Director Blake Edwards dies aged 88

Blake Edwards, director, writer, and producer of iconic Hollywood films such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', '10', and 'The Pink Panther', has died at the age of 88.


According to the BBC Edwards' wife of 41 years, actress Julie Andrews, 75 and other members of his family were at his side when he passed away.

Edwards was hospitalized for two weeks at St. John's Medical Center in Santa Monica before dying last night from complications with pneumonia.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair for two years (due to problems with his knees), the Oklahoma born director was working on two Broadway musicals, including prohibition era stage production 'Big Rosemary' and a 'Pink Panther' musical at the time of his death.

Gene Schwan, Edwards publicist said: "His heart was as big as his talent. He was an Academy Award winner in all respects."

In addition to his work on the big screen, such as 1959's 'Operation Petticoat' (starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis), he wrote for several TV shows ('Four Star Playhouse', 'Chevron Hall of Stars')and was also the creator of TV series' 'Peter Gunn', and 'Mr. Lucky'.

In 2004, he was given an Honorary Academy Award for his extraordinary body of work spanning 58 years.