Comedy Director Blake Edwards Dies at 88
by Adam Eatros
Blake Edwards, best known for comedies like "Victor/Victoria" and the "Pink Panther", passed away Wednesday night in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 88.
Blake, according to his publicist Gene Schwam, lost the battle caused by complications from pneumonia at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. John's Health Center.
Mr. Edwards’s wife, Julie Andrews, and other family members were at his side when he passed.
Edwards was born in Tulsa, Okla. and his family moved to L.A. shortly after his birth. He graduated from Beverly Hills High and served in the Coast Guard during World War II.
Most recently, Edwards was working on two Broadway musicals, one based on the "Pink Panther" movies. The second, "Big Rosemary," was to be an original comedy set during Prohibition, Schwam said.
"His heart was as big as his talent. He was an Academy Award winner in all respects," said Schwam, who knew him for 40 years.His survivors include son Geoffrey, and a daughter, Jennifer, from his first marriage.
Survivors also include two Vietnamese daughters, Amy and Joanna, whom he and Ms. Andrews adopted; and a stepdaughter, Emma.
RIP Blake.