Peter Sellers was a renowned comedian, actor, and impressionist, often credited as the greatest comedian of all time. Born Richard Henry Sellers in 1925 in Southsea, a suburb of Portsmouth, he was the son of Agnes Doreen "Peg" and William "Bill" Sellers, who worked in an acting company run by his grandmother. His parents' first child had died at birth, making Sellers the center of attention in his early years.
Sellers served in the Royal Air Force during World War II, where he met Spike Milligan, Harry Secombe, and Michael Bentine, who would later become his workmates. After the war, he set up a review in London, combining music and impressions.
Sellers' breakthrough came with his work on the BBC radio program "The Goon Show" (1951-1960),where he voiced numerous characters. He then transitioned to films, making his debut in "Penny Points to Paradise" (1951) and "Down Among the Z Men" (1952). His notable roles in the 1950s included "The Ladykillers" (1955) and "I'm All Right Jack" (1959).
In the 1960s, Sellers' career flourished, with starring roles in films like "Lolita" (1962),"Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" (1964),and "The Pink Panther" (1963). He received an Oscar nomination for "Dr. Strangelove" and played the iconic role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the "Pink Panther" series.
However, Sellers' personal struggles and health issues began to affect his work. He suffered a nearly fatal heart attack in 1964, which led to a series of less successful films and a decline in his career. Despite this, he continued to work, appearing in films like "What's New Pussycat" (1965) and "Casino Royale" (1967).
In the 1970s, Sellers' career experienced a resurgence with the success of "The Return of the Pink Panther" (1975) and its sequels. He also starred in the critically acclaimed film "Being There" (1979),earning his second Oscar nomination.
Throughout his life, Sellers struggled with depression, mental insecurities, and addiction. He refused to take traditional heart medication and instead consulted with "psychic healers," which led to further health complications.
On July 22, 1980, Sellers collapsed from a massive heart attack in his hotel room and fell into a coma. He died in a London hospital on July 24, 1980, at the age of 54. His final film, "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu" (1980),was released just months after his death.
