Peter Sellers

Date of Birth: September 8, 1925

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: July 24, 1980

Biography

Peter Sellers, born Richard Henry Sellers, was a renowned British actor and comedian, best known for his versatile performances in film, television, and radio. Sellers was born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry; his parents were vaudeville performers. He rose to fame in the 1950s as a member of the radio comedy program “The Goon Show,” where his talent for creating unique and memorable characters became evident. Sellers’ film career took off with his roles in “The Ladykillers” (1955) and Stanley Kubrick’s “Lolita” (1962). However, he is perhaps most celebrated for his portrayal of Inspector Clouseau in the “Pink Panther” series, which showcased his impeccable comedic timing and physical comedy skills. His role in “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” (1964) demonstrated his ability to play multiple characters within a single film, earning him critical acclaim and cementing his place as a versatile actor. Throughout his career, Sellers was known for his ability to completely immerse himself in his characters, often to the extent that he claimed to lose touch with his own personality. Despite his professional success, Sellers’ personal life was tumultuous, marked by multiple marriages and health issues. He passed away on July 24, 1980, after suffering a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances that continue to inspire actors and comedians.

5 Interesting Facts about Peter Sellers

1. Peter Sellers was knighted posthumously in 1998 for his contribution to the world of entertainment.

2. He was a skilled drummer, and at one point considered a career in music before turning to acting.

3. Sellers suffered from heart problems for most of his life and had several heart attacks before his death.

4. He was a notorious perfectionist, often demanding multiple takes to get a scene exactly right.

5. Sellers once described his acting process as “inhabiting” his characters so completely that he often felt like he lost his own identity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Peter Sellers

1. “There is no me. I do not exist. There used to be a me, but I had it surgically removed.”

2. “I’m a classic example of all humorists—only funny when I’m working.”

3. “If you ask me to play myself, I will not know what to do. I do not know who or what I am.”

4. “Ecstasy is what I felt when I did a good job.”

5. “I feel ghostly unreal until I become somebody else again on the screen.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Peter Sellers’ net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Peter Sellers had three children: 1. Michael Sellers, from his first marriage to Anne Howe. 2. Sarah Sellers, also from his first marriage to Anne Howe. 3. Victoria Sellers, from his second marriage to Swedish actress Britt Ekland.