Blake Edwards
American filmmaker (1922–2010)
Who was Blake Edwards?
Blake Edwards (born William Blake Crump; July 26, 1922 – December 15, 2010) was an American filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Edwards began his career in the 1940s as an actor, but he soon began writing screenplays and radio scripts before turning to producing and directing in television and films. Born William Blake Crump July 26, 1922, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of Donald and Lillian (née Grommett) Crump (1897–1992). Often thought of as primarily a director of comedies, he also directed several drama, musical, and detective films. Late in his career, he took up writing, producing and directing for theater. His best-known films include Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Days of Wine and Roses (1962), A Shot in the Dark (1964), The Great Race (1965), 10 (1979), Victor/Victoria (1982), Blind Date (1987), and the hugely successful Pink Panther film series with British actor Peter Sellers.
In an interview with André Previn, Blake Edwards claimed to be a descendant of William Blake.
Historical significance
He received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of his writing, directing and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen.