'Pink Panther' actor dead

London, Sep 27 (IANS) Veteran actor Herbert Lom, known for his roles in the comedy film series "Pink Panther", has died in his sleep Thursday morning, his family said. He was 95.

The actor appeared in more than 100 films, including classics such as "Spartacus", "El Cid" and "The Ladykillers".

During his career, Herbert Lom played many roles including Napoleon Bonaparte in two films, but his most famous role was of Charles Dreyfus in the "Pink Panther" films.

"Like many actors, he never wanted to be pigeon-holed in a particular role and, after having played the role of East European gangster in many films, it was a delight to him later in his career to be cast by 'Pink Panther' producer and director Blake Edwards in a comedy role opposite Peter Sellers. And he hugely enjoyed that move," dailymail.co.uk quoted his son Alec as saying.

"He had many funny stories about the antics that he and Peter Sellers got up to on the set. It was a nightmare working with Peter because he was a terrible giggler and, between my father and Peter's laughter, they ruined dozens and dozens of takes," he added.