Filmmaker Blake Edwards Dies

Memorial services were pending today for veteran director Blake Edwards, who helmed films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “10” and the “Pink Panther” series.

Edwards, 88, died around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, according to publicist Gene Schwam. He had been hospitalized for almost two weeks, and his wife of 41 years, actress Julie Andrews, was at his side, along with other relatives.

The veteran director received an honorary Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2004.

Edwards’ resume also includes “Victor/Victoria,” the 1982 movie musical starring Andrews, and “The Days of Wine and Roses,” the 1962 drama with Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick as a young couple battling alcoholism.

But the 81-year-old Edwards, whose filmography also includes “S.O.B.,” “Operation Mad Ball” and “The Party,” received only one Oscar nomination in his lengthy career — for the screenplay adaptation for “Victor/Victoria.”

Edwards made his film debut as an actor more than 60 years ago in “Ten Gentlemen From West Point.” He wrote his first film, “Panhandle,” which he also produced, in 1948.

Edwards has also had success on the small screen, where he made his directing debut in the 1950s on the series “Four Star Playhouse.” He created two popular TV shows in the late 1950s, “Peter Gunn” and “Mr. Lucky.”

Schwam said Edwards asked to be cremated, and it was uncertain if a funeral service would be held. He said a Hollywood memorial service in his honor might be held, but it was too soon to know if such an event would be organized.