name="Rich" /> The film earned Sellers a ] award at the ];<ref>{{cite web|title=Awards for 1979|url=http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=1979|work=NBR Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> the ] Special Achievement Award, the ] award at the ];<ref>{{cite web|title=Peter Sellers: The Official Site|url=http://www.petersellers.com/about/awards.html|work=Peter Sellers: Awards|publisher=The Estate of Peter Sellers|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> and the ] award at the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The 37th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1980)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1979|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> Additionally, Sellers was nominated for the ] award at the ]<ref>{{cite web|title=The 52nd Academy Awards (1980) Nominees and Winners|url=http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/legacy/ceremony/52nd-winners.html|work=Oscar Legacy|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> and the ] award at the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=BAFTA Awards 1980|url= http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1980&category=false&award=false|work=BAFTA Awards Database|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012}}</ref> Later in 1979, Sellers starred opposite ], ] and ] in the ] '']'' as Chance, a simple-minded gardener addicted to watching TV who is regarded as a sage by the rich and powerful.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=357}} In a BBC interview in 1971, Sellers had said that more than anything else, he wanted to play the role, and successfully persuaded the author of the book, ], to allow him and director ] to make the film, provided Kosinski could write the script.<ref name="Smith" />{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} During filming, to remain in character, Sellers refused most interview requests and kept his distance from the other actors.{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} Sellers considered Chance's walking and voice the character's most important attributes, and in preparing for the role worked alone with a tape recorder or with his wife, and then with Ashby, to perfect the clear enunciation and flat delivery needed to reveal "the childlike mind behind the words".{{sfn|Dawson|2009|p=211}} Sellers described his experience of working on the film as "so humbling, so powerful", and co-star Shirley MacLaine found Sellers "a dream" to work with.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=204}} Sellers' performance was universally lauded by critics and is considered by critic Danny Smith to be the "crowning triumph of Peter Sellers' remarkable career".<ref name="Smith" /> Critic ] wrote that the acting skill required for this sort of role, with a "schismatic personality that Peter had to convey with strenuous vocal and gestural technique&nbsp;... A lesser actor would have made the character's mental dysfunction flamboyant and drastic&nbsp;... intelligence was always deeper, his onscreen confidence greater, his technique much more finely honed":<ref name="Rich" /> in achieving this, Sellers "makes the film's fantastic premise credible".<ref name="Rich" /> The film earned Sellers a ] award at the ];<ref name="NBR 79">{{cite web|title=Awards for 1979 |url=http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=1979 |work=NBR Awards |publisher=] |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912143237/http://www.nbrmp.org/awards/past.cfm?year=1979 |archivedate=12 September 2012}}</ref> the ] Special Achievement Award, the ] award at the ];<ref name="official">{{cite web|title=Peter Sellers: The Official Site |url=http://www.petersellers.com/about/awards.html |work=Peter Sellers: Awards |publisher=The Estate of Peter Sellers |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314030303/http://www.petersellers.com/about/awards.html |archivedate=14 March 2012}}</ref> and the ] award at the ].<ref name="Globes 79">{{cite web|title=The 37th Annual Golden Globe Awards (1980)|url=http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1979|work=Golden Globe Awards|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130414203800/http://cdn.goldenglobes.org/browse/year/1979|archivedate=14 April 2013}}</ref> Additionally, Sellers was nominated for the ] award at the ]<ref name="Oscars 79">{{cite web|title=The 52nd Academy Awards (1980) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1980 |work=Oscar Legacy |publisher=] |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110134116/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1980 |archivedate=10 November 2014}}</ref> and the ] award at the ].<ref name="BAFTA 79">{{cite web|title=BAFTA Awards 1980 |url=http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1980&category=false&award=false |work=BAFTA Awards Database |publisher=] |accessdate=9 July 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923113635/http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1980&category=false&award=false |archivedate=23 September 2012}}</ref>


In March 1980 Sellers asked his fifteen-year-old daughter Victoria what she thought about ''Being There'': she reported later that, "I said yes, I thought it was great. But then I said, 'You looked like a little fat old man'.&nbsp; he went mad. He threw his drink over me and told me to get the next plane home."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=374}} His other daughter Sarah told Sellers her thoughts about the incident and he sent her a telegram that read "After what happened this morning with Victoria, I shall be happy if I never hear from you again. I won't tell you what I think of you. It must be obvious. Goodbye, Your Father."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=374}} In March 1980, Sellers asked his 15-year-old daughter Victoria what she thought about ''Being There'': she reported later that "I said yes, I thought it was great. But then I said, 'You looked like a little fat old man'.&nbsp;... he went mad. He threw his drink over me and told me to get the next plane home."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=374}} His other daughter Sarah told Sellers her thoughts about the incident and he sent her a telegram that read "After what happened this morning with Victoria, I shall be happy if I never hear from you again. I won't tell you what I think of you. It must be obvious. Goodbye, Your Father."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=374}}


Sellers's last film was '']'', a comedic re-imagining of the ] by ]; Sellers played both police inspector Nayland Smith and Fu Manchu, alongside ] and ]. The production of the film was troublesome before filming started, with two directors—] and ]—fired before the script had been completed.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=242}} Sellers also expressed dissatisfaction with his own portrayal of Manchu{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=212}} with his ill-health often causing delays.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=213}} Arguments between Sellers and director ] led to Haggard's firing at Sellers's instigation and Sellers took over direction, using his long-time friend David Lodge to direct some sequences.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=370–371}} ] of '']'' described the film as "an indefensibly inept comedy",<ref name="Shales" /> adding that "it is hard to name another good actor who ever made so many bad movies as Sellers, a comedian of great gifts but ferociously faulty judgment. "Manchu" will take its rightful place alongside such colossally ill-advised washouts as ''Tell Me Where It Hurts'', ''The Bobo'' and ''The Prisoner of Zenda''".<ref name="Shales" /> Sellers' last film was '']'', a comedic re-imagining of the eponymous adventure novels by ]; Sellers played both police inspector ] and ], alongside ] and ]. The production of the film was troublesome before filming started, with two directors—] and ]—fired before the script had been completed.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=242}} Sellers also expressed dissatisfaction with his own portrayal of Manchu{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=212}} with his ill-health often causing delays.{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=213}} Arguments between Sellers and director ] led to Haggard's firing at Sellers' instigation and Sellers took over direction, using his long-time friend ] to direct some sequences.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=370–371}} ] of '']'' described the film as "an indefensibly inept comedy",<ref name="Shales" /> adding that "it is hard to name another good actor who ever made so many bad movies as Sellers, a comedian of great gifts but ferociously faulty judgment. "Manchu" will take its rightful place alongside such colossally ill-advised washouts as ''Tell Me Where It Hurts'', ''The Bobo'' and ''The Prisoner of Zenda''".<ref name="Shales" />


Sellers's final performances were a series of advertisements for ]. Filmed in April 1980 in Ireland, he played Monty Casino, a Jewish con-man.{{Efn|According to biographer Peter Evans, Sellers received criticism for his portrayal of characters interpreted to be Jewish right from ''The Goon Show'' days and the show received complaints accusing them of anti-Semitism. The Monty Casino character was similarly criticised, and Barclays made the decision to immediately cancel the commercial, although, according to them, as a mark of respect upon his death.{{sfn|Evans|1980|pp=194–5}} }}{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=47}}{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=176}} Four adverts were scheduled, but only three were filmed as Sellers collapsed in Dublin, again with heart problems.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=375}}{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=215}} After two days in care—and against the advice of his doctors—he travelled to the ], where ''Being There'' was in competition.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=375–376}} Sellers was again ill in Cannes, returning to his residence in ] to work on the script for his next project, '']''.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=246}}{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=217}} He agreed to undergo an ] at the ] in Los Angeles, to see if he was able to undergo open-heart surgery.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=379}} Spike Milligan later considered that Sellers's heart condition had lasted fifteen years and had "made life difficult for him and had a debilitating effect on his personality".<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers's fourth marriage to Frederick collapsed soon after.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=379}}{{sfn|Sellers|1981|p=222}} Sellers' final performances were a series of advertisements for ]. Filmed in April 1980 in Ireland, he played Monty Casino, a Jewish con-man.{{efn|According to biographer Peter Evans, Sellers received criticism for his portrayal of characters interpreted to be Jewish right from ''The Goon Show'' days and the show received complaints accusing them of anti-Semitism. The Monty Casino character was similarly criticised, and Barclays made the decision to immediately cancel the commercial, although, according to them, as a mark of respect upon his death.{{sfnm|1a1=Evans|1y=1980|1pp=194–195|2a1=Lewis|2y=1995|2p=47|3a1=Rigelsford|3y=2004|3p=176}}}} Four advertisements were scheduled, but only three were filmed as Sellers collapsed in Dublin, again with heart problems.{{sfnm|1a1=Walker|1y=1981|1p=215|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=375}} After two days in care—and against the advice of his doctors—he travelled to the ], where ''Being There'' was in competition.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=375–376}} Sellers was again ill in Cannes, returning to his residence in ] to work on the script for his next project, '']''.{{sfnm|1a1=Evans|1y=1980|1p=246|2a1=Walker|2y=1981|2p=217}} At the urging of his friends, he made an appointment to undergo an ] at the ] in Los Angeles on 30 July 1980, to see if he was able to undergo open-heart surgery.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=379}} Spike Milligan later considered that Sellers' heart condition had lasted for over 15 years and had "made life difficult for him and had a debilitating effect on his personality."<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers' fourth marriage to Frederick collapsed soon after.{{sfnm|1a1=Sellers|1y=1981|1p=222|2a1=Sikov|2y=2002|2p=379}} Sellers had recently started to rebuild his relationship with his son Michael after the failure of the latter's marriage. In lighter moments, Sellers had joked that his epitaph should read "Star of stage, screen and alimony."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=336}}


===Death and subsequent family issues===
Sellers had recently started to rebuild his relationship with his son Michael after the failure of the latter's marriage. Michael later said that "it marked the beginning of an all-too-brief closeness between us".<ref name="Sellers-MoS" /> Sellers admitted to his son that "he hated so many things he had done", including leaving his first wife, Anne, and his infatuation with Sophia Loren.<ref name="Sellers-MoS" />
]]]


On 21 July 1980, Sellers arrived in London from Geneva. He checked into ] hotel, before visiting ] for the first time to see the location of his parents' ashes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=380}} He had plans to attend a reunion dinner with his ''Goon Show'' partners Milligan and Secombe, scheduled for the evening of 22 July.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=246}} On the day of the dinner, Sellers took lunch in his hotel suite and shortly afterwards collapsed from a heart attack. He was taken to the ], London, and died just after midnight on 24 July 1980, aged 54.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=381–382}}
=== Death and subsequent family issues ===
]]]


Following Sellers' death, fellow actor Richard Attenborough said that Sellers "had the genius comparable to Chaplin",<ref name="Penny (1980)" /> while the Boulting brothers considered Sellers as "a man of enormous gifts; and these gifts he gave to the world. For them, he is assured of a place in the history of art as entertainment."<ref name="Boulting" /> ], who appeared as Cato in the ''Pink Panther'' films, stated that "Peter was a well-loved actor in Britain&nbsp;... the day he died, it seemed that the whole country came to a stop. Everywhere you went, the fact that Peter had died seemed like an umbrella over everything".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}} Director Blake Edwards thought that "Peter was brilliant. He had an enormous facility for finding really unusual, unique facets of the character he was playing".<ref name="D Mirror (1980)" /> Sellers' friend and ''Goon Show'' colleague Spike Milligan was too upset to speak to the press at the time of Sellers' death,<ref name="Merrin (1980)" /> while fellow Goon Harry Secombe said "I'm shattered. Peter was such a tremendous artist. He had so much talent, it just oozed out of him";<ref name="Mason (1980)" /> in dark humour, referring to the missed dinner the Goons had planned, he added, "Anything to avoid paying for dinner".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}} Secombe later declared to journalists "Bluebottle is deaded now".{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=225}} Milligan later said that "it's hard to say this, but he died at the right time."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}}
On 21 July 1980, Sellers arrived in London from Geneva. He checked into the Dorchester Hotel, before visiting ] for the first time to see the location of his parents' ashes.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=380}} He had plans to attend a reunion dinner with his ''Goon Show'' partners Spike Milligan and Harry Secombe, scheduled for the evening of 22 July.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=246}} On the day of the dinner, Sellers took lunch in his hotel suite and shortly afterwards collapsed from a heart attack. He was taken to the ], London, and died just after midnight on 24 July 1980, aged 54.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=381–382}}


A private funeral service was held at Golders Green Crematorium on 26 July, conducted by Sellers' old friend, ] John Hester.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=246}} Sellers' final joke was the playing of "]" by ], a tune which all the Goons hated; he knew they would have to sit there in silence and listen to it.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=7}} A memorial service was held at ] on 8 September 1980—what would have been Sellers' 55th birthday.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=383}} Close friend ] read the ], Harry Secombe sang "]" and the eulogy was read by David Niven.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=383}}
Following Sellers's death, fellow actor Richard Attenborough said that Sellers "had the genius comparable to Chaplin",<ref name="Penny (1980)" /> while the Boulting brothers considered Sellers as "a man of enormous gifts; and these gifts he gave to the world. For them, he is assured of a place in the history of art as entertainment."<ref name="Boulting" /> Burt Kwouk, who appeared as Cato in the ''Pink Panther'' films stated that "Peter was a well-loved actor in Britain&nbsp;… the day he died, it seemed that the whole country came to a stop. Everywhere you went, the fact that Peter had died seemed like an umbrella over everything".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}} Director Blake Edwards thought that "Peter was brilliant. He had an enormous facility for finding really unusual, unique facets of the character he was playing".<ref name="D Mirror (1980)" /> Sellers's friend and ''Goon Show'' colleague Harry Secombe said "I'm shattered. Peter was such a tremendous artist. He had so much talent, it just oozed out of him";<ref name="Mason (1980)" /> in dark humour, referring to the missed dinner the Goons had planned, he added, "Anything to avoid paying for dinner".{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}} Secombe later declared to journalists "Bluebottle is deaded now".{{sfn|Walker|1981|p=225}} Fellow Goon Spike Milligan was too upset to speak to the press at the time of Sellers's death.<ref name="Merrin (1980)" /> He later commented that "it's hard to say this, but he died at the right time."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=382}} The ''Daily Mail'' described Sellers as "the greatest comic talent of his generation as well as a womanising drug-taker who married four times in a fruitless search for happiness", a "flawed genius" who, once he latched on to a comic idea, "loved nothing more than to carry it to extremes."<ref name=Forbes />


Although Sellers was reportedly in the process of excluding Frederick from his will a week before he died,<ref name="Will change"/> she inherited almost his entire estate worth an estimated £4.5 million (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|4.5|1980|r=1}}}} million in {{Inflation-year|US}} pounds){{inflation-fn|UK|df=yes}} while his children received £800 each<ref name="Will change">{{cite news |title=Peter Sellers 'changed his will on the day he died', legal papers show |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/7892368/Peter-Sellers-changed-his-will-on-the-day-he-died-legal-papers-show.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/7892368/Peter-Sellers-changed-his-will-on-the-day-he-died-legal-papers-show.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |accessdate=7 December 2020 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|800|1980|r=-3}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}} pounds).{{inflation-fn|UK|df=yes}} Spike Milligan appealed to her on behalf of Sellers' three children, but she refused to increase the amount.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=384}}{{efn|Frederick subsequently married ]; she divorced him and married a cardiologist, Dr Barry Unger. She died in 1994 after struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=384}}}} Sellers' only son, Michael, died of a heart attack at 52 during surgery on 24 July 2006, twenty-six years to the day after his father's death.{{sfn|Sellers|Morecambe|2000|p=}}
A private funeral service was held at Golders Green Crematorium on 26 July, conducted by Sellers's old friend, Canon John Hester.{{sfn|Evans|1980|p=246}} Sellers's final joke was the playing of "]" by ], a tune he hated.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=7}} His body was cremated and his ashes were interred at Golders Green Crematorium in London. After her death in 1994, the ashes of his widow Frederick were co-interred with his.<ref name="mail will" /> A memorial service was held at ] on 8 September 1980—what would have been Sellers's 55th birthday.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=383}} Close friend Lord Snowdon read the twenty-third Psalm, Harry Secombe sang "]" and the eulogy was read by David Niven.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=383}}


After his death, ] tried to continue with ''Romance of the Pink Panther'' and offered the role of Clouseau to ], who turned it down. The studio subsequently returned to Blake Edwards, who was adamant not to recast the character, feeling certain that no one could adequately replace Sellers. In 1982 Edwards released '']'', which was composed entirely of deleted scenes from his past three ''Panther'' films.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=385}} Frederick sued, claiming the use of the clips was a breach of contract; the court awarded her $1{{nbsp}}million (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1|1982|r=1}}}} million in {{inflation-year|US}}),{{inflation-fn|US|df=yes}} plus 3.15 per cent of the film's profits and 1.36 per cent of its gross revenue.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=385–386}}<ref>{{cite news|title=$1m damages awarded to widow of Peter Sellers over 'Pink Panther' film|work=]|issue=62147|date=25 May 1985|location=London|page=3}}</ref>
Although Sellers was reportedly in the process of excluding Frederick from his will a week before he died, she inherited almost his entire estate worth an estimated £4.5 million (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|4500000|1980}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} pounds){{inflation-fn|UK|df=yes}} while his children received £800 each<ref name="mail will" /> (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|800|1980}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}} pounds).{{inflation-fn|UK|df=yes}} Spike Milligan appealed to her on behalf of Sellers's three children, but she refused to increase the amount.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=384}}{{efn|Frederick subsequently married ]; she divorced him and married a cardiologist, Dr Barry Unger: she died in 1994 after struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=384}}}} Sellers's only son, Michael, died of a heart attack at 52 during surgery on 24 July 2006, twenty-six years to the day after his father's death.{{sfn|Sellers|Morecambe|2000|p=}}

In 1982, Blake Edwards tried to continue with ''Romance of the Pink Panther'' and offered the role of Clouseau to ], who turned it down. Edwards subsequently released '']'', which was composed entirely of deleted scenes from his past three ''Panther'' films.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=385}} Frederick saw the film as an exploitation of Sellers, and she sued the film's producers for unauthorised use of her late husband's image, and won.{{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=385–386}}


== Technique == == Technique ==
{{quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="I start with the voice. I find out how the character ''sounds''. It's through the way he speaks that I find out the rest about him.&nbsp;... After the voice comes the looks of the man. I do a lot of drawings of the character I play. Then I get together with the makeup man and we sort of transfer my drawings onto my face. An involved process. After that I establish how the character walks. Very important, the walk. And then, suddenly, something strange happens. ''The person takes over''. The man you play begins to exist."|source=—Sellers describing how he prepared for his wide range of roles in an October 1962 interview for '']''.<ref name="Playboy" /> }} {{quote box|width=25%|align=left|quote="I start with the voice. I find out how the character ''sounds''. It's through the way he speaks that I find out the rest about him.&nbsp;... After the voice comes the looks of the man. I do a lot of drawings of the character I play. Then I get together with the makeup man and we sort of transfer my drawings onto my face. An involved process. After that I establish how the character walks. Very important, the walk. And then, suddenly, something strange happens. ''The person takes over''. The man you play begins to exist."|source=—Sellers describing how he prepared for his wide range of roles in an October 1962 interview for '']''.<ref name="Playboy" /> }}


Vincent Canby of ''The New York Times'' said of the Pink Panther films, "I'm not sure why Mr. Sellers and Mr. Lom are such a hilarious team, though it may be because each is a fine comic actor with a special talent for portraying the sort of all-consuming, epic self-absorption that makes slapstick farce initially acceptable—instead of alarming—and finally so funny."<ref name="NYT76">{{cite web|author=Canby, Vincent|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C04E3DD133FE334BC4E52DFB467838D669EDE|title=The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)|work=]|date=16 December 1976|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> Film critic ] has said that Sellers was one of the few comic geniuses who was able to truly hide behind his characters, giving the audience no sense of what he was really like in real life.<ref>{{cite web|author=Simon, Scott|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103117053.html|title=Profile: Movie on HBO examines the life of Peter Sellers |publisher=NPR Weekend Edition&nbsp;– Saturday|date=4 December 2004|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription required}}</ref> A feature of the characterisations undertaken by Sellers is that, regardless of how clumsy or idiotic they are, he ensured that they always retain their dignity.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=164}} On his playing of Clouseau, Sellers said: "I set out to play Clouseau with great dignity because I feel that he thinks he is probably one of the greatest detectives in the world. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I thought a forgivable vanity would humanise him and make him kind of touching."{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=97}} His biographer, Ed Sikov, notes that because of this retained dignity, Sellers is "the master of playing men who have no idea how ridiculous they are."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=270}} Social historian Sam Wasson notes the complexity in Sellers's performances in the ''Pink Panther'' films, which has the effect of alienating Clouseau from his environment. Wesson considers that "As 'low' and 'high' comedy rolled into one, it's the performative counterpoint to ]".{{sfn|Wasson|2009|p=86}} This combination of "high" and "low", exemplified by Clouseau's attempting to retain dignity after a fall, means that within the film Clouseau was "the sole representative of humanity".{{sfn|Wasson|2009|p=87}} Film critic Dilys Powell also saw the inherent dignity in the parts and wrote that Sellers had a "balance between character and absurdity".<ref name="Powell (1980)" /> Richard Attenborough also thought that because of his sympathy, Sellers could "inject into his characterisations the frailty and substance of a human being".<ref name="Penny (1980)" /> ] of '']'' said of the Pink Panther films "I'm not sure why Mr. Sellers and Mr. Lom are such a hilarious team, though it may be because each is a fine comic actor with a special talent for portraying the sort of all-consuming, epic self-absorption that makes slapstick farce initially acceptable—instead of alarming—and finally so funny."<ref name="NYT76">{{cite web|author=Canby, Vincent|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9C04E3DD133FE334BC4E52DFB467838D669EDE|title=The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)|work=]|date=16 December 1976|accessdate=3 August 2012}}</ref> The film critic ] said that Sellers was one of the few comic geniuses who was able to truly hide behind his characters, giving the audience no sense of what he was really like in real life.<ref>
{{cite web |author=Simon, Scott |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103117053.html |title=Profile: Movie on HBO examines the life of Peter Sellers |work=NPR Weekend Edition&nbsp;– Saturday |date=4 December 2004 |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107203015/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-103117053.html |archivedate=7 November 2012}}{{subscription required}}
</ref> A feature of the characterisations undertaken by Sellers is that, regardless of how clumsy or idiotic they are, he ensured that they always retain their dignity.{{sfn|Lewis|1995|p=164}} On his playing of Clouseau, Sellers said: "I set out to play Clouseau with great dignity because I feel that he thinks he is probably one of the greatest detectives in the world. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I thought a forgivable vanity would humanise him and make him kind of touching."{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=97}}


Sellers' ], Ed Sikov, notes that because of this retained dignity, Sellers is "the master of playing men who have no idea how ridiculous they are."{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=270}} Social historian Sam Wasson notes the complexity in Sellers' performances in the ''Pink Panther'' films, which has the effect of alienating Clouseau from his environment. Wesson considers that "As 'low' and 'high' comedy rolled into one, it's the performative counterpoint to ]".{{sfn|Wasson|2009|p=86}} This combination of "high" and "low", exemplified by Clouseau's attempting to retain dignity after a fall, means that within the film Clouseau was "the sole representative of humanity".{{sfn|Wasson|2009|p=87}} Film critic Dilys Powell also saw the inherent dignity in the parts and wrote that Sellers had a "balance between character and absurdity".<ref name="Powell (1980)" /> Richard Attenborough also thought that because of his sympathy, Sellers could "inject into his characterisations the frailty and substance of a human being".<ref name="Penny (1980)" />
Author Aaron Sultanik observed that in Sellers's early films, such as ''I'm Alright Jack'', he displays "deft, technical interpretations pinpoint the mechanical nature of his comic characterization", which "...reduces each of his characters to a series of gross, awkward tics."{{sfn|Sultanik|1986|p=86}} Academic Cynthia Baron observed that Sellers's external characterisations led to doubt with reviewers as to whether Sellers's work was "true" acting.{{sfn|Baron|2012|p=138}}{{efn|Baron goes on to note that much of the "true acting" question was due to the "polemical publicity" of ] that British characterisation led to artificial performances in contrast to method acting.{{sfn|Baron|2012|p=138}}}} Critic ] saw a change over Sellers's career and thought that his "comic genius as a character actor was&nbsp;… stifled by his elevation to leading man" and his later films suffered as a result.<ref name="Milne (1980)" /> Sultanik agreed, commenting that Sellers's "exceptional vocal and physical technique" was under-used during his career in the US.{{sfn|Sultanik|1986|p=86}}

{{box quote
| width = 30em
| bgcolor = cornsilk
| fontsize = 100%
| salign = center
| quote = “Peter was a marvelous improvisational actor, brilliant if you got him on the first take. The second take would be good, but after the third take he could be really awful. If he had to repeat the same words too many times they became meaningless. But it was such a joy to work with Peter because he was such an inspired actor. Sometimes he would literally knock me off my feet. I’d fall down convulsed with laughter.” —Filmmaker ], on directing Sellers in '']''.<ref>Reemes, 1988 p. 128</ref>
}}

Author Aaron Sultanik observed that in Sellers' early films, such as ''I'm All Right Jack'', he displays "deft, technical interpretations pinpoint the mechanical nature of his comic characterization", which "reduces each of his characters to a series of gross, awkward tics".{{sfn|Sultanik|1986|p=86}} Academic Cynthia Baron observed that Sellers' external characterisations led to doubt with reviewers as to whether Sellers' work was "true" acting.{{sfn|Baron|2012|p=138}}{{efn|Baron goes on to note that much of the "true acting" question was due to the "polemical publicity" of ] that British characterisation led to artificial performances in contrast to method acting.{{sfn|Baron|2012|p=138}}}} Critic ] saw a change over Sellers' career and thought that his "comic genius as a character actor was&nbsp;... stifled by his elevation to leading man" and his later films suffered as a result.<ref name="Milne (1980)" /> Sultanik agreed, commenting that Sellers' "exceptional vocal and physical technique" was under-used during his career in the US.{{sfn|Sultanik|1986|p=86}}


Academics Maria Pramaggiore and Tom Wallis remarked that Sellers fits the mould of a technical actor because he displays a mastery of physical characterisation, such as accent or physical trait.{{sfn|Pramaggiore|Wallis|2005|p=86}} Writer and playwright ] saw the process for himself when Sellers was about to undertake filming on Mortimer's '']'' and could not decide how to play the character of the barrister. By chance he ordered ] for lunch and the smell brought back a memory of the seaside town of ]: this gave him "the idea of a faded North Country accent and the suggestion of a scrappy moustache".<ref name="Mortimer (1980)" /> So important was the voice as the starting point for character development, that Sellers would walk around London with a ], recording voices to study at home.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=72}} Academics Maria Pramaggiore and Tom Wallis remarked that Sellers fits the mould of a technical actor because he displays a mastery of physical characterisation, such as accent or physical trait.{{sfn|Pramaggiore|Wallis|2005|p=86}} Writer and playwright ] saw the process for himself when Sellers was about to undertake filming on Mortimer's '']'' and could not decide how to play the character of the barrister. By chance he ordered ] for lunch and the smell brought back a memory of the seaside town of ]: this gave him "the idea of a faded North Country accent and the suggestion of a scrappy moustache".<ref name="Mortimer (1980)" /> So important was the voice as the starting point for character development, that Sellers would walk around London with a ], recording voices to study at home.{{sfn|Rigelsford|2004|p=72}}


== Legacy == == Legacy ==
]
'']'' stated that all of the films starring Sellers as Clouseau showcased his "comedic brilliance."<ref name="New York">{{cite book|title=New York|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=oaEpAQAAIAAJ|accessdate=3 August 2012|year=2003|publisher=New York Magazine Company|page=54}}</ref> Sellers's friend and ''Goon Show'' colleague Spike Milligan said that Sellers "had one of the most glittering comic talents of his age",<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> while John and Roy Boulting noted that he was "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since ]".<ref name="Boulting" /> Irv Slifkin said that the most prominent albeit ever-changing face in comedies of the sixties was Sellers who "changed like a chameleon throughout the era, dazzling audiences".{{sfn|Slifkin|2004|pp=358}} In a 2005 poll to find "The Comedian's Comedian", Sellers was voted 14 in the list of the top 20 greatest comedians by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4141019.stm|title=Cook voted 'comedians' comedian'|accessdate=15 June 2008|publisher=]|date=2 January 2005}}</ref> Sellers and ''The Goon Show'' were a strong influence on the ] performers,{{sfn|Perry|2007|p=16}} as well as on ],{{sfn|Perry|2007|p=19}} who described Sellers as "the best comic actor in the world".<ref name="Penny (1980)" /> The British actor ] stated that Sellers was a large influence,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/free-agents/articles/stephen-mangan-interview|title=Stephen Mangan Interview|date=6 March 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=20 July 2012}}</ref> as did comedians ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/channel-4s-comedy-gala/articles/an-interview-with-alan-carr|title=An Interview with Alan Carr|date=8 March 2010|publisher=]|accessdate=20 July 2012}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Grant|first=Brigit|title=Little big man boxing clever|newspaper=]|date=18 December 2011|location=London|pages=47–49}}</ref> ] referred to Peter Sellers as "the most seminal force in shaping early ideas on comedy". Cohen was considered for the role of Sellers in the biographical film ''The Life and Death of Peter Sellers''.{{sfn|Saunders|2009|p=22}} The three members of ]—], ] and ]—have also cited Sellers as being an influence on them,<ref>{{cite news|last=Molitorisz|first=Sacha|title=Hard rock troubadours turn folk for larks|newspaper=]|date=22 July 2003|location=Sydney|page=12}}</ref> as has American talk-show host ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Houpt|first=Simon|title=Conan gets creative with his Canadian invasion|newspaper=]|date=7 February 2004|location=Toronto|page=R1}}</ref> ] is another whose approach was influenced by Sellers: "he could do anything, from Dr Strangelove to Inspector Clouseau. He was just amazing."<ref>{{cite news|last=Waterman|first=Ivan|title=After winning $1million an episode deal, the sitcom superstars call it a day; goodbye dear friends|newspaper=]|date=17 June 2001|location=London|page=3}}</ref> ] notes that the Goons "influenced a new generation of comedians who came to be known as ]"—including himself,{{sfn| Games|2003|p=vii}} while media historian Graham McCann states "the anarchic spirit of the Goon Show&nbsp;… would inspire, directly or indirectly and to varying extents,&nbsp;… ], ], ], ] ]."{{sfn|McCann|2006|pp=344–345}}
'']'' magazine stated that all of the films starring Sellers as Clouseau showcased his "comedic brilliance".<ref name="New York">{{cite book |title=New York |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oaEpAQAAIAAJ |accessdate=3 August 2012 |year=2003 |publisher=New York Magazine Company |page=54 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620144943/http://books.google.com/books?id=oaEpAQAAIAAJ |archivedate=20 June 2013}}</ref> Sellers' friend and ''Goon Show'' colleague Spike Milligan said that Sellers "had one of the most glittering comic talents of his age",<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> while English filmmakers John and Roy Boulting noted that he was "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since ]".<ref name="Boulting" /> Irv Slifkin said that the most prominent albeit ever-changing face in comedies of the 1960s was Sellers who "changed like a chameleon throughout the era, dazzling audiences".{{sfn|Slifkin|2004|pp=358}} In a 2005 poll to find "The Comedian's Comedian", Sellers was voted 14 in the list of the top 20 greatest comedians by fellow comics and comedy insiders.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4141019.stm |title=Cook voted 'comedians' comedian' |accessdate=15 June 2008 |publisher=BBC News |date=2 January 2005 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080823085014/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4141019.stm |archivedate=23 August 2008}}</ref>


Sellers and ''The Goon Show'' were a strong influence on the ] performers,{{sfn|Perry|2007|p=16}} with ] calling him "the greatest voice man of all time", adding, "If he could listen to you for five minutes, he could do a perfect impersonation of you."<ref>{{cite news |first=Erik |last=Abriss |title=John Cleese on The Goon Show, His Earliest Comedy Influence |url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/07/talking-peter-sellers-and-the-goon-show-with-john-cleese.html |date=10 July 2018 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |work=Vulture}}</ref> The Goons were imported to the United States by the ] program '']'', which played recorded Goon show episodes starting in 1955. The American comedy troupe ] also cited the Goons as a big influence on their radio comedy style.<ref name="Firezine_Goons">{{cite web |url=http://www.firezine.net/issue4/fz4_13.htm |title=Firezine #4: Under the Influence of the Goons |publisher=Firezine.net |date=Winter 1997–1998 |accessdate=28 October 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060627180615/http://www.firezine.net/issue4/fz4_13.htm |archivedate=27 June 2006 |url-status=live}}</ref>
The stage play ''Being Sellers'' premiered in Australia in 1998, three years after release of the biography by ], ''The Life and Death of Peter Sellers''. The play premiered in New York in December 2010. In 2004, the book was turned into an ] ], starring ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Merwin|first=Ted|title=Who Was Peter Sellers?|url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/arts/theater/who_was_peter_sellers|accessdate=26 June 2012|newspaper=]|date=23 November 2010|location=New York}}</ref> '']'' notes how the film captured Sellers's "life of drugs, drink, fast cars and lots and lots of beautiful women".<ref name="DM1004">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10713796.html|title=The Life and Death of Peter Sellers: The monster who made us laugh |work=]|date=8 October 2004|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref> Although the film was widely praised by critics, both Lord Snowdon and Britt Ekland were highly critical of the film and the enactment of Sellers;<ref name="MS0904" /> Ekland believed that the film left the audiences with the wrong impression, saying "the film leaves you with the impression that Peter Sellers was essentially a likeable man when in reality he was a monster. He may have been a brilliant actor, but as a human being he had no saving graces at all".<ref name="BBB - mail" />

Sellers and the Goons were also an influence on ],{{sfn|Perry|2007|p=19}} who described Sellers as "the best comic actor in the world".<ref name="Penny (1980)" /> British actor ] stated that Sellers was a large influence,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/free-agents/articles/stephen-mangan-interview|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105074558/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/free-agents/articles/stephen-mangan-interview |archivedate=5 November 2012 |title=Stephen Mangan Interview|date=6 March 2009|publisher=]|accessdate=20 July 2012}}</ref> as did the comedians ],<ref>{{cite news |title=I owe film fame to dad's Scouse sense of humour |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/owe-film-fame-dads-scouse-3510240 |accessdate=10 September 2019 |work=Liverpool Echo}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/channel-4s-comedy-gala/articles/an-interview-with-alan-carr|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024175804/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/channel-4s-comedy-gala/articles/an-interview-with-alan-carr |archivedate=24 October 2012 |title=An Interview with Alan Carr|date=8 March 2010|publisher=]|accessdate=20 July 2012}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Grant|first=Brigit|title=Little big man boxing clever|newspaper=]|date=18 December 2011|location=London|pages=47–49}}</ref> Sellers' characters ] (''The Party'') and ] (''The Pink Panther'') later influenced comedian ]'s characters ] and ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Want funny? See his movies. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jul-13-ca-welkos13-story.html |accessdate=8 September 2019 |work=] |date=13 July 2003}}</ref> The comic performer ] referred to Sellers as "the most seminal force in shaping early ideas on comedy". Cohen was considered for the role of Sellers in the biographical film '']''.{{sfn|Saunders|2009|p=22}} ] considers Sellers to be an important influence on him, citing his "unique combination of being extremely subtle and over-the-top all at the same time."<ref>{{cite news |title=Will Ferrell interview: Megamind, Anchorman and playing a villain |url=http://www.denofgeek.com/movies/16729/will-ferrell-interview-megamind-anchorman-and-playing-a-villain |accessdate=17 November 2020 |website=Den of Geek}}</ref> The three members of ]—], ] and ]—have also cited Sellers as being an influence on them,<ref>{{cite news|last=Molitorisz|first=Sacha|title=Hard rock troubadours turn folk for larks|newspaper=]|date=22 July 2003|location=Sydney|page=12}}</ref> as has the US talk-show host ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Houpt|first=Simon|title=Conan gets creative with his Canadian invasion|newspaper=]|date=7 February 2004|location=Toronto|page=R1}}</ref> ] is another whose approach was influenced by Sellers: "he could do anything, from Dr Strangelove to Inspector Clouseau. He was just amazing."<ref>{{cite news|last=Waterman|first=Ivan|title=After winning $1million an episode deal, the sitcom superstars call it a day; goodbye dear friends|newspaper=]|date=17 June 2001|location=London|page=3}}</ref>

As a child, ] developed his dual acting skills in imitation of Sellers, whom he called his acting hero,<ref>{{cite news |title=Eddie Murphy: I'll retire from films at 50 |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/eddie-murphy-i-ll-retire-films-50-wbna25581773 |accessdate=23 September 2019 |work=]}}</ref> with ] hailing Murphy's performances (such as the multiple roles in '']'') as "Peter Sellers-esque".<ref>{{cite news |title=The 5 Greatest Comedies of All-Time, According To Chris Rock |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/new/5-Greatest-Comedies-All-Time-According-Chris-Rock-68419.html |accessdate=23 September 2019 |work=Cinemablend}}</ref> During an interview in 2002, ] told ] that Sellers was an important influence, especially his multi-character roles in ''Dr. Strangelove'', stating, "It doesn't get better than that." Williams was considered to play Sellers in the HBO biopic but turned it down over scheduling conflicts, though Williams considered it an honour to be able to portray him.<ref>video: {{cite interview|last=Williams|first=Robin|interviewer=]|title=Robin Williams, Parkinson interview 2002|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LaJDOD5cJI|accessdate=18 September 2014|archivedate=17 September 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917135858/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LaJDOD5cJI|url-status=live}}</ref> ] notes that the Goons "influenced a new generation of comedians who came to be known as ]"—including herself,{{sfn| Games|2003|p=vii}} while the media historian Graham McCann states "the anarchic spirit of the Goon Show&nbsp;... would inspire, directly or indirectly and to varying extents,&nbsp;... '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' '']''."{{sfn|McCann|2006|pp=344–345}}

The stage play ''Being Sellers'' premiered in Australia in 1998, three years after the release of the biography by ], ''The Life and Death of Peter Sellers''. In 2004, the book was turned into an ] ], starring ]. The play later transferred to New York in December 2010.<ref>{{cite news|last=Merwin |first=Ted |title=Who Was Peter Sellers? |url=http://www.thejewishweek.com/arts/theater/who_was_peter_sellers |accessdate=26 June 2012 |newspaper=] |date=23 November 2010 |location=New York |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020231421/http://www.thejewishweek.com/arts/theater/who_was_peter_sellers |archivedate=20 October 2012}}</ref> '']'' notes how the film captured Sellers' "life of drugs, drink, fast cars and lots and lots of beautiful women".<ref name="DM1004">
{{cite web |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10713796.html |title=The Life and Death of Peter Sellers: The monster who made us laugh |work=] |date=8 October 2004 |accessdate=4 August 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107203029/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10713796.html |archivedate=7 November 2012}}{{subscription required}}
</ref>


== Filmography and other works == == Filmography and other works ==
{{main|Peter Sellers on stage, radio, screen and record}} {{main|Peter Sellers on stage, radio, screen and record}}
<!-- This list is based on films on which Sellers was nominated for an award. Please do not any films to the list for which he was nominated --> <!-- This list is based on films on which Sellers was nominated for an award. Please do not add any films to the list for which he was not nominated. -->
'''Selected works, based on award nominations''' '''Selected works, based on award nominations'''
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;" {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin-right: 0;"
Line 202: Line 239:
! scope="col" |Role ! scope="col" |Role
! scope="col" |Award ! scope="col" |Award
! scope="col" |Notes
|- |-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Running Jumping & Standing Still Film|'']''}} ! scope="row" | {{sort|Running Jumping & Standing Still Film|'']''}}
| 1959 | rowspan="2" | 1959
| {{efn|Sellers appeared in the film but was nominated in his capacity as the producer. It was Sellers' only producing credit.}}
| –
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Short Subject (Live Action) | Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Short Subject (Live Action){{sfn|Sikov|2002|pp=120–121}}
| Producer
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1959
| Fred Kite | Fred Kite
| Won&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor | Won&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor<ref name="ARJ Guardian" />
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1962 | rowspan="3" | 1962
| General Leo Fitzjohn | General Leo Fitzjohn
| Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor | Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor{{sfn|Sikov|2002|p=171}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1962
| Clare Quilty | Clare Quilty
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Supporting Actor | Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Supporting Actor
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1962
| John Lewis | John Lewis
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor | Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor<ref name="BAFTA 62" />
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Pink Panther|'']''}} ! scope="row" | {{sort|Pink Panther|'']''}}
| 1963 | 1963
| ] | rowspan="2" | ]
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor | Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<ref name="Globes 64"/><br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor<ref name="BAFTA 64" />
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1964 | rowspan="2" | 1964
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Costume (Color)
| Group Captain Lionel Mandrake<br />President Merkin Muffley<br />Dr. Strangelove
|-
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor
! scope="row" | '']''
|
| Group Captain Lionel Mandrake/<br />President Merkin Muffley/<br />Dr. Strangelove
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<ref name="Oscars 65"/><br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best British Actor<ref name="BAFTA 64" />
|- |-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Optimists of Nine Elms|'']''}} ! scope="row" | {{sort|Optimists of Nine Elms|'']''}}
| 1973 | 1973
| Sam | Sam
| Won&nbsp;– Tehran Film Festival Award for Best Actor | Won&nbsp;– Tehran Film Festival Award for Best Actor{{sfn|WWW|1981|p=714}}
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Return of the Pink Panther|'']''}} ! scope="row" | {{sort|Return of the Pink Panther|'']''}}
| 1975 | 1975
| ] | rowspan="2" | ]
| Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy | Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<ref name="Globes 74"/>
|- Revenge of the Pink Panther
|
|-
! scope="row" | {{sort|Pink Panther Strikes Again|'']''}} ! scope="row" | {{sort|Pink Panther Strikes Again|'']''}}
| 1976 | 1976
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<ref name="Globes 77"/>
| ]
| Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy
|
|- |-
! scope="row" | '']'' ! scope="row" | '']''
| 1979 | 1979
| Chance | Chance
| Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor in a Leading Role<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor | Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<ref name="NBR 79"/><br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<ref name="official"/><br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor&nbsp;– Musical or Comedy<ref name="Globes 79"/><br />Won&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor in a Leading Role<ref name="BAFTA 79"/><br />Nominated&nbsp;– ] for Best Actor<ref name="Oscars 79"/>
|
|} |}


== Notes and references == ==Notes and references==
'''Notes''' ===Notes===
{{notes|45em}}

{{notes|30em}}

'''References'''


===References===
{{reflist {{reflist
| colwidth = 25em | colwidth = 25em
| refs = | refs =
<ref name=Forbes>
{{cite news|last=Forbes|first=Bryan|title=The day Peter Sellers tried to steal my wife|newspaper=]|date=10 October 2000|authorlink=Bryan Forbes|location=London|page=57}}</ref>

<ref name="BBB - mail">
{{cite news|last=Weathers|first=Helen|title=Britt bites back|newspaper=]|date=29 May 2004|location=London|page=48
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Evans Dynamite">
{{cite news|last=Evans|first=Peter|title=Dynamite in bed&nbsp;– and ruthless out of it. Lynne, the gold-digger who tricked Peter Sellers's family out of his millions|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1225892/Dynamite-bed--ruthless-Lynne-gold-digger-tricked-Peter-Sellers-family-millions.html|accessdate=26 June 2012|newspaper=]|date=7 November 2009|location=London
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Shales"> <ref name="Shales">
{{cite news|last=Shales|first=Tom|title='Fu' for Naught; The Fiendish Plod|newspaper=]|date=8 August 1980|authorlink=Tom Shales|location=Washington|page=C1 {{cite news|last=Shales|first=Tom|title='Fu' for Naught; The Fiendish Plod|newspaper=]|date=8 August 1980|author-link=Tom Shales|location=Washington|page=C1
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="French Zenda"> <ref name="French Zenda">
{{cite news|last=French|first=Philip|title=The Panting Pathan: Cinema|newspaper=]|date=7 December 1979|authorlink=Philip French|location=London|page=18 {{cite news|last=French|first=Philip|title=The Panting Pathan: Cinema|newspaper=]|date=7 December 1979|author-link=Philip French|location=London|page=18
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
Line 320: Line 329:


<ref name="Powell (1962)"> <ref name="Powell (1962)">
{{cite news|last=Powell|first=Dilys|title=A Test for 'Lolita'|newspaper=]|date=9 September 1962|authorlink=Dilys Powell|location=London|page=33 {{cite news|last=Powell|first=Dilys|title=A Test for 'Lolita'|newspaper=]|date=9 September 1962|author-link=Dilys Powell|location=London|page=33
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="Milligan (DNB)"> <ref name="Milligan (DNB)">
{{cite ODNB
{{cite journal | last = Milligan | first = Spike | title = Sellers, Peter (1925–1980) | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/31669 | work = ] | publisher = ] | accessdate = 9 July 2012 | authorlink = Spike Milligan | doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/31669 | year = 2004
|last=Milligan
}} {{ODNBsub}}
|first=Spike
|title=Sellers, Peter (1925–1980)
|url=http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/31669
|accessdate=9 July 2012
|author-link=Spike Milligan
|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/31669
|year=2004
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407125112/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/31669
|archivedate= 7 April 2014
}}
</ref> </ref>


Line 335: Line 354:


<ref name="Barker (DNB)"> <ref name="Barker (DNB)">
{{cite journal | last = Barker | first = Dennis | title = Goons (act. 1951–1960) | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/theme/95276 | work = ] | publisher = ] | accessdate = 11 July 2012 {{cite ODNB | last = Barker | first = Dennis | title = Goons (act. 1951–1960) | url = http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/theme/95276 | accessdate = 11 July 2012
| doi = 10.1093/ref:odnb/95276 | year = 2004 }}
}} {{subscription}}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="PS-A"> <ref name="PS-A">
{{cite web
{{cite web | title = Peter Sellers, albums | url = http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers/#albums | work = Official UK Charts Archive | publisher = ] | accessdate = 26 June 2012
|title=Peter Sellers, albums
|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers/#albums
|work=Official UK Charts Archive
|publisher=]
|accessdate=26 June 2012
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629043657/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers/
|archivedate=29 June 2012
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
Line 350: Line 376:


<ref name="Boulting"> <ref name="Boulting">
{{cite news | last1=Boulting | first1=John | last2=Boulting | first2=Roy | title = Peter the Great | newspaper = ] | date = 25 July 1980 | authorlink1=Boulting brothers | authorlink2=Boulting brothers | location = London | page = 11 {{cite news | last1=Boulting | first1=John | last2=Boulting | first2=Roy | title = Peter the Great | newspaper = ] | date = 25 July 1980 | author-link1=Boulting brothers | author-link2=Boulting brothers | location = London | page = 11
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="PS&SL"> <ref name="PS&SL">
{{cite web
{{cite web | title = Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren | url = http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers%20%26%20sophia%20loren/ | work = Official UK Charts Archive | publisher = ] | accessdate = 26 June 2012
|title=Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren
|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers%20%26%20sophia%20loren/
|work=Official UK Charts Archive
|publisher=]
|accessdate=26 June 2012
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928155823/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/peter%20sellers%20%26%20sophia%20loren/
|archivedate=28 September 2012
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="BAFTA 62"> <ref name="BAFTA 62">
{{cite web
{{cite web|title=BAFTA Awards 1962|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1962&category=false&award=false|work=BAFTA Awards Database|publisher=]|accessdate=9 July 2012
|title=BAFTA Awards 1962
|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1962&category=false&award=false
|work=BAFTA Awards Database
|publisher=]
|accessdate=9 July 2012
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923113643/http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1962&category=false&award=false
|archivedate=23 September 2012
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="BAFTA 64"> <ref name="BAFTA 64">
{{cite web
{{cite web | title = BAFTA Awards 1964 | url = http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1964&category=false&award=false | work = BAFTA Awards Database | publisher = ] | accessdate = 9 July 2012
|title=BAFTA Awards 1964
|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1964&category=false&award=false
|work=BAFTA Awards Database
|publisher=]
|accessdate=9 July 2012
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923113624/http://www.bafta.org/awards-database.html?year=1964&category=false&award=false
|archivedate=23 September 2012
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="Milne (1980)"> <ref name="Milne (1980)">
{{cite news | last = Milne | first = Tom | title = The comic chameleon: | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | authorlink = Tom Milne | location = London | page = 32 {{cite news | last = Milne | first = Tom | title = The comic chameleon | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | author-link = Tom Milne | location = London | page = 32
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="NYT"> <ref name="NYT">
{{cite news
{{cite news | last = Vinciguerra | first = Thomas | title = Marley Is Dead, Killed in a Nuclear War | url = http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/fashion/20CAROL.html?_r=1 | accessdate = 18 July 2012 | newspaper = ] | date = 20 December 2007
|last=Vinciguerra
|first=Thomas
|title=Marley Is Dead, Killed in a Nuclear War
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/fashion/20CAROL.html?_r=1
|accessdate=18 July 2012
|newspaper=]
|date=20 December 2007
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215002936/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/fashion/20CAROL.html?_r=1
|archivedate=15 February 2017
}} }}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="Mortimer (1980)"> <ref name="Mortimer (1980)">
{{cite news | last = Mortimer | first = John | title = Creative Force of a Meticulous Clown | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | authorlink = John Mortimer | location = London | page = 37 {{cite news | last = Mortimer | first = John | title = Creative Force of a Meticulous Clown | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | author-link = John Mortimer | location = London | page = 37
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
Line 390: Line 446:


<ref name="Rich"> <ref name="Rich">
{{cite news
{{cite news | last = Rich | first = Frank | title = Cinema: Gravity Defied | url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,921794-2,00.html | accessdate = 26 June 2012 | newspaper = ] | date = 14 January 1980 | authorlink = Frank Rich
|last=Rich
}} {{subscription}}
|first=Frank
|title=Cinema: Gravity Defied
|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,921794-2,00.html
|accessdate=26 June 2012
|newspaper=]
|date=14 January 1980
|author-link=Frank Rich
|url-status=dead
|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105183945/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C921794-2%2C00.html
|archivedate= 5 November 2012
}} {{subscription required}}
</ref> </ref>


<ref name="Gilliatt (1964)"> <ref name="Gilliatt (1964)">
{{cite news|last=Gilliatt|first=Penelope|title=Sellers strikes encore: FILMS|newspaper=]|date=12 January 1964|authorlink=Penelope Gilliatt|location=London|page=27 {{cite news|last=Gilliatt|first=Penelope|title=Sellers strikes encore: FILMS|newspaper=]|date=12 January 1964|author-link=Penelope Gilliatt|location=London|page=27
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Sellers-MoS">
{{cite news | last = Sellers | first = Michael | title = When Britt told Dad she wanted a baby he said: 'Have one of mine&nbsp;... I've got two already.' | newspaper = ] | date = 8 August 2004 | location = London | pages = 51–54
}}
</ref>

<ref name="mail will">
{{cite news | last = Graham | first = Caroline | title = The girl who got Peter Sellers's £5m&nbsp;– and she never even met him | url = http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1138807/The-girl-got-Peter-Sellers-5m--met-him.html | accessdate = 26 June 2012 | newspaper = ] | date = 8 February 2009 | location = London
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
Line 415: Line 472:


<ref name="Powell (1980)"> <ref name="Powell (1980)">
{{cite news | last = Powell | first = Dilys | title = The delicate balance of Peter Sellers | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | authorlink = Dilys Powell | location = London | page = 37 {{cite news | last = Powell | first = Dilys | title = The delicate balance of Peter Sellers | newspaper = ] | date = 27 July 1980 | author-link = Dilys Powell | location = London | page = 37
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
}} }}


== Bibliography == ===Sources===
{{refbegin|30em}} {{refbegin|25em}}
* {{cite book | last = Anthony | first = Barry | year = 2010 | title = The King's Jester | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-1-84885-430-7}}

* {{cite book | last = Anthony | first = Barry | year = 2010 | title = The King's Jester | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-1-84885-430-7 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Baron|first= Cynthia |contribution=Peter Sellers: A figure of the Impasse | editor-last = Robertson Wojcik | editor-first = Pamela|title= New Constellations: Movie Stars of the 1960s |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=0ReTQEa_jkoC&pg=PP1 | year = 2012 | publisher = ]|location= Piscataway, New Jersey | isbn = 978-0-8135-5229-3}}
* {{cite book|last=Baron|first= Cynthia |contribution=Peter Sellers: A figure of the Impasse | editor-last = Robertson Wojcik | editor-first = Pamela|title= New Constellations: Movie Stars of the 1960s |url= http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0ReTQEa_jkoC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false | year = 2012 | publisher = ]|location= Piscataway, New Jersey | isbn = 978-0-8135-5229-3 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Benson | first = Raymond | author-link = Raymond Benson | title = The James Bond Bedside Companion | year = 1988 | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-1-85283-233-9| title-link = The James Bond Bedside Companion }}
* {{cite book | last = Benson | first = Raymond | authorlink = Raymond Benson | title = ] | year = 1988 | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-1-85283-233-9 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last1=Burton|first1=Alan|last2=O'Sullivan|first2=Tim|title=The Cinema of Basil Dearden and Michael Relph|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CXDdTR62pd4C&pg=PA25| year = 2009 | publisher = ]|location=Edinburgh | isbn = 978-0-7486-3289-3}}
* {{cite book | last1=Burton|first1=Alan|last2=O'Sullivan|first2=Tim|title=The Cinema of Basil Dearden and Michael Relph|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=CXDdTR62pd4C&pg=PA25| year = 2009 | publisher = ]|location=Edinburgh | isbn = 978-0-7486-3289-3| ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Carpenter | first = Humphrey | author-link = Humphrey Carpenter | year = 2003 | title = Spike Milligan: The Biography | url= https://books.google.com/books?id=dF9zDXmpsI0C&q=Spike+Milligan%3A+The+Biography&pg=PP1 | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-340-82612-6}}
* {{cite book|last=Culhane|first=John|title=Special Effects in the Movies: How They Do It|year=1986|publisher=]|location=New York|isbn=978-0-345-34536-3}}
* {{cite book | last = Carpenter | first = Humphrey | authorlink = Humphrey Carpenter | year = 2003 | title = Spike Milligan: The Biography | url= http://books.google.com/?id=dF9zDXmpsI0C&lpg=PP1&dq=Spike%20Milligan%3A%20The%20Biography&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q=Spike%20Milligan:%20The%20Biography&f=false | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-340-82612-6 | ref = harv }}
* {{cite book|last=Culhane|first=John|title=Special Effects in the Movies: How They Do It|date=12 November 1986|publisher=]|location=New York|isbn=978-0-345-34536-3| ref = harv}} * {{cite book | last = Dawson | first = Nick | year = 2009 | title = Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel | publisher = ] | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=ayGlICMwYD0C&pg=PP1 | location = Lexington, Kentucky | isbn = 978-0-8131-2538-1}}
* {{cite book | last = Dawson | first = Nick | year = 2009 | title = Being Hal Ashby: Life of a Hollywood Rebel | publisher = ] | url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ayGlICMwYD0C&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false | location = Lexington, Kentucky | isbn = 978-0-8131-2538-1 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Dixon|first=Wheeler Winston|author-link = Wheeler Winston Dixon |title=Film Talk: Directors at Work|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgXQ7qaC7nYC&pg=PA35|year= 2007|publisher=]|location=Piscataway, New Jersey|isbn=978-0-8135-4147-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Dixon|first=Wheeler Winston|authorlink = Wheeler Winston Dixon |title=Film Talk: Directors at Work|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=bgXQ7qaC7nYC&pg=PA35|date=11 July 2007|publisher=]|location=Piscataway, New Jersey|isbn=978-0-8135-4147-1|ref = harv}} * {{cite book|last=Duncan|first=Paul|year=2003|title=Stanley Kubrick: The Complete Films |publisher=Taschen GmbH|page=95|isbn=978-3-8365-2775-0}}
*{{cite book|last=Duncan|first=Paul|year=2003|title=Stanley Kubrick: The Complete Films |publisher=Taschen GmbH|page=95|isbn=978-3836527750|ref =harv}} * {{cite book | last = Evans | first = Peter | year = 1980 | title = The Mask Behind the Mask | location = London | publisher = Severn House Publishers | isbn = 0-7278-0688-2}}
* {{cite book | last = Evans | first = Peter | year = 1980 | title = The Mask Behind the Mask | location = London | publisher = Severn House Publishers | isbn = 0-7278-0688-2 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Games | first = Alexander | year = 2003 | title = The Essential Spike Milligan | location = London| url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ieTh-QKfhcsC&pg=PP1| publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-00-715511-8}}
* {{cite book | last = Games | first = Alexander | year = 2003 | title = The Essential Spike Milligan | location = London| url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=ieTh-QKfhcsC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false| publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-00-715511-8 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last1=Ginibre|first1=Jean-Louis|last2=Lithgow|first2=John|last3=Cady|first3=Barbara|title=Ladies Or Gentlemen: A Pictorial History of Male Cross-Dressing in the Movies|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7hgQRVaWL-gC&pg=PA296|year=2005|publisher=Filipacchi Publishing|location=New York|isbn=978-1-933231-04-4}}
* {{cite book|last1=Ginibre|first1=Jean-Louis|last2=Lithgow|first2=John|last3=Cady|first3=Barbara|title=Ladies Or Gentlemen: A Pictorial History of Male Cross-Dressing in the Movies|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=7hgQRVaWL-gC&pg=PA296|year=2005|publisher=Filipacchi Publishing|location=New York|isbn=978-1-933231-04-4|ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Grierson|first=John|author-link=John Grierson|title=Grierson on Documentary|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mfKmXC8K9P8C&pg=PA34|year=1966|publisher=]|location=Berkeley, California|oclc=592409828}}
* {{cite book | last = Hall | first = Julian | year = 2006 | title = The Rough Guide to British Cult Comedy | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-1-84353-618-5| url = https://archive.org/details/roughguidetobrit00hall }}
* {{cite book|last=Grierson|first=John|authorlink=John Grierson|title=Grierson on Documentary|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mfKmXC8K9P8C&pg=PA34|year=1966|publisher=]|location=Berkeley, California|oclc=592409828|ref = harv }}
* {{cite book | last = Hall| first = Julian | year = 2006 | title = The Rough Guide to British Cult Comedy | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-1-84353-618-5 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last1=Johnson|first1=Tom|last2=Vecchio|first2=Deborah Del|title=Hammer Films: An Exhaustive Filmography|year=1996|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-0034-8}}
* {{cite book|last1=Johnson|first1=Tom|last2=Vecchio|first2=Deborah Del|title=Hammer Films: An Exhaustive Filmography|year=1996|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-0034-8|ref = harv}} * {{cite book | last = Lewis | first = Roger | title = The Life and Death of Peter Sellers | year = 1995 | publisher = ] | author-link = Roger Lewis (biographer) | location = London | isbn = 978-0-09-974700-0}}
* {{cite book | last = Lewis | first = Roger | title = The Life and Death of Peter Sellers | year = 1995 | publisher = ] | authorlink = Roger Lewis | location = London | isbn = 978-0-09-974700-0 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = LoBrutto | first = Vincent | title = Stanley Kubrick: A Biography | year = 1999 | publisher = ] | location = Cambridge, Massachusetts | isbn = 978-0-306-80906-4}}
* {{cite book | last = LoBrutto | first = Vincent | title = Stanley Kubrick: A Biography | year = 1999 | publisher = ] | location = Cambridge, Massachusetts | isbn = 978-0-306-80906-4 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = McCann | first = Graham | year = 2006 | title = Spike & Co | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-340-89809-3}}
* {{cite book | last = McCann | first = Graham | year = 2006 | title = Spike & Co | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-340-89809-3 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Miles|first=Barry |author-link=Barry Miles|title=The British invasion|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8xbaIlrUREC&pg=PP1|year=2009|publisher=]|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4027-6976-4}}
* {{cite book|last=Miles|first=Barry |authorlink=Barry Miles|title=The British invasion|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=r8xbaIlrUREC&pg=PP1|year=2009|publisher=]|location=New York|isbn=978-1-4027-6976-4|ref=harv}} * {{cite book | last = Moritz | first = Charles | year = 1961 | title = Current Biography Yearbook, Volume 21| location = New York | publisher = ]}}
* {{cite book | last = Moritz | first = Charles | year = 1961 | title = Current Biography Yearbook, Volume 21| location = New York | publisher = ] | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Parkinson | first = Michael | year = 2009 | title = Parky: My Autobiography | publisher = ] | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0ccrWk87YbkC&pg=PP1 | author-link = Michael Parkinson | location = London | isbn = 978-0-340-96167-4}}
* {{cite book | last = Parkinson | first = Michael | year = 2009 | title = Parky: My Autobiography | publisher = ] | url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0ccrWk87YbkC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false | authorlink = Michael Parkinson | location = London | isbn = 978-0-340-96167-4 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Perry | first = George | year = 2007 | title = The Life of Python | publisher = ] | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=J_Zg-9u4yLAC&pg=PP1 | location = London | isbn = 978-1-86205-762-3}}
* {{cite book | last = Perry | first = George | year = 2007 | title = The Life of Python | publisher = ] | url = http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=J_Zg-9u4yLAC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false | location = London | isbn = 978-1-86205-762-3 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book| last1= Pramaggiore |first1= Maria | last2= Wallis |first2= Tom |title=Film: A Critical Introduction|url=https://archive.org/details/filmcriticalintr0000pram| url-access= registration |year=2005|publisher=Laurence King Publishing|location=London|isbn=978-1-85669-442-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Rankin|first=Nicholas|title=A Genius for Deception: How Cunning Helped the British Win Two World Wars|url=https://archive.org/details/geniusfordecepti0000rank|url-access=registration|page=|year= 2009|publisher=]|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-19-538704-9}}
* {{cite book| last1= Pramaggiore |first1= Maria | last2= Wallis |first2= Tom |title=Film: A Critical Introduction|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=7CYJUwg69KsC&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false|year=2005|publisher=Laurence King Publishing|location=London|isbn=978-1-85669-442-1 |ref = harv}}
*Reemes, Dana M. 1988. Directed by Jack Arnold. ], ] 1988. {{ISBN|978-0899503318}}
* {{cite book|last=Rankin|first=Nicholas|title=A Genius for Deception: How Cunning Helped the British Win Two World Wars|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=I7fw7bjPSdgC&pg=PA383|date=1 November 2009|publisher=]|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-19-538704-9|ref = harv}}
* {{cite book|last=Reid|first=John Howard|title=CinemaScope 3: Hollywood Takes the Plunge|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=lmc4m9FNUAsC&pg=PA283|date=30 January 2006|publisher=]|location=Raleigh, North Carolina|isbn=978-1-4116-7188-1|ref = harv}} * {{cite book | last = Rigelsford | first = Adrian | author-link = Adrian Rigelsford | year = 2004 | title = Peter Sellers: A Life in Character | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-0-7535-0270-9}}
* {{cite book | last = Rigelsford | first = Adrian | authorlink = Adrian Rigelsford | year = 2004 | title = Peter Sellers: A Life in Character | publisher = ] | location = London | isbn = 978-0-7535-0270-9 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Saunders | first = Robert A. | title = The Many Faces of Sacha Baron Cohen: Politics, Parody, and the Battle Over Borat | year = 2009 | publisher = ] | location = Lanham, Maryland | isbn = 978-0-7391-2337-9}}
* {{cite book | last = Saunders | first = Robert A. | title = The Many Faces of Sacha Baron Cohen: Politics, Parody, and the Battle Over Borat | year = 2009 | publisher = ] | location = Lanham, Maryland | isbn = 978-0-7391-2337-9 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Segrave|first=Kerry|title=Endorsements in advertising: a social history|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=D-TtAAAAMAAJ|year=2005|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-2043-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Segrave|first=Kerry|title=Endorsements in advertising: a social history|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=D-TtAAAAMAAJ|date=30 March 2005|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-7864-2043-8|ref = harv}} * {{cite book | last = Sellers | first = Michael | author-link = Michael Sellers (actor) | year = 1981 | title = P.S. I Love You! | publisher = ] | location = Glasgow | isbn = 0-00-216649-6| url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/psiloveyoupeters0000sell }}
* {{cite book | last = Sellers | first = Michael | authorlink = Michael Sellers (actor) | year = 1981 | title = P.S. I Love You! | publisher = ] | location = Glasgow | isbn = 0-00-216649-6 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last1 = Sellers | first1 = Michael | last2 = Morecambe | first2 = Gary | year = 2000 | title = Sellers on Sellers | publisher = ] | location =London | isbn = 978-0-233-99883-1}}
* {{cite book | last1 = Sellers | first1 = Michael | last2 = Morecambe | first2 = Gary | year = 2000 | title = Sellers on Sellers | publisher = ] | location =London | isbn = 978-0-233-99883-1 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Sikov | first = Ed | title = Mr Strangelove; A Biography of Peter Sellers | year = 2002 | publisher = ] | author-link = Ed Sikov | location = London | isbn = 978-0-283-07297-0}}
* {{cite book | last = Sikov | first = Ed | title = Mr Strangelove; A Biography of Peter Sellers | year = 2002 | publisher = ] | authorlink = Ed Sikov | location = London | isbn = 978-0-283-07297-0 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last=Slifkin|first=Irv|title=VideoHound's Groovy Movies: Far-Out Films of the Psychedelic Era|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nfCsh3yCpz0C&pg=PA358|year= 2004|publisher=]|location=Detroit, Michigan|isbn=978-1-57859-155-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Slifkin|first=Irv|title=VideoHound's Groovy Movies: Far-Out Films of the Psychedelic Era|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=nfCsh3yCpz0C&pg=PA358|date=1 May 2004|publisher=]|location=Detroit, Michigan|isbn=978-1-57859-155-8|ref=harv}} * {{cite book|last=Spicer|first=Andrew|title=Typical Men: The Representation of Masculinity in Popular British Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=y87qYiZcnocC&pg=PA116|year= 2003|publisher=]|location=London|isbn=978-1-86064-931-8}}
* {{cite book|last=Spicer|first=Andrew|title=Typical Men: The Representation of Masculinity in Popular British Cinema|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=y87qYiZcnocC&pg=PA116|date=3 October 2003|publisher=]|location=London|isbn=978-1-86064-931-8|ref=harv}} * {{cite book|last=Starr|first=Michael|title=Peter Sellers: A Film History|date=1991|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-89950-512-1}}
* {{cite book|last=Starr|first=Michael|title=Peter Sellers: A Film History|date=October 1991|publisher=]|location=Jefferson, North Carolina|isbn=978-0-89950-512-1| ref = harv }} * {{cite book|last= Sultanik |first= Aaron |title= Film, a Modern Art|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NQByIjvN8x8C&pg=PP1|year=1986|publisher=]|location=Cranbury, New Jersey|isbn=978-0-8453-4752-2}}
* {{cite book|last= Sultanik |first= Aaron |title= Film, a Modern Art|url=http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=NQByIjvN8x8C&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false|date=1 November 1986|publisher=]|location=Cranbury, New Jersey|isbn=978-0-8453-4752-2 |ref = harv}} * {{cite book|last1=Terry-Thomas|last2=Daum|first2=Terry|title=Terry-Thomas Tells Tales|year=1990|publisher=Robson Books|location=London|isbn=978-0-86051-662-0}}
* {{cite book|last1=Terry-Thomas|last2=Daum|first2=Terry|title=Terry-Thomas Tells Tales|year=1990|publisher=Robson Books|location=London|isbn=978-0-86051-662-0|ref=harv}}
* {{cite book | year = 2004 | title = TV Guide film & video companion| location = New York | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-7607-6104-5 | ref = {{sfnRef|Barnes&Noble|2004}} }} * {{cite book | year = 2004 | title = TV Guide film & video companion| location = New York | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-7607-6104-5 | ref = {{sfnRef|Barnes&Noble|2004}} }}
* {{cite book | last = Walker | first = Alexander | title = Peter Sellers | year = 1981 | publisher = Littlehampton Book Services | authorlink = Alexander Walker (critic) | location = Littlehampton | isbn = 978-0-297-77965-0 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last = Walker | first = Alexander | title = Peter Sellers | year = 1981 | publisher = Littlehampton Book Services | author-link = Alexander Walker (critic) | location = Littlehampton | isbn = 978-0-297-77965-0}}
* {{cite book|last=Upton|first=Julian|title=Fallen Stars: Tragic Lives and Lost Careers|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Gb5ci9IF_SMC&pg=RA1-PT28|date=1 September 2004|publisher=Headpress/Critical Vision|location=Manchester|isbn=978-1-900486-38-5| ref = harv}} * {{cite book|last=Upton|first=Julian|title=Fallen Stars: Tragic Lives and Lost Careers|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Gb5ci9IF_SMC&pg=RA1-PT28|year= 2004|publisher=Headpress/Critical Vision|location=Manchester|isbn=978-1-900486-38-5}}
* {{cite book|last=Wasson|first=Sam|title=A Splurch in the Kisser: The Movies of Blake Edwards|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=I7fw7bjPSdgC&pg=PA383|date=1 November 2009|publisher=]|location=Middletown, Connecticut|isbn=978-0-8195-6915-8|ref = harv}} * {{cite book|last=Wasson|first=Sam|title=A Splurch in the Kisser: The Movies of Blake Edwards|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=I7fw7bjPSdgC&pg=PA383|year= 2009|publisher=]|location=Middletown, Connecticut|isbn=978-0-8195-6915-8}}
* {{cite book | year = 1981 | title = Who Was Who (1971–1980) | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-7136-2176-1 | ref = {{sfnRef|WWW|1981}} }} * {{cite book | year = 1981 | title = Who Was Who (1971–1980) | location = London | publisher = ] | isbn = 978-0-7136-2176-1 | ref = {{sfnRef|WWW|1981}} | url = https://archive.org/details/whowaswho197119800lond }}
* {{cite book | last1=Wilmut | first1=Roger | last2=Grafton | first2=Jimmy | authorlink1=Roger Wilmut| authorlink2=Jimmy Grafton | title=The Goon Show Companion&nbsp;– A History and Goonography | year=1981 | publisher=] | location=London | isbn=0-903895-64-1 | ref = harv }} * {{cite book | last1=Wilmut | first1=Roger | last2=Grafton | first2=Jimmy | author-link1=Roger Wilmut| author-link2=Jimmy Grafton | title=The Goon Show Companion&nbsp;– A History and Goonography | year=1981 | publisher=] | location=London | isbn=0-903895-64-1}}
{{refend}} {{refend}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}} {{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{url|http://www.petersellers.com/|Peter Sellers official website}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{bfidb individual|89857|Peter Sellers}}
* at the ]
* {{Screenonline name|id=461941}}
* {{IMDb name|634}} * {{Screenonline name|461941}}
* {{Tcmdb name|id=173984}} * {{IMDb name}}
* {{TCMDb name}}
* {{Discogs artist}}
* on ] * on ]

{{Goons}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards for Peter Sellers
| list =
{{BAFTA Award for Best Actor 1952–1959}} {{BAFTA Award for Best Actor 1952–1959}}
{{GoldenGlobeAwardBestActorMotionPictureMusicalComedy 1961–1980}} {{GoldenGlobeAwardBestActorMotionPictureMusicalComedy 1961–1980}}
{{Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Actor}} {{National Board of Review Award for Best Actor}}
{{Silver Shell for Best Actor}}
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{{Persondata
| NAME = Sellers, Peter
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Sellers, Richard Henry
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = British comedian & actor
| DATE OF BIRTH = 8 September 1925
| PLACE OF BIRTH = ], Hampshire, England
| DATE OF DEATH = 24 July 1980
| PLACE OF DEATH = London, England
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sellers, Peter}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Sellers, Peter}}
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Latest revision as of 06:02, 20 December 2024

English actor and comedian (1925–1980) This article is about the English actor. For the New Zealand sports broadcaster, see Peter Sellers (broadcaster). For the American director, see Peter Sellars.

Peter SellersCBE
Sellers smiling to the cameraSellers in 1973
Born(1925-09-08)8 September 1925
Southsea, Portsmouth, England
Died24 July 1980(1980-07-24) (aged 54)
London, England
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
Years active1925–1980
WorksFull list
Spouses
Anne Howe ​ ​(m. 1951; div. 1963)
Britt Ekland ​ ​(m. 1964; div. 1968)
Miranda Quarry ​ ​(m. 1970; div. 1974)
Lynne Frederick ​(m. 1977)
Children3, including Michael and Victoria

Peter Sellers (born Richard Henry Sellers; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series The Goon Show. Sellers featured on a number of hit comic songs, and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, among them Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series.

Born in Southsea, Sellers made his stage debut at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in Ralph Reader's wartime Gang Show entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ShowTime, and eventually became a regular performer on various BBC Radio shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe and Michael Bentine, took part in the successful radio series The Goon Show, which ended in 1960.

Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often parodying characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include I'm All Right Jack (1959), Stanley Kubrick's Lolita (1962) and Dr. Strangelove (1964), What's New Pussycat? (1965), Casino Royale (1967), The Party (1968), Being There (1979) and five films of the Pink Panther series (1963–1978). Sellers' versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. Satire and black humour were major features of many of his films, as they had been in his radio and record performances, and they had a strong influence on a number of later comedians.

Sellers was nominated three times for an Academy Award, twice for the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his performances in Dr. Strangelove and Being There, and once for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film (1959). He won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in I'm All Right Jack and was nominated an additional three times for the previous two films and the satire Only Two Can Play. In 1980 he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his role in Being There, having previously been nominated three times in the same category. Turner Classic Movies calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".

In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s, when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the Boulting brothers described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since Charles Chaplin".

Biography

1925–1939: Early life and career beginnings

blue plaque commemorating SellersBlue plaque memorial at Sellers' birthplace in Castle Road, Portsmouthexterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall

Sellers was born on 8 September 1925 in Southsea, a suburb of Portsmouth. His parents were Yorkshire-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" (née Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe. Although he was christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was stillborn. Sellers had no other siblings. Peg Sellers was related to the pugilist Daniel Mendoza (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.

Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by Dick Henderson, the headline act at the Kings Theatre in Southsea: the crowd sang "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow", which caused the infant to cry. The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers' life.

Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend Spike Milligan later considered unhealthy for a grown man. Sellers' agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection". As an only child, he spent much time alone.

In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in Muswell Hill. Although Bill Sellers was Protestant and Peg was Jewish, Sellers attended the nearby Roman Catholic school St Aloysius' College in Highgate, run by the Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy. The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son. According to biographer Peter Evans, Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age, particularly Catholicism; Roger Lewis believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "discovered he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith". Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the Church of England, his mother was Jewish, "and Jews take the faith of their mother."

According to Milligan, Sellers felt a sense of guilt about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur. Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers. Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "The Jewish boy knows his catechism better than the rest of you!"

Accompanying his family on the variety show circuit, Sellers learned stagecraft, but received conflicting encouragement from his parents and developed mixed feelings about show business. His father doubted Sellers' abilities in the entertainment field, even suggesting that his son's talents were only enough to become a road sweeper, while Sellers' mother encouraged him continuously. While at St Aloysius College, Sellers began to develop his improvisational skills. He and his closest friend at the time, Bryan Connon, both enjoyed listening to early radio comedy shows. Connon remembers that "Peter got endless pleasure imitating the people in Monday Night at Eight. He had a gift for improvising dialogue. Sketches, too. I'd be the 'straight man', the 'feed', ... I'd cue Peter and he'd do all the radio personalities and chuck in a few voices of his own invention as well."

1939–1945: War years

With the outbreak of the Second World War, St. Aloysius College was evacuated to Cambridgeshire. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go, his formal education ended at fourteen. Early in 1940, the family moved to the north Devon town of Ilfracombe, where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre; Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker. He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts. Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as Paul Scofield. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers' first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing ukuleles, singing, and telling jokes.

During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band Joe Daniels and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers' temperament and artistic skills. Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation. As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of Oscar Rabin, Henry Hall and Waldini, as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from Blackpool. Sellers became a member of the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war. Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of George Formby, with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.

In September 1943, he joined the Royal Air Force, although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted; his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds. Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties. He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader Ralph Reader's RAF Gang Show entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India. His tour also included Ceylon and Burma, although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length. He also served in Germany and France after the war. According to David Lodge, who became friends with Sellers, he was "one of the best performers ever" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.

1946–1955: Early post-war work and The Goon Show

In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris. He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the Air Ministry, and demobilised later that year. On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work. He was dismissed after one performance of a comedy routine in Peterborough; the headline act, Welsh vocalist Dorothy Squires, however, persuaded the management to reinstate him. Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at The Hippodrome in Aldershot as "Britain's answer to Gene Krupa". In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the Windmill Theatre in London, which predominantly staged revue acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.

Sellers wrote to the BBC in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in New To You. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week. Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be Kenneth Horne, star of the radio show Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ShowTime and subsequently to work on Ray's a Laugh with comedian Ted Ray. In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in Starlight Hour, The Gang Show, Henry Hall's Guest Night and It's Fine To Be Young.

By the end of 1948, the BBC Third Programme began to broadcast the comedy series Third Division, which starred, among others, Harry Secombe, Michael Bentine and Sellers. One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the Hackney Empire, where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan. The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by Jimmy Grafton, who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him KOGVOS (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity) Grafton later edited some of the first Goon Shows.

Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Harry Secombe pose around a BBC microphone
Sellers (top) with fellow cast members Spike Milligan (left) and Harry Secombe (right) in a publicity shot for the BBC's The Goon Show

In 1949, Sellers started to date Anne Howe, an Australian actress who lived in London. He proposed to her in April 1950 and the couple were married in London on 15 September 1951; their son, Michael, was born on 2 April 1954, and their daughter, Sarah, followed in 1958. Sellers' introduction to film work came in 1950, where he dubbed the voice of Alfonso Bedoya in The Black Rose. He continued to work with Bentine, Milligan, and Secombe. On 3 February 1951, they made a trial tape entitled The Goons, and sent it to the BBC producer Pat Dixon, who eventually accepted it. The first Goon Show was broadcast on 28 May 1951. Against their wishes, they appeared under the name Crazy People.

Sellers appeared until the last programme of the ten-series run, broadcast on 28 January 1960. Sellers played four main characters—Major Bloodnok, Hercules Grytpype-Thynne, Bluebottle and Henry Crun—and seventeen minor ones. Starting with 370,000 listeners, the show eventually reached up to seven million people in Britain, and was described by one newspaper as "probably the most influential comedy show of all time". For Sellers, the BBC considers it had the effect of launching his career "on the road to stardom".

In 1951 the Goons made their feature film debut in Penny Points to Paradise. Sellers and Milligan then penned the script to Let's Go Crazy, the earliest film to showcase Sellers' ability to portray a series of different characters within the same film, and he made another appearance opposite his Goons co-stars in the 1952 flop, Down Among the Z Men. In 1954, Sellers was cast opposite Sid James, Tony Hancock, Raymond Huntley, Donald Pleasence and Eric Sykes in the British Lion Film Corporation comedy production, Orders Are Orders. John Grierson believes that this was Sellers' breakthrough role on screen and credits this film with launching the film careers of both Sellers and Hancock.

1956–1959: I'm All Right Jack and early films

"The first real film I made was The Ladykillers. I used to watch Alec Guinness, who is an absolute idol of mine, do everything, his rehearsals, his scenes, everything. He is my ideal... and my idol."

—Sellers on studying Sir Alec Guinness during filming The Ladykillers.

Sellers pursued a film career and took a number of small roles such as a police officer in John and Julie (1955). He accepted a larger part in the 1955 Alexander Mackendrick-directed Ealing comedy The Ladykillers in which he starred opposite his idol Alec Guinness, in addition to Herbert Lom and Cecil Parker. Sellers portrayed Harry Robinson, the Teddy Boy; biographer Peter Evans considers this Sellers' first good role. The Ladykillers was a success in both the UK and the US, and the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The following year Sellers appeared in a further three television series based on The Goons: The Idiot Weekly, Price 2d; A Show Called Fred; and Son of Fred. The shows aired on Britain's new ITV channel.

In 1957 film producer Michael Relph, impressed with Sellers' portrayal of an elderly character in Idiot Weekly, cast the 32-year-old actor as a 68-year-old projectionist in Basil Dearden's The Smallest Show on Earth, supporting Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna and Margaret Rutherford. The film was a commercial success and is now thought of as a minor classic of post-war British screen comedy. Following this, Sellers provided the growling voice of Winston Churchill to the BAFTA award-winning film The Man Who Never Was. Later in 1957 Sellers portrayed a television star with a talent for disguises in Mario Zampi's offbeat black comedy The Naked Truth, opposite Terry-Thomas, Peggy Mount, Shirley Eaton and Dennis Price.

Terry-Thomas starred with Sellers in four films between 1957 and 1959. Their last film together, I'm All Right Jack – the highest-grossing film at the British box office in 1960 – saw Sellers receive the BAFTA Award for Best British Actor.

Sellers' difficulties in getting his film career to take off and increasing problems in his personal life prompted him to seek periodic consultations with astrologer Maurice Woodruff, who held considerable sway over his later career. After a chance meeting with a North American Indian spirit guide in the 1950s Sellers became convinced that the music hall comedian Dan Leno, who had died in 1904, haunted him and guided his career and life-decisions. Sellers was a member of the Grand Order of Water Rats, the exclusive theatrical fraternity founded by Leno in 1890. In 1958 Sellers starred with David Tomlinson, Wilfrid Hyde-White, David Lodge and Lionel Jeffries as a chief petty officer in Val Guest's Up the Creek.

Guest later claimed that he had written and directed the film as a vehicle for Sellers and thus had started Sellers' film career. To practise his voice, Sellers purchased a reel-to-reel tape recorder. The film received critical acclaim in the United States and Roger Lewis viewed it as an important practice ground for Sellers. Next, Sellers featured with Terry-Thomas as one of a pair of comic villains in George Pal's Tom Thumb (1958), a musical fantasy film, opposite Russ Tamblyn, Jessie Matthews and Peter Butterworth. Terry-Thomas later said that "my part was perfect, but Peter's was bloody awful. He wasn't difficult about it, but he knew it". The performance was a landmark in Sellers' career and became his first contact with the Hollywood film industry.

Sellers released his first studio album in 1958 called The Best of Sellers; a collection of comic songs and sketches, among them Balham - Gateway to the South, where Sellers plays a variety of comic characters. Produced by George Martin and released on Parlophone, the album reached number three in the UK Albums Chart; The same year, Sellers made his first film with John and Roy Boulting in Carlton-Browne of the F.O., a comedy in which he played a supporting role for the film's lead, Terry-Thomas. Before the release of that film, the Boultings, along with Sellers and Thomas in the cast, started filming I'm All Right Jack, which became the highest-grossing film at the British box office in 1960. In preparation for his role as Fred Kite, Sellers watched footage of union officials. The role earned him a BAFTA, and the critic for The Manchester Guardian believed it was Sellers' best screen performance to date. In between Carlton-Browne of the F.O. and I'm All Right Jack, Sellers starred in The Mouse That Roared, a film in which Jean Seberg also appeared, and was directed by Jack Arnold. He played three distinct leading roles: the elderly Grand Duchess, the ambitious Prime Minister and the innocent and clumsy farm boy selected to lead an invasion of the United States. The film received high praise from critics.

After completing I'm All Right Jack, Sellers returned to record a new series of The Goon Show. Over the course of two weekends, he took his 16mm cine-camera to Totteridge Lane in London and filmed himself, Spike Milligan, Mario Fabrizi, Leo McKern and Richard Lester. Originally intended as a private film, the eleven-minute short film The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film was screened at the 1959 Edinburgh and San Francisco film festivals. It won the award for best fiction short in the latter festival, and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Short Subject (Live Action). In 1959 Sellers released his second album, Songs for Swingin' Sellers, which—like his first record—reached number three in the UK Albums Chart. Sellers' last film of the fifties was The Battle of the Sexes, a comedy directed by Charles Crichton.

1960–1963: The Millionairess, Lolita, The Pink Panther and divorce

In 1960, Sellers portrayed an Indian doctor, Dr Ahmed el Kabir, in Anthony Asquith's romantic comedy The Millionairess, a film based on a George Bernard Shaw play of the same name. Sellers was not interested in the role until he learned that Sophia Loren would be his co-star. When asked about Loren, he explained to reporters, "I don't normally act with romantic, glamorous women ... She's a lot different from Harry Secombe." Sellers and Loren developed a close relationship during filming, culminating in Sellers declaring his love for her in front of his wife. Sellers also woke his son at night to ask, "Do you think I should divorce your mummy?" There is uncertainty if the relationship was anything more than platonic: a number of people, including Spike Milligan, consider it an affair, while others, including Graham Stark, think it remained only a strong friendship. Sellers' wife at the time, Anne, afterwards commented, "I don't know to this day whether he had an affair with her. Nobody does."

Roger Lewis observed that Sellers immersed himself completely in the characters he enacted during productions, that "He'd play a role as an Indian doctor, and for the next six months, he'd be an Indian in his real life." The film inspired the George Martin-produced novelty hit single "Goodness Gracious Me", with Sellers and Loren, which reached number four in the UK Singles Chart in November 1960. A follow-up single by the duo, "Bangers and Mash", reached number 22 in the UK chart. The songs were included on an album released by the couple, Peter & Sophia, which reached number five in the UK Albums Chart. That year he also appeared in Never Let Go (1960) playing a straight villain part.

In 1961, Sellers made his directorial debut with Mr. Topaze, in which he also starred. The film was based on the Marcel Pagnol play Topaze. Sellers portrayed an ex-schoolmaster in a small French town who turns to a life of crime to obtain wealth. The film and Sellers' directorial abilities received unenthusiastic responses from the public and critics, and Sellers rarely referred to it again. The same year, he starred in the Sidney Gilliat-directed Only Two Can Play, a film based on the novel That Uncertain Feeling by Kingsley Amis. He was nominated for the Best British Actor award at the 16th British Academy Film Awards for his role as John Lewis, a frustrated Welsh librarian whose affections swing between the glamorous Liz (Mai Zetterling) and his long-suffering wife Jean (Virginia Maskell).

Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther

In 1962, Sellers played a retired British army general in John Guillermin's Waltz of the Toreadors, based on the play of the same name. The film was widely criticised for its slapstick cinematic adaption, and director Guillermin himself considered the film "amateurish". However, Sellers won the San Sebastián International Film Festival Award for Best Actor and a BAFTA award nomination for his performance, and it was well received by the critics. Stanley Kubrick asked Sellers to play the role of Clare Quilty in the 1962 film Lolita, opposite James Mason and Shelley Winters. Kubrick had seen Sellers in The Battle of the Sexes and listened to the album The Best of Sellers, and was impressed by the range of characters he could portray.

Sellers was apprehensive about accepting the role, doubting his ability to successfully portray the part of a flamboyant American television playwright who was, according to Sellers, "a fantastic nightmare, part homosexual, part drug addict, part sadist". Kubrick encouraged Sellers to improvise and stated that he often reached a "state of comic ecstasy". Kubrick had American jazz producer Norman Granz record portions of the script for Sellers to listen to, so he could study the voice and develop confidence, granting Sellers a free artistic licence. Sellers later claimed that his relationship with Kubrick became one of the most rewarding of his career. Writing in The Sunday Times, Dilys Powell commented that Sellers gave "a firework performance, funny, malicious, only once for a few seconds overreaching itself, and in the murder scene which is both prologue and epilogue achieving the macabre in comedy."

Towards the end of 1962, Sellers appeared in The Dock Brief, a legal satire directed by James Hill and co-starring Richard Attenborough.

Sellers' behaviour towards his family worsened in 1962; according to his son Michael, Sellers asked him and his sister Sarah "who we love more, our mother or him. Sarah, to keep the peace, said, 'I love you both equally'. I said, 'No, I love my mum.'" This prompted Sellers to throw both children out, saying that he never wanted to see them again. At the end of 1962, his marriage to Anne broke down. In 1963, Sellers starred as gang leader "Pearly Gates" in Cliff Owen's The Wrong Arm of the Law, followed by his portrayal of a vicar in Heavens Above!

"I'll play Clouseau with great dignity, because he thinks of himself as one of the world's best detectives. Even when he comes a cropper, he must pick himself up with that notion intact. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I think a forgivable vanity would humanize him and make him kind of touching. It's as if filmgoers are kept one fall ahead of him."

—Sellers on portraying Clouseau.

After his father's death in October 1962, Sellers decided to leave England and was approached by director Blake Edwards who offered him the role of Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther, after Peter Ustinov had backed out of the film. Edwards later recalled his feelings as "desperately unhappy and ready to kill, but as fate would have it, I got Mr. Sellers instead of Mr. Ustinov—thank God!" Sellers accepted a fee of £90,000 (£900,000 in 2023 pounds) for five weeks' work on location in Rome and Cortina. The film starred David Niven in the principal role, with two other actors—Capucine and Claudia Cardinale—having more prominent roles than Sellers. However, Sellers' performance is regarded as being on par with that of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, according to biographer Peter Evans. Although the Clouseau character was in the script, Sellers created the personality, devising the costume, accent, make-up, moustache and trench coat.

The Pink Panther was released in the UK in January 1964 and received a mixed reception from the critics, although Penelope Gilliatt, writing in The Observer, remarked that Sellers had a "flawless sense of mistiming" in a performance that was "one of the most delicate studies in accident-proneness since the silents". Despite the views of the critics, the film was one of the top ten grossing films of the year. The role earned Sellers a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 22nd Golden Globe Awards, and for a Best British Actor award at the 18th British Academy Film Awards.

1964–1969: Dr. Strangelove, health problems, second marriage and Casino Royale

Sellers in the 1966 film After the Fox

In 1963, Stanley Kubrick cast Sellers to appear in Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb alongside George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn and Slim Pickens. Sellers and Kubrick got along famously during the film's production and had the greatest of respect for each other, also sharing a love of photography. The director asked Sellers to play four roles: US President Merkin Muffley, Dr. Strangelove, US Air Force Major T. J. "King" Kong, and Group Captain Lionel Mandrake of the RAF. Sellers was initially hesitant about taking on these divergent characters, but Kubrick prevailed. According to some accounts, Sellers was also invited to play the part of General Buck Turgidson, but turned it down because it was too physically demanding. Kubrick later commented that the idea of having Sellers in so many of the film's key roles was that "everywhere you turn there is some version of Peter Sellers holding the fate of the world in his hands". Sellers was especially anxious about believably portraying Kong; he was unsure of his ability to speak in a Texan accent. Kubrick requested screenwriter Terry Southern to record in his natural accent a tape of Kong's lines. After practising with Southern's recording, Sellers got sufficient control of the accent, and started shooting the scenes in the aeroplane.

After the first day's shooting, Sellers sprained his ankle while leaving a restaurant and could no longer work in the cramped cockpit set. Kubrick then re-cast Slim Pickens as Kong. The three roles Sellers undertook were distinct, "variegated, complex and refined", and critic Alexander Walker considered that these roles "showed his genius at full stretch". Sellers played Muffley as a bland, placid intellectual in the mould of Adlai Stevenson; he played Mandrake as an unflappable Englishman; and Dr. Strangelove, a character influenced by pre-war German cinema, as a wheelchair-using fanatic. The critic for The Times wrote that the film includes, "three remarkable performances from Mr. Peter Sellers, masterly as the President, diverting as a revue-sketch ex-Nazi US Scientist ... and acceptable as an RAF officer," although the critic from The Guardian thought his portrayal of the RAF officer alone was, "worth the price of an admission ticket". For his performance in all three roles, Sellers was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor at the 37th Academy Awards, and the Best British Actor award at the 18th British Academy Film Awards.

Between November 1963 and February 1964, Sellers began filming A Shot in the Dark, an adaptation of a French play, L'Idiote by Marcel Achard. Sellers found the part and the director, Anatole Litvak, uninspiring; the producers brought in Blake Edwards to replace Litvak. Together with writer William Peter Blatty, they turned the script into a Clouseau comedy, also adding Herbert Lom as Commissioner Dreyfus and Burt Kwouk as Cato. During filming, Sellers' relationship with Edwards became strained; the two would often stop speaking to each other during filming, communicating only by the passing of notes. Sellers' personality was described by others as difficult and demanding, and he often clashed with fellow actors and directors. Upon its release in late June 1964, Bosley Crowther noted the "joyously free and facile way" in which Sellers had developed his comedy technique.

"I feel extremely vulnerable, and I need help a lot. A lot. I suppose I feel mainly I need the help of a woman. I'm continually searching for this woman. They mother you, they're great in bed, they're like a sister, they're there when you want to see them, they're not there when you don't. I don't know where they are. Maybe they're around somewhere. I'll find one, one of these days."

—Sellers on his need for women.

Towards the end of filming, in early February 1964, Sellers met Britt Ekland, a Swedish actress who had arrived in London to film Guns at Batasi. On 19 February 1964, just ten days after their first meeting, the couple married. Sellers soon showed signs of insecurity and paranoia; he would become highly anxious and jealous, for example, when Ekland starred opposite attractive men. Shortly after the wedding, Sellers started filming on location in Twentynine Palms, California, for Billy Wilder's Kiss Me, Stupid, opposite Dean Martin and Kim Novak. The relationship between Wilder and Sellers became strained; both had different approaches to work and often clashed as a result. On the night of 5 April 1964, prior to having sex with Ekland, Sellers inhaled amyl nitrite (poppers) as a sexual stimulant in his search for "the ultimate orgasm", and suffered a series of eight heart attacks over the course of three hours as a result. His illness forced him to withdraw from the filming of Kiss Me, Stupid and he was replaced by Ray Walston. Wilder was unsympathetic about the heart attacks, saying that "you have to have a heart before you can have an attack".

After some time recovering, Sellers returned to filming in October 1964, playing King of the Individualists alongside Ekland in A Carol for Another Christmas, a feature-length United Nations special broadcast in the United States on the ABC channel on 28 December 1964. Sellers had been concerned that his heart attacks might have caused brain damage and that he would be unable to remember his lines, but he was reassured that his memory and abilities were unimpaired after the experience of filming. Sellers followed this with the role of the perverted Austrian psychoanalyst Doctor Fritz Fassbender in Clive Donner's What's New Pussycat?, appearing alongside Peter O'Toole, Romy Schneider, Capucine, Paula Prentiss and Ursula Andress. The film was the first screenwriting and acting credit for Woody Allen, and featured Sellers in a love triangle. Because of Sellers' poor health, producer Charles K. Feldman insured him at a cost of $360,000 ($3,500,000 in 2023 dollars).

Sellers and Ekland in 1964

On 20 January 1965, Sellers and Ekland announced the birth of a daughter, Victoria. They moved to Rome in May to film After the Fox, an Anglo-Italian production in which they were both to appear. The film was directed by Vittorio De Sica, whose English Sellers struggled to understand. Sellers attempted to have De Sica fired, causing tensions on the set. Sellers also became unhappy with his wife's performance, straining their relationship and triggering open arguments during one of which Sellers threw a chair at Ekland. Despite these conflicts, the script was praised for its wit.

Following the commercial success of What's New Pussycat?, Charles Feldman again brought together Sellers and Woody Allen for his next project, Casino Royale, which also starred Orson Welles; Sellers signed a $1 million contract for the film ($9,100,000 in 2023 dollars). Seven screenwriters worked on the project, and filming was chaotic. To make matters worse, according to Ekland, Sellers was "so insecure, he won't trust anyone". A poor working relationship quickly developed between Sellers and Welles: Sellers eventually demanded that the two should not share the same set. Sellers left the film before his part was complete. A further agent's part was then written for Terence Cooper, to cover Sellers' departure.

Shortly after leaving Casino Royale, Sellers was appointed a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in honour of his career achievements. The day before the investiture at Buckingham Palace, Sellers and Ekland argued, with Ekland scratching his face in the process; Sellers had a make-up artist cover the marks. During his next film, The Bobo, which again co-starred Ekland, the couple's marital problems worsened. Three weeks into production in Italy, Sellers told director Robert Parrish to fire his wife, saying "I'm not coming back after lunch if that bitch is on the set". Ekland later stated that the marriage was "an atrocious sham" at this stage. In the midst of filming The Bobo, Sellers' mother had a heart attack; Parrish asked Sellers if he wanted to visit her in hospital, but Sellers remained on set. She died within days, without Sellers having seen her. He was deeply affected by her death and remorseful at not having returned to London to see her. Ekland served him with divorce papers shortly afterwards. The divorce was finalised on 18 December 1968, and Sellers' friend Spike Milligan sent Ekland a congratulatory telegram. Upon its release in September 1967, The Bobo was poorly received.

Sellers' first film appearance of 1968 was a reunion with Blake Edwards for the fish-out-of-water comedy The Party, in which he starred alongside Claudine Longet and Denny Miller. He appears as Hrundi V. Bakshi, a bungling Indian actor who accidentally receives an invitation to a lavish Hollywood dinner party. His character, according to Sellers' biographer Peter Evans, was "clearly an amalgam of Clouseau and the doctor in The Millionairess". Roger Lewis notes that like a number of Sellers' characters, he is played in a sympathetic and dignified manner. He followed it later that year with Hy Averback's I Love You, Alice B. Toklas, playing an attorney who abandons his lifestyle to become a hippie. Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three stars, remarking that Sellers was "back doing what he does best", although he also said that in Sellers' previous films he had "been at his worst recently".

In 1969, Sellers starred opposite Ringo Starr in the Joseph McGrath-directed film The Magic Christian. Sellers portrayed Sir Guy Grand, an eccentric billionaire who plays elaborate practical jokes on people. The critic Irv Slifkin remarked that the film was a reflection of the cynicism of Peter Sellers, describing the film as a "proto-Pythonesque adaption of Terry Southern's semi-free-form short novel", and "one of the strangest films to be shown at a gala premiere for Britain's royal family". The film, a satire on human nature, was in general viewed negatively by critics. Roger Greenspun of The New York Times believed that the film was of variable quality and summarised it as a "brutal satire".

1970–1978: "Period of indifference": two marriages, three Pink Panther films

Sellers in 1971

After a cameo appearance in A Day at the Beach (1970), and a serious role later in 1970 as an ageing businessman who seduces Sinéad Cusack in Hoffman, Sellers starred in Roy Boulting's There's a Girl in My Soup opposite Goldie Hawn. According to The Times, the film was a major commercial success and became the seventh most popular film at the British box office in 1970. Andrew Spicer, writing for the British Film Institute's Screenonline, considers that although Sellers favoured playing romantic roles, he "was always more successful in parts that sent up his own vanities and pretensions, as with the TV presenter and narcissistic lothario" he played in There's a Girl in My Soup. The film was seen as a small revival of his career.

Sellers' next films, including Rodney Amateau's Where Does It Hurt? (1972) and Peter Medak's Ghost in the Noonday Sun (1974), were again poorly received, and his acting was viewed as frenetic rather than funny. Despite these setbacks, Sellers won the Best Actor award at the 1973 Tehran Film Festival for his tragi-comedic role as a street performer in Anthony Simmons's The Optimists of Nine Elms. Fellow comedian and friend Spike Milligan believed that the early 1970s were for Sellers "a period of indifference, and it would appear at one time that his career might have come to a conclusion". This was echoed by Sellers' biographer, Peter Evans, who notes that out of nine films in the period, three were never released and five had flopped, while only There's a Girl in My Soup had been a success. In his private life, he had been seeing the 23-year-old model Miranda Quarry. The couple married on 24 August 1970, despite Sellers' private doubts—expressed to his agent, Dennis Selinger—about his decision to remarry.

In April 1972, Sellers reunited with Milligan and Harry Secombe to record The Last Goon Show of All, which was broadcast on 5 October. In May 1973, with his third marriage failing, Sellers went to the theatre to watch Liza Minnelli perform. He became entranced with Minnelli and the couple became engaged three days later, despite Minnelli's current betrothal to Desi Arnaz Jr., and Sellers still being married. Their relationship lasted a month before breaking up. By 1974, Sellers' friends were concerned that he was having a nervous breakdown. Directors John and Roy Boulting considered that Sellers was "a deeply troubled man, distrustful, self-absorbed, ultimately self-destructive. He was the complete contradiction." Sellers was shy and insecure when out of character. When he was invited to appear on Michael Parkinson's eponymous chat show in 1974, he withdrew the day before, explaining to Parkinson that "I just can't walk on as myself". When he was told he could come on as someone else, he appeared dressed as a member of the Gestapo. After a few lines in keeping with his assumed character, he stepped out of the role and settled down and, according to Parkinson himself, "was brilliant, giving the audience an astonishing display of his virtuosity". In 1974, Sellers again claimed to have communicated with the long-dead music hall comic Dan Leno, who advised him to return to the role of Clouseau.

In 1974, Sellers portrayed a "sexually voracious" Queen Victoria in Joseph McGrath's comedic biographical film of the Scottish poet William McGonagall, The Great McGonagall, starring opposite Milligan and Julia Foster. However, the film was a critical failure, and Sellers' career and life reached an all-time low. As a result, by 1974 he agreed to accept salaries of £100,000 and 10 per cent of the gross to appear in TV productions and advertisements, well below the £1 million he had once commanded per film. In 1973, he appeared in a Benson & Hedges cinema commercial; in 1975, he appeared in a series of advertisements for Trans World Airlines, in which he played several eccentric characters, including Thrifty McTravel, Jeremy "Piggy" Peak Thyme and an Italian singer, Vito. Biographer Michael Starr asserts that Sellers showed enthusiasm towards these roles, although the airline campaign failed commercially.

A turning point in Sellers' flailing career came in 1974, when he teamed up with Blake Edwards to make The Return of the Pink Panther, starring alongside Christopher Plummer, Herbert Lom and Catherine Schell. The film was shot on a budget of £3 million and earned $33 million at the box office upon release in May 1975, reinvigorating Sellers' career as an A-list film star and restoring his millionaire status. The film earned Sellers a nomination for the Best Actor – Musical or Comedy award at the 33rd Golden Globe Awards. In 1976, he followed it with The Pink Panther Strikes Again. During the filming from February to June 1976, the already fraught relationship between Sellers and Blake Edwards had seriously deteriorated. Edwards says of the actor's mental state at the time of The Pink Panther Strikes Again, "If you went to an asylum and you described the first inmate you saw, that's what Peter had become. He was certifiable." With declining physical health, Sellers could at times be unbearable on set. His behaviour was regarded as unprofessional and childish, and he frequently threw tantrums, often threatening to abandon projects. His difficult behaviour during productions was widely reported and made it more difficult for Sellers to get employment in the industry at a time when he most needed the work. Despite Sellers' deep personal problems, The Pink Panther Strikes Again was well received critically. Vincent Canby of The New York Times said of Sellers in the film, "There is, too, something most winningly seedy about Mr. Sellers' Clouseau, a fellow who, when he attempts to tear off his clothes in the heat of passion, gets tangled up in his necktie, and who, when he masquerades—for reasons never gone into—as Quasimodo, overinflates his hump with helium." Sellers' performance earned him a further nomination at the 34th Golden Globe Awards.

In March 1976, Sellers began dating actress Lynne Frederick, whom he married on 18 February 1977. Biographer Roger Lewis documents that of all of Sellers' wives, Frederick was the most poorly treated; Julian Upton likened it to a boxing match between a heavyweight and a featherweight, a relationship that "oscillated from ardour to hatred, reconciliation and remorse." On 20 March 1977, Sellers suffered a second major heart attack during a flight from Paris to London; he was subsequently fitted with a pacemaker. Sellers returned from his illness to undertake Revenge of the Pink Panther; although it was a commercial success, the critics were tiring of Inspector Clouseau. Julian Upton expressed the view that the strain behind the scenes began to manifest itself in the sluggish pace of the film, describing it as a "laboured, stunt-heavy hotchpotch of half-baked ideas and rehashed gags". Sellers too had become tired of the role, saying after production, "I've honestly had enough of Clouseau—I've got nothing more to give". Steven Bach, the senior vice-president and head of worldwide productions for United Artists, who worked with Sellers on Revenge of the Pink Panther, considered that Sellers was "deeply unbalanced, if not committable: that was the source of his genius and his truly quite terrifying aspects as manipulator and hysteric." He refused to seek professional help for his mental issues. Sellers would claim that he had no personality and was almost unnoticeable, which meant that he "needed a strongly defined character to play." He would make similar references throughout his life: when he appeared on The Muppet Show in 1978, a guest appearance that earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actor in Variety or Music, he chose not to appear as himself, instead appearing in a variety of costumes and accents. When Kermit the Frog told Sellers he could relax and be himself, Sellers replied:

But that, you see, my dear Kermit, would be altogether impossible. I could never be myself ... You see, there is no me. I do not exist ... There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed.

— Peter Sellers, The Muppet Show, February 1978

1979–1980: Being There, Fu Manchu, and continued domestic problems

In 1979, Sellers starred alongside Lynne Frederick, Lionel Jeffries and Elke Sommer in Richard Quine's The Prisoner of Zenda. He portrayed three roles, including King Rudolf IV and King Rudolf V—rulers of the fictional small nation of Ruritania—and Syd Frewin, Rudolf V's half-brother. Upon its release in May 1979, the film was well received; Janet Maslin of The New York Times observed how Sellers divided "his energies between a serious character and a funny one, but that it was his serious performance which was more impressive". However, Philip French, for The Observer, was unimpressed by the film, describing it as "a mess of porridge" and stating that "Sellers reveals that he cannot draw the line between the sincere and the sentimental".

Later in 1979, Sellers starred opposite Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas and Jack Warden in the black comedy Being There as Chance, a simple-minded gardener addicted to watching TV who is regarded as a sage by the rich and powerful. In a BBC interview in 1971, Sellers had said that more than anything else, he wanted to play the role, and successfully persuaded the author of the book, Jerzy Kosinski, to allow him and director Hal Ashby to make the film, provided Kosinski could write the script. During filming, to remain in character, Sellers refused most interview requests and kept his distance from the other actors. Sellers considered Chance's walking and voice the character's most important attributes, and in preparing for the role worked alone with a tape recorder or with his wife, and then with Ashby, to perfect the clear enunciation and flat delivery needed to reveal "the childlike mind behind the words". Sellers described his experience of working on the film as "so humbling, so powerful", and co-star Shirley MacLaine found Sellers "a dream" to work with. Sellers' performance was universally lauded by critics and is considered by critic Danny Smith to be the "crowning triumph of Peter Sellers' remarkable career". Critic Frank Rich wrote that the acting skill required for this sort of role, with a "schismatic personality that Peter had to convey with strenuous vocal and gestural technique ... A lesser actor would have made the character's mental dysfunction flamboyant and drastic ... intelligence was always deeper, his onscreen confidence greater, his technique much more finely honed": in achieving this, Sellers "makes the film's fantastic premise credible". The film earned Sellers a Best Actor award at the 51st National Board of Review Awards; the London Critics Circle Film Awards Special Achievement Award, the Best Actor award at the 45th New York Film Critics Circle Awards; and the Best Actor – Musical or Comedy award at the 37th Golden Globe Awards. Additionally, Sellers was nominated for the Best Actor award at the 52nd Academy Awards and the Best Actor in a Leading Role award at the 34th British Academy Film Awards.

In March 1980, Sellers asked his 15-year-old daughter Victoria what she thought about Being There: she reported later that "I said yes, I thought it was great. But then I said, 'You looked like a little fat old man'. ... he went mad. He threw his drink over me and told me to get the next plane home." His other daughter Sarah told Sellers her thoughts about the incident and he sent her a telegram that read "After what happened this morning with Victoria, I shall be happy if I never hear from you again. I won't tell you what I think of you. It must be obvious. Goodbye, Your Father."

Sellers' last film was The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu, a comedic re-imagining of the eponymous adventure novels by Sax Rohmer; Sellers played both police inspector Nayland Smith and Fu Manchu, alongside Helen Mirren and David Tomlinson. The production of the film was troublesome before filming started, with two directors—Richard Quine and John Avildsen—fired before the script had been completed. Sellers also expressed dissatisfaction with his own portrayal of Manchu with his ill-health often causing delays. Arguments between Sellers and director Piers Haggard led to Haggard's firing at Sellers' instigation and Sellers took over direction, using his long-time friend David Lodge to direct some sequences. Tom Shales of The Washington Post described the film as "an indefensibly inept comedy", adding that "it is hard to name another good actor who ever made so many bad movies as Sellers, a comedian of great gifts but ferociously faulty judgment. "Manchu" will take its rightful place alongside such colossally ill-advised washouts as Tell Me Where It Hurts, The Bobo and The Prisoner of Zenda".

Sellers' final performances were a series of advertisements for Barclays Bank. Filmed in April 1980 in Ireland, he played Monty Casino, a Jewish con-man. Four advertisements were scheduled, but only three were filmed as Sellers collapsed in Dublin, again with heart problems. After two days in care—and against the advice of his doctors—he travelled to the Cannes Film Festival, where Being There was in competition. Sellers was again ill in Cannes, returning to his residence in Gstaad to work on the script for his next project, Romance of the Pink Panther. At the urging of his friends, he made an appointment to undergo an angiogram at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on 30 July 1980, to see if he was able to undergo open-heart surgery. Spike Milligan later considered that Sellers' heart condition had lasted for over 15 years and had "made life difficult for him and had a debilitating effect on his personality." Sellers' fourth marriage to Frederick collapsed soon after. Sellers had recently started to rebuild his relationship with his son Michael after the failure of the latter's marriage. In lighter moments, Sellers had joked that his epitaph should read "Star of stage, screen and alimony."

Death and subsequent family issues

Plaque commemorating Sellers at Golders Green Crematorium

On 21 July 1980, Sellers arrived in London from Geneva. He checked into the Dorchester hotel, before visiting Golders Green Crematorium for the first time to see the location of his parents' ashes. He had plans to attend a reunion dinner with his Goon Show partners Milligan and Secombe, scheduled for the evening of 22 July. On the day of the dinner, Sellers took lunch in his hotel suite and shortly afterwards collapsed from a heart attack. He was taken to the Middlesex Hospital, London, and died just after midnight on 24 July 1980, aged 54.

Following Sellers' death, fellow actor Richard Attenborough said that Sellers "had the genius comparable to Chaplin", while the Boulting brothers considered Sellers as "a man of enormous gifts; and these gifts he gave to the world. For them, he is assured of a place in the history of art as entertainment." Burt Kwouk, who appeared as Cato in the Pink Panther films, stated that "Peter was a well-loved actor in Britain ... the day he died, it seemed that the whole country came to a stop. Everywhere you went, the fact that Peter had died seemed like an umbrella over everything". Director Blake Edwards thought that "Peter was brilliant. He had an enormous facility for finding really unusual, unique facets of the character he was playing". Sellers' friend and Goon Show colleague Spike Milligan was too upset to speak to the press at the time of Sellers' death, while fellow Goon Harry Secombe said "I'm shattered. Peter was such a tremendous artist. He had so much talent, it just oozed out of him"; in dark humour, referring to the missed dinner the Goons had planned, he added, "Anything to avoid paying for dinner". Secombe later declared to journalists "Bluebottle is deaded now". Milligan later said that "it's hard to say this, but he died at the right time."

A private funeral service was held at Golders Green Crematorium on 26 July, conducted by Sellers' old friend, Canon John Hester. Sellers' final joke was the playing of "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller, a tune which all the Goons hated; he knew they would have to sit there in silence and listen to it. A memorial service was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields on 8 September 1980—what would have been Sellers' 55th birthday. Close friend Lord Snowdon read the twenty-third Psalm, Harry Secombe sang "Bread of Heaven" and the eulogy was read by David Niven.

Although Sellers was reportedly in the process of excluding Frederick from his will a week before he died, she inherited almost his entire estate worth an estimated £4.5 million (£24.4 million in 2023 pounds) while his children received £800 each (£4,000 in 2023 pounds). Spike Milligan appealed to her on behalf of Sellers' three children, but she refused to increase the amount. Sellers' only son, Michael, died of a heart attack at 52 during surgery on 24 July 2006, twenty-six years to the day after his father's death.

After his death, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer tried to continue with Romance of the Pink Panther and offered the role of Clouseau to Dudley Moore, who turned it down. The studio subsequently returned to Blake Edwards, who was adamant not to recast the character, feeling certain that no one could adequately replace Sellers. In 1982 Edwards released Trail of the Pink Panther, which was composed entirely of deleted scenes from his past three Panther films. Frederick sued, claiming the use of the clips was a breach of contract; the court awarded her $1 million ($3.2 million in 2023), plus 3.15 per cent of the film's profits and 1.36 per cent of its gross revenue.

Technique

"I start with the voice. I find out how the character sounds. It's through the way he speaks that I find out the rest about him. ... After the voice comes the looks of the man. I do a lot of drawings of the character I play. Then I get together with the makeup man and we sort of transfer my drawings onto my face. An involved process. After that I establish how the character walks. Very important, the walk. And then, suddenly, something strange happens. The person takes over. The man you play begins to exist."

—Sellers describing how he prepared for his wide range of roles in an October 1962 interview for Playboy.

Vincent Canby of The New York Times said of the Pink Panther films "I'm not sure why Mr. Sellers and Mr. Lom are such a hilarious team, though it may be because each is a fine comic actor with a special talent for portraying the sort of all-consuming, epic self-absorption that makes slapstick farce initially acceptable—instead of alarming—and finally so funny." The film critic Elvis Mitchell said that Sellers was one of the few comic geniuses who was able to truly hide behind his characters, giving the audience no sense of what he was really like in real life. A feature of the characterisations undertaken by Sellers is that, regardless of how clumsy or idiotic they are, he ensured that they always retain their dignity. On his playing of Clouseau, Sellers said: "I set out to play Clouseau with great dignity because I feel that he thinks he is probably one of the greatest detectives in the world. The original script makes him out to be a complete idiot. I thought a forgivable vanity would humanise him and make him kind of touching."

Sellers' biographer, Ed Sikov, notes that because of this retained dignity, Sellers is "the master of playing men who have no idea how ridiculous they are." Social historian Sam Wasson notes the complexity in Sellers' performances in the Pink Panther films, which has the effect of alienating Clouseau from his environment. Wesson considers that "As 'low' and 'high' comedy rolled into one, it's the performative counterpoint to Edwardian sophisticated naturalism". This combination of "high" and "low", exemplified by Clouseau's attempting to retain dignity after a fall, means that within the film Clouseau was "the sole representative of humanity". Film critic Dilys Powell also saw the inherent dignity in the parts and wrote that Sellers had a "balance between character and absurdity". Richard Attenborough also thought that because of his sympathy, Sellers could "inject into his characterisations the frailty and substance of a human being".

“Peter was a marvelous improvisational actor, brilliant if you got him on the first take. The second take would be good, but after the third take he could be really awful. If he had to repeat the same words too many times they became meaningless. But it was such a joy to work with Peter because he was such an inspired actor. Sometimes he would literally knock me off my feet. I’d fall down convulsed with laughter.” —Filmmaker Jack Arnold, on directing Sellers in The Mouse That Roared.

Author Aaron Sultanik observed that in Sellers' early films, such as I'm All Right Jack, he displays "deft, technical interpretations pinpoint the mechanical nature of his comic characterization", which "reduces each of his characters to a series of gross, awkward tics". Academic Cynthia Baron observed that Sellers' external characterisations led to doubt with reviewers as to whether Sellers' work was "true" acting. Critic Tom Milne saw a change over Sellers' career and thought that his "comic genius as a character actor was ... stifled by his elevation to leading man" and his later films suffered as a result. Sultanik agreed, commenting that Sellers' "exceptional vocal and physical technique" was under-used during his career in the US.

Academics Maria Pramaggiore and Tom Wallis remarked that Sellers fits the mould of a technical actor because he displays a mastery of physical characterisation, such as accent or physical trait. Writer and playwright John Mortimer saw the process for himself when Sellers was about to undertake filming on Mortimer's The Dock Brief and could not decide how to play the character of the barrister. By chance he ordered cockles for lunch and the smell brought back a memory of the seaside town of Morecambe: this gave him "the idea of a faded North Country accent and the suggestion of a scrappy moustache". So important was the voice as the starting point for character development, that Sellers would walk around London with a reel-to-reel tape recorder, recording voices to study at home.

Legacy

Sellers' hands and footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre

New York magazine stated that all of the films starring Sellers as Clouseau showcased his "comedic brilliance". Sellers' friend and Goon Show colleague Spike Milligan said that Sellers "had one of the most glittering comic talents of his age", while English filmmakers John and Roy Boulting noted that he was "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since Charles Chaplin". Irv Slifkin said that the most prominent albeit ever-changing face in comedies of the 1960s was Sellers who "changed like a chameleon throughout the era, dazzling audiences". In a 2005 poll to find "The Comedian's Comedian", Sellers was voted 14 in the list of the top 20 greatest comedians by fellow comics and comedy insiders.

Sellers and The Goon Show were a strong influence on the Monty Python performers, with John Cleese calling him "the greatest voice man of all time", adding, "If he could listen to you for five minutes, he could do a perfect impersonation of you." The Goons were imported to the United States by the NBC program Monitor, which played recorded Goon show episodes starting in 1955. The American comedy troupe the Firesign Theatre also cited the Goons as a big influence on their radio comedy style.

Sellers and the Goons were also an influence on Peter Cook, who described Sellers as "the best comic actor in the world". British actor Stephen Mangan stated that Sellers was a large influence, as did the comedians Mike Myers, Alan Carr and Rob Brydon. Sellers' characters Hrundi Bakshi (The Party) and Inspector Clouseau (The Pink Panther) later influenced comedian Rowan Atkinson's characters Mr. Bean and Johnny English. The comic performer Sacha Baron Cohen referred to Sellers as "the most seminal force in shaping early ideas on comedy". Cohen was considered for the role of Sellers in the biographical film The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. Will Ferrell considers Sellers to be an important influence on him, citing his "unique combination of being extremely subtle and over-the-top all at the same time." The three members of Spinal TapMichael McKean, Christopher Guest and Harry Shearer—have also cited Sellers as being an influence on them, as has the US talk-show host Conan O'Brien. David Schwimmer is another whose approach was influenced by Sellers: "he could do anything, from Dr Strangelove to Inspector Clouseau. He was just amazing."

As a child, Eddie Murphy developed his dual acting skills in imitation of Sellers, whom he called his acting hero, with Chris Rock hailing Murphy's performances (such as the multiple roles in The Nutty Professor) as "Peter Sellers-esque". During an interview in 2002, Robin Williams told Michael Parkinson that Sellers was an important influence, especially his multi-character roles in Dr. Strangelove, stating, "It doesn't get better than that." Williams was considered to play Sellers in the HBO biopic but turned it down over scheduling conflicts, though Williams considered it an honour to be able to portray him. Eddie Izzard notes that the Goons "influenced a new generation of comedians who came to be known as 'alternative'"—including herself, while the media historian Graham McCann states "the anarchic spirit of the Goon Show ... would inspire, directly or indirectly and to varying extents, ... The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Young Ones, Vic Reeves Big Night Out, The League of Gentlemen Brass Eye."

The stage play Being Sellers premiered in Australia in 1998, three years after the release of the biography by Roger Lewis, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. In 2004, the book was turned into an HBO film with the same title, starring Geoffrey Rush. The play later transferred to New York in December 2010. The Belfast Telegraph notes how the film captured Sellers' "life of drugs, drink, fast cars and lots and lots of beautiful women".

Filmography and other works

Main article: Peter Sellers on stage, radio, screen and record

Selected works, based on award nominations

Film Year Role Award
The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film 1959 Nominated – Academy Award for Short Subject (Live Action)
I'm All Right Jack Fred Kite Won – British Academy Film Award for Best British Actor
Waltz of the Toreadors 1962 General Leo Fitzjohn Won – San Sebastián International Film Festival for Best Actor
Lolita Clare Quilty Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor
Only Two Can Play John Lewis Nominated – British Academy Film Award for Best British Actor
The Pink Panther 1963 Inspector Jacques Clouseau Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy
Nominated – British Academy Film Award for Best British Actor
A Shot in the Dark 1964 Nominated – British Academy Film Award for Best British Costume (Color)
Dr. Strangelove Group Captain Lionel Mandrake/
President Merkin Muffley/
Dr. Strangelove
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actor
Nominated – British Academy Film Award for Best British Actor
The Optimists of Nine Elms 1973 Sam Won – Tehran Film Festival Award for Best Actor
The Return of the Pink Panther 1975 Inspector Jacques Clouseau Won – The Evening News British Film Award for Best Actor
Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy
The Pink Panther Strikes Again 1976 Nominated – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy
Being There 1979 Chance Won – National Board of Review Award for Best Actor
Won – New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Won – Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy
Won – London Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor
Nominated – British Academy Film Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
Nominated – Academy Award for Best Actor

Notes and references

Notes

  1. The film critic Kenneth Tynan noted that Sellers' ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of anti-Semitism." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.
  2. The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity" and "King of the Goons Voices Society".
  3. Her maiden name was Anne Howe, while her professional name was Anne Hayes.
  4. The decree nisi was granted in March 1963 and Anne married Elias 'Ted' Levy in October the same year.
  5. The character may have been called Imperial Me, according to The New York Times.
  6. Various theories have been given about the animosity between the two actors, including Sellers trying to get Welles to laugh and Welles not responding; Sellers hearing a young woman comment that Welles was sexy; Sellers' comments about Welles's weight being objected to; and Sellers' jealousy at Welles's friendship with Princess Margaret, who was also a friend of Sellers. Sellers' biographer Peter Evans declared that, "the real reason for this ... hostility is still uncertain", while another biographer, Ed Sikov commented that others were as much to blame for problems with the film.
  7. The marriage to Quarry was formally dissolved in September 1974.
  8. According to biographer Peter Evans, Sellers received criticism for his portrayal of characters interpreted to be Jewish right from The Goon Show days and the show received complaints accusing them of anti-Semitism. The Monty Casino character was similarly criticised, and Barclays made the decision to immediately cancel the commercial, although, according to them, as a mark of respect upon his death.
  9. Frederick subsequently married David Frost; she divorced him and married a cardiologist, Dr Barry Unger. She died in 1994 after struggling with drug and alcohol dependency.
  10. Baron goes on to note that much of the "true acting" question was due to the "polemical publicity" of Lee Strasberg that British characterisation led to artificial performances in contrast to method acting.
  11. Sellers appeared in the film but was nominated in his capacity as the producer. It was Sellers' only producing credit.

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Sources

External links

The Goons
Radio / TV series
Characters
Films
Related
Awards for Peter Sellers
BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role
1952–1967
British
Foreign
1968–present
Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
1950–1976
1976–2000
2001–present
Evening Standard British Film Award for Best Actor
National Board of Review Award for Best Actor
1945–1975
1976–2000
2001–present
Silver Shell for Best Actor
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