Traces the life and career of the British actor, discusses his major roles, and depicts his complex and often difficult personality

Peter Sellers left behind a rich legacy of film work, some of which is only belatedly recognized for its genius. Especially notable were his numerous crazy accents. Though most widely known as the slapstick Inspector Clouseau of the "Pink Panther" series (from 1964 on), he is recalled by many for such earlier efforts as his triple role in The Mouse That Roared (1959) and his masterly breakthrough to the mainstream American market in I'm All Right, Jack (1959). This book analyzes each Sellers film from 1951, not least his Oscar-nominated triple-role stint in Dr. Strangelove. He also turned in a brilliant performance as the slyly sinister Clare Quilty in Lolita. Interesting anecdotes, behind-the-scenes information, a detailed plot summary, contemporary criticism and the author's own analysis are given for each film. Complete filmographies and index.

Peter Sellers was a man of many passions and crazes with a character as complex and diverse as the legendary screen characters he created. In this warm and intimate memoir actor Graham Stark Sellers' close friend and confidant for 35 years chronicles the real story of the man and the actor, and reveals the exraordinary times they shared together throuought their long and personal relationship.

Details his extraordinary career from his first stage appearance as a baby, his early days in show business and the classic radio era, to the heights of Hollywood stardom. This biography includes stories and anecdotes from those who knew him as well as interviews with the man himself.

Throughout the world, people regard Peter Sellers purely as a comedic genius: surely, one of the greatest ever to have lived. But, the astute observer will notice that he always appeared to be acting, even when being interviewed. So, who was Peter Sellers?Sellers once said, "I could never be myself you see. There is no 'Me'. I do not exist. There used to be me, but I had it surgically removed." Clearly, this was not intended to be taken literally. Instead, the inference is that somehow, he had lost his sense of identity.To discover the real Peter Sellers is no easy task, and when we do, what we encounter is a totally different persona from the comedic characters that he portrayed on the screen.Sellers had celebrity status: a succession of beautiful wives; immense wealth; magnificent motor cars; expensive yachts; a house in Mayfair, and various palatial residences. But far from being happy, he was plagued by self-doubt; ambitious, but never satisfied. And so, he resorted to superstition, clairvoyance, and drugs to get himself through the day.For all Sellers' worldwide fame as 'Inspector Clouseau', many regard the film Being There, in which he played the character 'Chance', a gardener, as his masterpiece. In fact, the film was a damning indictment of the false god of materialism.Sellers' obsession with the character of 'Chance', makes it seem likely that this was the kind of person he aspired to be, and wished that he had been.