Pink Panther Actor Herbert Lom Dies

Herbert Lom, the Czech-born actor who starred as Inspector Clouseau's boss in the Pink Panther movies, died today at age 95. The London-based star appeared in more than 100 films, including Spartacus, El Cid and The Ladykillers, and acted alongside film greats including Charlton Heston and Kirk Douglas.

His first major film role was as Napoleon in 1942's The Young Mr. Pitt, but Lom was perhaps most famous for playing the part of Charles Dreyfus, boss to Peter Sellers' befuddled Inspector Clouseau in the popular Pink Panther movies. Lom's son, Alec, said the actor—who "never wanted to be pigeonholed in a particular role"—died peacefully in his sleep today. (More Herbert Lom stories.)