Writer-Director Blake Edwards Dies at 88

Writer-director Blake Edwards has passed away at the age of 88.

Edwards died last night in Santa Monica with his family at his side, including his wife, Julie Andrews.

The multitalented Edwards started out as an actor in movies like IN THE MEANTIME, DARLING (1944) and TILL THE END OF TIME (1946). He then moved on to writing, directing, and producing.

Edwards directed one of my favorite Cary Grant movies, the very funny submarine comedy OPERATION PETTICOAT (1959). I've seen it countless times. If this was all Edwards did in his career, it would have been enough for me to remember him fondly.

Edwards also directed BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961), EXPERIMENT IN TERROR (1962), and DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES (1963). He both wrote and directed THE PINK PANTHER (1963), THE GREAT RACE (1965), DARLING LILI (1970), and VICTOR/VICTORIA (1982). The latter two films starred Edwards' wife, Julie Andrews.

Edwards also created the classic TV series PETER GUNN (1958).

Edwards' wife, Julie Andrews, has always been one of my very favorite people in the entertainment business. My sincere condolences to her and their family on their loss.

Update: The Los Angeles Times has now posted a full obituary.

Friday Update: Turner Classic Movies has announced it will pay tribute to Edwards on Monday, December 27th.