Blake Edwards biography and career timeline
Blake Edwards was an American film director, producer, screenwriter and actor. 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. His best-known films include “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), “Days of Wine and Roses” (1962), “The […]
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Blake Edwards was an American film director, producer, screenwriter and actor.
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. His best-known films include “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961), “Days of Wine and Roses” (1962), “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. 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.
Edwards wrote over 70 films, television shows, radio programs, and directed more than 50 of them. He received numerous awards including the Directors Guild of America Preston Sturges Award, the Writers Guild of America Screen Laurel Award and the 2004 Honorary Academy Award.
Edwards was married to screen legend, Julie Andrews, for 41 years. Here is a timeline of his major life and career milestones:
EARLY LIFE
William Blake Crump is born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1925, his stepfather, Jack McEdward, moves the family to Los Angeles, California, where he introduces Edwards to the film industry.
After writing for the radio show "Hollywood Star Theatre" in 1948, Edwards creates "Richard Diamond, Private Detective," a drama starring Dick Powell that he writes, directs and produces. The show aired on the radio from 1949 to 1953 and on television from 1957 to 1960.
"Panhandle," a Western film directed by Lesley Selander and starring Rod Cameron, is released in 1948, marking Edwards' film writing and producing debut.
Edwards marries actress Patricia Walker. They have two children, Jennifer Edwards and Geoffrey Edwards. The pair divorce in 1967.
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
Edwards releases his directorial debut, the comedy "Bring Your Smile Along" starring Constance Towers, in 1955.
"Operation Petticoat," a World War II comedy film starring Cary Grant and Tony Curtis and directed by Edwards, is released to huge financial and critical success.
Edwards directs "Breakfast at Tiffany's" starring Audrey Hepburn and scored by conductor Henry Mancini. Mancini later wins two Academy Awards for his work on the film, including Best Song for "Moon River."
Edwards' film "Days of Wine and Roses" starring Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick is released. The film is nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one for Best Song.
Edwards directs the first installment of "The Pink Panther," starring Peter Sellers as inspector Jacques Clouseau. The film was a huge success, spanning nine total installments over the course of 30 years. Edwards writes and directs all but one of the films in the series.
Edwards works with Sellers again for the comedy film, "The Party," their only collaboration outside of "The Pink Panther." The film, though successful, was criticized for using "brownface" on Sellers.
MARRYING JULIE ANDREWS
Edwards marries actress Julie Andrews. They stay married for 41 years until Edwards' death.
Edwards and Julie Andrews release their first film together, "Darling Lili," which was a notorious box office failure.
Edwards writes and directs "10," the film which made Bo Derek an overnight star.
Edwards' next film, "S.O.B.," satirized the negative experience he had while making "Darling Lili."
Edwards directs "Victor/Victoria," a musical comedy starring Andrews as a performer posing as a male female impersonator.
FINAL FILM
Edwards directs his final film and the last film in "The Pink Panther" series, "Son of the Pink Panther." Edwards retires from filmmaking two years later in 1995.
FORAY INTO THEATRE
Edwards adapts "Victor/Victoria" for the stage, with Andrews reprising her leading role. Andrews famously rejected her Tony nomination for the show, in protest of the show's lack of other nominations.
Blake Edwards dies of complications from pneumonia at 88 years old.
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