Peter Sellers - Revision history

Kurt: /* Early post-war career and The Goon Show (1946–1955) */

2024-07-19T00:48:56Z

Early post-war career and The Goon Show (1946–1955)

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:48, 18 July 2024
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	In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the [[Théâtre Marigny]] in Paris.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the [[Air Ministry]],{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=32}} and [[Demobilisation of the British Armed Forces after the Second World War\|demobilised]] later that year.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} He was fired after one performance of a comedy routine in [[Peterborough]]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist [[Dorothy Squires]], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at [[The Hippodrome, Aldershot\|The Hippodrome]] in [[Aldershot]] as "Britain's answer to [[Gene Krupa]]".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the [[Windmill Theatre]] in London, which predominantly staged [[revue]] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=58\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=40}}		In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the [[Théâtre Marigny]] in Paris.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the [[Air Ministry]],{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=32}} and [[Demobilisation of the British Armed Forces after the Second World War\|demobilised]] later that year.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} He was fired after one performance of a comedy routine in [[Peterborough]]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist [[Dorothy Squires]], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at [[The Hippodrome, Aldershot\|The Hippodrome]] in [[Aldershot]] as "Britain's answer to [[Gene Krupa]]".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the [[Windmill Theatre]] in London, which predominantly staged [[revue]] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=58\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=40}}

	Sellers wrote to the [[BBC]] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be [[Kenneth Horne]], star of the radio show ''[[Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh]]''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on ''Ray's a Laugh'' with comedian [[Ted Ray (comedian)\|Ted Ray]].{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=48}}		Sellers wrote to the [[BBC]] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be [[Kenneth Horne]], star of the radio show ''[[Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh]]''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on ''[[Ray's a Laugh]]'' with comedian [[Ted Ray (comedian)\|Ted Ray]].{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=48}}

	By the end of 1948, the [[BBC Third Programme]] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, [[Harry Secombe]], [[Michael Bentine]] and Sellers.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the [[Hackney Empire]], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn\|Carpenter\|2003\|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by [[Jimmy Grafton]], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn\|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first [[The Goon Show\|''Goon Shows'']].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}		By the end of 1948, the [[BBC Third Programme]] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, [[Harry Secombe]], [[Michael Bentine]] and Sellers.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the [[Hackney Empire]], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn\|Carpenter\|2003\|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by [[Jimmy Grafton]], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn\|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first [[The Goon Show\|''Goon Shows'']].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}

Kurt: /* Second World War (1939–1945) */

2023-01-15T04:50:16Z

Second World War (1939–1945)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 14 January 2023
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	With the outbreak of the [[w:Second World War\|Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[w:Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[w:Cambridgeshire\|Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[w:Devon\|Devon]] town of [[w:Ilfracombe\|Ilfracombe]], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[w:Paul Scofield\|Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[w:ukulele\|ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}		With the outbreak of the [[w:Second World War\|Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[w:Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[w:Cambridgeshire\|Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[w:Devon\|Devon]] town of [[w:Ilfracombe\|Ilfracombe]], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[w:Paul Scofield\|Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[w:ukulele\|ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}

	During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[Oscar Rabin]], [[Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}		During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[w:Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[w:Oscar Rabin\|Oscar Rabin]], [[w:Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[w:Waldini\|Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[w:Blackpool\|Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}

	In September 1943, he joined the [[Royal Air Force]], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=40\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader [[Ralph Reader]]'s RAF ''[[Gang Show]]'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=42}} His tour also included [[Sri Lanka\|Ceylon]] and [[Myanmar\|Burma]], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}}		In September 1943, he joined the [[w:Royal Air Force\|Royal Air Force]], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=40\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s RAF ''[[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]]'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=42}} His tour also included [[w:Sri Lanka\|Ceylon]] and [[w:Myanmar\|Burma]], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}}
	According to [[David Lodge (actor)\|David Lodge]], who became friends with Sellers, he was "one of the best performers ever" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=46}}		According to [[David Lodge (actor)\|David Lodge]], who became friends with Sellers, he was "''one of the best performers ever''" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=46}}

	=== Early post-war career and ''The Goon Show'' (1946–1955) ===		=== Early post-war career and ''The Goon Show'' (1946–1955) ===

Kurt: /* Second World War (1939–1945) */

2023-01-15T04:44:11Z

Second World War (1939–1945)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:44, 14 January 2023
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	===Second World War (1939–1945)===		===Second World War (1939–1945)===
	With the outbreak of the [[Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[Devon]] town of [[Ilfracombe]], where Sellers's maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}		With the outbreak of the [[w:Second World War\|Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[w:Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[w:Cambridgeshire\|Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[w:Devon\|Devon]] town of [[w:Ilfracombe\|Ilfracombe]], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[w:Paul Scofield\|Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[w:ukulele\|ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}

	During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[Oscar Rabin]], [[Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}		During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[Oscar Rabin]], [[Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}

Kurt: /* Early performances (1935–1939) */

2023-01-15T04:27:25Z

Early performances (1935–1939)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:27, 14 January 2023
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	===Early performances (1935–1939)===		===Early performances (1935–1939)===
	Accompanying his family on the variety show circuit,{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=8}} Sellers learned [[stagecraft]], but received conflicting encouragement from his parents and developed mixed feelings about show business. His father doubted Sellers's abilities in the entertainment field, even suggesting that his son's talents were only enough to become a road sweeper, while Sellers's mother encouraged him continuously.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=18}}		Accompanying his family on the variety show circuit,{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=8}} Sellers learned [[w:stagecraft\|stagecraft]], but received conflicting encouragement from his parents and developed mixed feelings about show business. His father doubted Sellers's abilities in the entertainment field, even suggesting that his son's talents were only enough to become a road sweeper, while Sellers's mother encouraged him continuously.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=18}}

	While at St Aloysius College, Sellers began to develop his improvisational skills. He and his closest friend at the time, Bryan Connon, both enjoyed listening to early radio comedy shows. Connon remembers that "Peter got endless pleasure imitating the people in ''[[Monday Night at Eight]]''. He had a gift for improvising dialogue. Sketches, too. I'd be the 'straight man', the 'feed', ... I'd cue Peter and he'd do all the radio personalities and chuck in a few voices of his own invention as well."{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=28}}		While at St Aloysius College, Sellers began to develop his improvisational skills. He and his closest friend at the time, Bryan Connon, both enjoyed listening to early radio comedy shows. Connon remembers that "Peter got endless pleasure imitating the people in ''[[w:Monday Night at Eight\|Monday Night at Eight]]''. He had a gift for improvising dialogue. Sketches, too. I'd be the 'straight man', the 'feed', ... I'd cue Peter and he'd do all the radio personalities and chuck in a few voices of his own invention as well."{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=28}}

	===Second World War (1939–1945)===		===Second World War (1939–1945)===

Kurt: /* Early life (1925–1935) */

2023-01-15T04:21:10Z

Early life (1925–1935)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 14 January 2023
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	Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}		Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}

	Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[~~Dickie~~ Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}		Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[Dick Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}

	Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>		Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>

Kurt: /* Early life (1925–1935) */

2023-01-15T04:18:27Z

Early life (1925–1935)

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:18, 14 January 2023
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	===Early life (1925–1935)===		===Early life (1925–1935)===
	{{multiple image\|caption_align=center\| align = right \| direction = vertical \| header_align = centre \| footer_align = left \| footer_background = \| image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg\| width1 = 200 \| caption1 = [[Blue plaque]] memorial at Sellers's birthplace in Castle Road, [[Portsmouth]] \|alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers\| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg \| width2 = 200 \|alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall\| caption2 = }}		{{multiple image\|caption_align=center\| align = right \| direction = vertical \| header_align = centre \| footer_align = left \| footer_background = \| image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg\| width1 = 200 \| caption1 = [[w:Blue plaque\|Blue plaque]] memorial at Sellers's birthplace in Castle Road, [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]] \|alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers\| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg \| width2 = 200 \|alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall\| caption2 = }}

	Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[Southsea]], a suburb of [[Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" (née Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[pugilist]] [[Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}		Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}

	Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[~~Dick~~ Henderson]], the headline act at the [[Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}		Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[Dickie Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}

	Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>		Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>

	In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in [[Muswell Hill]].{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was [[Protestantism\|Protestant]] and Peg was [[Jewish]], Sellers attended the North London [[Catholic school\|Roman Catholic school]] [[St Aloysius' College, Highgate\|St Aloysius' College]], run by the [[Brothers of Mercy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help\|Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy]].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn\|Starr\|1991\|p=84}} According to biographer [[Peter Evans (author)\|Peter Evans]], Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} particularly Catholicism; [[Roger Lewis]] believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "~~discovered~~ he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith".{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the [[Church of England]], his mother was Jewish, "and [[Matrilineality in Judaism\|Jews take the faith of their mother]]."{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} According to Milligan, Sellers held a guilt complex about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn\|Moritz\|1961\|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "The Jewish boy knows his [[catechism]] better than the rest of you!"{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=12}}{{efn\|The film critic [[Kenneth Tynan]] noted that Sellers's ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of [[anti-Semitism]]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=11}}}}		In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in [[w:Muswell Hill\|Muswell Hill]].{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was [[w:Protestantism\|Protestant]] and Peg was [[w:Jewish\|Jewish]], Sellers attended the North London [[w:Catholic school\|Roman Catholic school]] [[w:St Aloysius' College, Highgate\|St Aloysius' College]], run by the [[w:Brothers of Mercy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help\|Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy]].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn\|Starr\|1991\|p=84}} According to biographer [[w:Peter Evans (author)\|Peter Evans]], Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} particularly Catholicism; [[w:Roger Lewis\|Roger Lewis]] believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "d''iscovered he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith''".{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the [[w:Church of England\|Church of England]], his mother was Jewish, "and [[w:Matrilineality in Judaism\|Jews take the faith of their mother]]."{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} According to Milligan, Sellers held a guilt complex about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn\|Moritz\|1961\|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "''The Jewish boy knows his [[w:catechism\|catechism]] better than the rest of you!''"{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=12}}{{efn\|The film critic [[w:Kenneth Tynan\|Kenneth Tynan]] noted that Sellers's ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of [[w:anti-Semitism\|anti-Semitism]]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=11}}}}

	===Early performances (1935–1939)===		===Early performances (1935–1939)===

Kurt at 20:23, 14 January 2023

2023-01-14T20:23:46Z

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	\| caption = Sellers in 1973		\| caption = Sellers in 1973
	\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}		\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}
	\| birth_place = [[w:Portsmouth]], England		\| birth_place = [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], England
	\| death_date = {{death date and age\|1980\|07\|24\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}		\| death_date = {{death date and age\|1980\|07\|24\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}
	\| death_place = [[w:London\|London]], England		\| death_place = [[w:London\|London]], England

Kurt at 20:22, 14 January 2023

2023-01-14T20:22:49Z

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	Born in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[w:BBC radio\|BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.		Born in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[w:BBC radio\|BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.

	Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[w:parody\|parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[w:Stanley Kubrick\|Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[w:Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[w:Dr. Strangelove\|Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[w:What's New, Pussycat?\|What's New]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[w:Satire\|Satire]] and [[w:black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[w:Academy Award\|Academy Award]], twice for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Actor\|Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film\|Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[w:BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role\|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy\|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[w:Turner Broadcasting System\|Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>		Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[w:parody\|parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[w:Stanley Kubrick\|Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[w:Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[w:Dr. Strangelove\|Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[w:What's New, Pussycat?\|What's New]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[w:The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[w:Being There\|Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[w:Satire\|Satire]] and [[w:black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[w:Academy Award\|Academy Award]], twice for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Actor\|Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film\|Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[w:BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role\|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy\|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[w:Turner Broadcasting System\|Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>

	In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />		In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />

Kurt at 20:21, 14 January 2023

2023-01-14T20:21:04Z

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	{{Short description\|English actor and comedian (1925–1980)}}		{{Short description\|English actor and comedian (1925–1980)}}
	~~{{About\|the English actor\|the New Zealand sports broadcaster\|Peter Sellers (broadcaster)\|the American director\|Peter Sellars}}~~
	~~{{Featured article}}~~
	~~{{Use dmy dates\|date=February 2021}}~~
	~~{{Use British English\|date=February 2018}}~~
	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| name = Peter Sellers		\| name = Peter Sellers
	\| honorific_suffix = [[Order of the British Empire\|CBE]]		\| honorific_suffix = [[w:Order of the British Empire\|CBE]]
	\| image = Peter Sellers at home in Belgravia, London, 1973.jpg		\| image = Peter Sellers at home in Belgravia, London, 1973.jpg
	\| alt = Sellers smiling to the camera		\| alt = Sellers smiling to the camera
	\| caption = Sellers in 1973		\| caption = Sellers in 1973
	\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1925\|9\|8\|df=y}}		\| birth_date = {{birth date\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}
	\| birth_place = [[Portsmouth]], England		\| birth_place = [[w:Portsmouth]], England
	\| death_date = {{death date and age\|1980\|7\|24\|1925\|9\|8\|df=y}}		\| death_date = {{death date and age\|1980\|07\|24\|1925\|09\|08\|df=y}}
	\| death_place = [[London]], England		\| death_place = [[w:London\|London]], England
	\| works = [[Peter Sellers on stage, radio, screen and record\|Full list]]		\| works = [[Peter Sellers on stage, radio, screen and record\|Full list]]
	\| occupation = {{hlist\|Actor\|comedian}}		\| occupation = {{hlist\|Actor\|comedian}}
Line 20:		Line 16:
	{{plainlist \|		{{plainlist \|
	* {{marriage\|Anne Howe\|1951\|1963\|reason=divorced}}		* {{marriage\|Anne Howe\|1951\|1963\|reason=divorced}}
	* {{marriage\|[[Britt Ekland]]\|1964\|1968\|reason=divorced}}		* {{marriage\|[[w:Britt Ekland\|Britt Ekland]]\|1964\|1968\|reason=divorced}}
	* {{marriage\|[[Miranda, Countess of Stockton\|Miranda Quarry]]\|1970\|1976\|reason=divorced}}		* {{marriage\|[[w:Miranda, Countess of Stockton\|Miranda Quarry]]\|1970\|1976\|reason=divorced}}
	* {{marriage\|[[Lynne Frederick]]\|1977}}}}		* {{marriage\|[[w:Lynne Frederick\|Lynne Frederick]]\|1977}}}}
	\| children = 3; including [[Michael Sellers (actor)\|Michael]] and [[Victoria Sellers\|Victoria]]		\| children = 3; including [[w:Michael Sellers (actor)\|Michael]] and [[w:Victoria Sellers\|Victoria]]
	}}		}}

	'''Peter Sellers''' {{Post-nominals\|country=GBR\|CBE}} (born '''Richard Henry Sellers'''; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series ''[[The Goon Show]]'', featured on a number of hit comic songs and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, among them [[Inspector Clouseau\|Chief Inspector Clouseau]] in ''[[The Pink Panther (film series)\|The Pink Panther]]'' series.		'''Peter Sellers''' {{Post-nominals\|country=GBR\|CBE}} (born '''Richard Henry Sellers'''; 8 September 1925 – 24 July 1980) was an English actor and comedian. He first came to prominence performing in the BBC Radio comedy series ''[[The Goon Show]]'', featured on a number of hit comic songs and became known to a worldwide audience through his many film roles, among them [[Inspector Clouseau\|Chief Inspector Clouseau]] in ''[[The Pink Panther (film series)\|The Pink Panther]]'' series.

	Born in [[Southsea]], [[Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[Kings Theatre, Southsea]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.		Born in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[w:BBC radio\|BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.

	Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[What's New, Pussycat?]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[Satire]] and [[black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[Academy Award]], twice for the [[Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>		Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[w:parody\|parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[w:Stanley Kubrick\|Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[w:Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[w:Dr. Strangelove\|Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[w:What's New, Pussycat?\|What's New]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[w:Satire\|Satire]] and [[w:black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[w:Academy Award\|Academy Award]], twice for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Actor\|Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film\|Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[w:BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role\|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy\|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[w:Turner Broadcasting System\|Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>

	In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />		In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />

	== Biography ==		== Biography ==

Kurt: /* External links */

2023-01-14T20:14:34Z

External links

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:14, 14 January 2023
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	* {{IMDb name}}		* {{IMDb name}}
	* {{TCMDb name}}		* {{TCMDb name}}
	* [http://www.britishpathe.com/search/query/Peter+sellers Peter Sellers on [[Pathé News]]]		* [http://www.britishpathe.com/search/query/Peter+sellers Peter Sellers on [[w:Pathé News\|Pathé News]]]

	{{Goons\|state=collapsed}}		{{Goons\|state=collapsed}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:48, 18 July 2024
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	In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the [[Théâtre Marigny]] in Paris.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the [[Air Ministry]],{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=32}} and [[Demobilisation of the British Armed Forces after the Second World War\|demobilised]] later that year.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} He was fired after one performance of a comedy routine in [[Peterborough]]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist [[Dorothy Squires]], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at [[The Hippodrome, Aldershot\|The Hippodrome]] in [[Aldershot]] as "Britain's answer to [[Gene Krupa]]".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the [[Windmill Theatre]] in London, which predominantly staged [[revue]] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=58\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=40}}		In 1946, Sellers made his final show with ENSA starring in the pantomime ''Jack and the Beanstalk'' at the [[Théâtre Marigny]] in Paris.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} He was posted back to England shortly afterwards to work at the [[Air Ministry]],{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=32}} and [[Demobilisation of the British Armed Forces after the Second World War\|demobilised]] later that year.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=132}} On resuming his theatrical career, Sellers could get only sporadic work.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} He was fired after one performance of a comedy routine in [[Peterborough]]; the headline act, Welsh vocalist [[Dorothy Squires]], however, persuaded the management to reinstate him.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=57}} Sellers also continued his drumming and was billed on his appearance at [[The Hippodrome, Aldershot\|The Hippodrome]] in [[Aldershot]] as "Britain's answer to [[Gene Krupa]]".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=38}} In March 1948 Sellers gained a six-week run at the [[Windmill Theatre]] in London, which predominantly staged [[revue]] acts: he provided the comedy turns in between the nude shows on offer.{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=58\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=40}}

	Sellers wrote to the [[BBC]] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be [[Kenneth Horne]], star of the radio show ''[[Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh]]''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on ''Ray's a Laugh'' with comedian [[Ted Ray (comedian)\|Ted Ray]].{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=48}}		Sellers wrote to the [[BBC]] in 1948, and was subsequently auditioned. As a result, he made his television debut on 18 March 1948 in ''New To You''. His act, largely based on impressions, was well received, and he returned the following week.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=45}} Frustrated with the slow pace of his career, Sellers telephoned BBC radio producer Roy Speer, pretending to be [[Kenneth Horne]], star of the radio show ''[[Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh]]''. Speer called Sellers a "cheeky young sod" for his efforts, but gave him an audition. This led to his brief appearance on 1 July 1948 on ''ShowTime''{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|pp=47–48}} and subsequently to work on ''[[Ray's a Laugh]]'' with comedian [[Ted Ray (comedian)\|Ted Ray]].{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=164}} In October 1948, Sellers was a regular radio performer, appearing in ''Starlight Hour'', ''The Gang Show'', ''Henry Hall's Guest Night'' and ''It's Fine To Be Young''.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=48}}

	By the end of 1948, the [[BBC Third Programme]] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, [[Harry Secombe]], [[Michael Bentine]] and Sellers.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the [[Hackney Empire]], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn\|Carpenter\|2003\|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by [[Jimmy Grafton]], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn\|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first [[The Goon Show\|''Goon Shows'']].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}		By the end of 1948, the [[BBC Third Programme]] began to broadcast the comedy series ''Third Division'', which starred, among others, [[Harry Secombe]], [[Michael Bentine]] and Sellers.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=46}} One evening, Sellers and Bentine visited the [[Hackney Empire]], where Secombe was performing, and Bentine introduced Sellers to Spike Milligan.{{sfn\|Carpenter\|2003\|p=90}} The four would meet up at Grafton's public house near Victoria, owned by [[Jimmy Grafton]], who was also a BBC script writer. The four comedians dubbed him ''KOGVOS'' (Keeper of Goons and Voice of Sanity){{efn\|The meaning of the acronym KOGVOS was flexible: it has also been defined as "King of Goons and Voice of Sanity"<ref name="Barker (DNB)" /> and "King of the Goons Voices Society".{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}}} Grafton later edited some of the first [[The Goon Show\|''Goon Shows'']].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=55}}

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	With the outbreak of the [[w:Second World War\|Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[w:Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[w:Cambridgeshire\|Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[w:Devon\|Devon]] town of [[w:Ilfracombe\|Ilfracombe]], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[w:Paul Scofield\|Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[w:ukulele\|ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}		With the outbreak of the [[w:Second World War\|Second World War]], St. Aloysius College was [[w:Evacuations of civilians in Britain during World War II\|evacuated]] to [[w:Cambridgeshire\|Cambridgeshire]]. Because his mother did not allow Sellers to go,{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} his formal education ended at fourteen.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Early in 1940, the family moved to the north [[w:Devon\|Devon]] town of [[w:Ilfracombe\|Ilfracombe]], where Sellers' maternal uncle managed the Victoria Palace Theatre;{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=32}} Sellers got his first job at the theatre, aged fifteen, starting as a caretaker.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} He was steadily promoted, becoming a box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager and lighting operator. He was also offered some small acting parts.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}} Working backstage gave him a chance to study actors such as [[w:Paul Scofield\|Paul Scofield]]. He became close friends with Derek Altman, and together they launched Sellers's first stage act under the name "Altman and Sellers", consisting of playing [[w:ukulele\|ukulele]]s, singing, and telling jokes.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=19}}

	During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[Oscar Rabin]], [[Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}		During his backstage theatre job, Sellers began practising on a set of drums that belonged to the band [[w:Joe Daniels (jazz drummer)\|Joe Daniels]] and his Hot Shots. Daniels noticed his efforts and gave him practical instructions. The instrument greatly suited Sellers's temperament and artistic skills.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=20}} Spike Milligan later noted that Sellers was very proficient on the drums and might have remained a jazz drummer, had he lacked his skills in mimicry and improvisation.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> As the war progressed, Sellers continued to develop his drumming skills, and played with a series of touring bands, including those of [[w:Oscar Rabin\|Oscar Rabin]], [[w:Henry Hall (bandleader)\|Henry Hall]] and [[w:Waldini\|Waldini]],{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} as well as his father's quartet, before he left and joined a band from [[w:Blackpool\|Blackpool]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers became a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA), which provided entertainment for British forces and factory workers during the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=22}} Sellers also performed comedy routines at these concerts, including impersonations of [[George Formby]], with Sellers accompanying his own singing on ukulele.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=85}}

	In September 1943, he joined the [[Royal Air Force]], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=40\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader [[Ralph Reader]]'s RAF ''[[Gang Show]]'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=42}} His tour also included [[Sri Lanka\|Ceylon]] and [[Myanmar\|Burma]], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}}		In September 1943, he joined the [[w:Royal Air Force\|Royal Air Force]], although it is unclear whether he volunteered or was conscripted;{{sfnm\|1a1=Walker\|1y=1981\|1p=40\|2a1=Sikov\|2y=2002\|2p=25}} his mother unsuccessfully tried to have him deferred on medical grounds.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Sellers wanted to become a pilot, but his poor eyesight restricted him to ground staff duties.{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=32}} He found these duties dull, so auditioned for Squadron Leader [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s RAF ''[[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]]'' entertainment troupe: Reader accepted him and Sellers toured the UK before the troupe was transferred to India.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=42}} His tour also included [[w:Sri Lanka\|Ceylon]] and [[w:Myanmar\|Burma]], although the duration of his stay in Asia is unknown, and Sellers may have exaggerated its length.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}} He also served in Germany and France after the war.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=26}}
	According to [[David Lodge (actor)\|David Lodge]], who became friends with Sellers, he was "one of the best performers ever" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=46}}		According to [[David Lodge (actor)\|David Lodge]], who became friends with Sellers, he was "''one of the best performers ever''" on the drums and developed a fine ability to impersonate military officers during this period.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=46}}

	=== Early post-war career and ''The Goon Show'' (1946–1955) ===		=== Early post-war career and ''The Goon Show'' (1946–1955) ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:21, 14 January 2023
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	Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}		Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}

	Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[~~Dickie~~ Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}		Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[Dick Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}

	Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>		Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:18, 14 January 2023
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	===Early life (1925–1935)===		===Early life (1925–1935)===
	{{multiple image\|caption_align=center\| align = right \| direction = vertical \| header_align = centre \| footer_align = left \| footer_background = \| image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg\| width1 = 200 \| caption1 = [[Blue plaque]] memorial at Sellers's birthplace in Castle Road, [[Portsmouth]] \|alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers\| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg \| width2 = 200 \|alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall\| caption2 = }}		{{multiple image\|caption_align=center\| align = right \| direction = vertical \| header_align = centre \| footer_align = left \| footer_background = \| image1 =Peter Sellers Plaque.jpg\| width1 = 200 \| caption1 = [[w:Blue plaque\|Blue plaque]] memorial at Sellers's birthplace in Castle Road, [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]] \|alt1=blue plaque commemorating Sellers\| image2 = Peter Sellers Birthplace Portsmouth.jpg \| width2 = 200 \|alt2=exterior of red bricked house, with blue plaque on front wall\| caption2 = }}

	Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[Southsea]], a suburb of [[Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" (née Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[pugilist]] [[Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}		Sellers was born on 8 September 1925, in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], a suburb of [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]]. His parents were [[w:Yorkshire\|Yorkshire]]-born William "Bill" Sellers and Agnes Doreen "Peg" ({{née}} Marks). Both were variety entertainers; Peg was in the Ray Sisters troupe.<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> Although christened Richard Henry, his parents called him Peter, after his elder brother, who was [[w:stillborn\|stillborn]].{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=5}} Sellers had no other siblings.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=690}} Peg Sellers was related to the [[w:pugilist\|pugilist]] [[w:Daniel Mendoza\|Daniel Mendoza]] (1764–1836), whom Sellers greatly revered, and whose engraving later hung in his office. At one time Sellers planned to use Mendoza's image for his production company's logo.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=9}}

	Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[~~Dick~~ Henderson]], the headline act at the [[Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}		Sellers was two weeks old when he was carried on stage by [[Dickie Henderson]], the headline act at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]] in Southsea: the crowd sang "[[w:For He's a Jolly Good Fellow\|For He's a Jolly Good Fellow]]", which caused the infant to cry.{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=25}} The family constantly toured, causing much upheaval and unhappiness in the young Sellers's life.{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=9}}

	Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>		Sellers maintained a very close relationship with his mother, which his friend [[Spike Milligan]] later considered unhealthy for a grown man.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=45}} Sellers's agent, Dennis Selinger, recalled his first meeting with Peg and Peter Sellers, noting that "''Sellers was an immensely shy young man, inclined to be dominated by his mother, but without resentment or objection''".{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=57}} As an only child though, he spent much time alone.<ref name="WT1002">{{cite web\|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-92800508 \|author=Gibson, Eric \|title=Behind Inspector Clouseau; The funny, often elusive Peter Sellers and his wives. \|work=[[w:The Washington Times\|The Washington Times]] \|date=13 October 2002 \|accessdate=4 August 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref>

	In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in [[Muswell Hill]].{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was [[Protestantism\|Protestant]] and Peg was [[Jewish]], Sellers attended the North London [[Catholic school\|Roman Catholic school]] [[St Aloysius' College, Highgate\|St Aloysius' College]], run by the [[Brothers of Mercy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help\|Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy]].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn\|Starr\|1991\|p=84}} According to biographer [[Peter Evans (author)\|Peter Evans]], Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} particularly Catholicism; [[Roger Lewis]] believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "~~discovered~~ he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith".{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the [[Church of England]], his mother was Jewish, "and [[Matrilineality in Judaism\|Jews take the faith of their mother]]."{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} According to Milligan, Sellers held a guilt complex about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn\|Moritz\|1961\|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "The Jewish boy knows his [[catechism]] better than the rest of you!"{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=12}}{{efn\|The film critic [[Kenneth Tynan]] noted that Sellers's ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of [[anti-Semitism]]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=11}}}}		In 1935 the Sellers family moved to North London and settled in [[w:Muswell Hill\|Muswell Hill]].{{sfn\|Rigelsford\|2004\|p=24}} Although Bill Sellers was [[w:Protestantism\|Protestant]] and Peg was [[w:Jewish\|Jewish]], Sellers attended the North London [[w:Catholic school\|Roman Catholic school]] [[w:St Aloysius' College, Highgate\|St Aloysius' College]], run by the [[w:Brothers of Mercy of Our Lady of Perpetual Help\|Brothers of Our Lady of Mercy]].<ref name="Milligan (DNB)" /> The family was not rich, but Peg insisted on an expensive private schooling for her son.{{sfn\|Starr\|1991\|p=84}} According to biographer [[w:Peter Evans (author)\|Peter Evans]], Sellers was fascinated, puzzled, and worried by religion from a young age,{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} particularly Catholicism; [[w:Roger Lewis\|Roger Lewis]] believed that soon after entering Catholic school, Sellers "d''iscovered he was a Jew—he was someone on the outside of the mysteries of faith''".{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} Later in his life, Sellers observed that while his father's faith was according to the [[w:Church of England\|Church of England]], his mother was Jewish, "and [[w:Matrilineality in Judaism\|Jews take the faith of their mother]]."{{sfn\|Lewis\|1995\|p=44}} According to Milligan, Sellers held a guilt complex about being Jewish and recalls that Sellers was once reduced to tears when he presented him with a candlestick from a synagogue for Christmas, believing the gesture to be an anti-Jewish slur.{{sfn\|Evans\|1980\|p=194}} Sellers became a top student at the school, excelling in drawing in particular. He was prone to laziness, but his natural talents shielded him from criticism by his teachers.{{sfn\|Moritz\|1961\|p=371}} Sellers recalled that a teacher scolded the other boys for not studying, saying: "''The Jewish boy knows his [[w:catechism\|catechism]] better than the rest of you!''"{{sfn\|Sikov\|2002\|p=12}}{{efn\|The film critic [[w:Kenneth Tynan\|Kenneth Tynan]] noted that Sellers's ambition as an actor was fuelled mainly by "his hatred of [[w:anti-Semitism\|anti-Semitism]]." This may have spurred his determination to become a great actor or director.{{sfn\|Walker\|1981\|p=11}}}}

	===Early performances (1935–1939)===		===Early performances (1935–1939)===

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	Born in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[w:BBC radio\|BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.		Born in [[w:Southsea\|Southsea]], [[w:Portsmouth\|Portsmouth]], Sellers made his stage debut at the [[w:Kings Theatre, Southsea\|Kings Theatre]], when he was two weeks old. He began accompanying his parents in a variety act that toured the provincial theatres. He first worked as a drummer and toured around England as a member of the [[w:Entertainments National Service Association\|Entertainments National Service Association]] (ENSA). He developed his mimicry and improvisational skills during a spell in [[w:Ralph Reader\|Ralph Reader]]'s wartime [[w:Gang Show\|Gang Show]] entertainment troupe, which toured Britain and the Far East. After the war, Sellers made his radio debut in ''ShowTime'', and eventually became a regular performer on various [[w:BBC radio\|BBC radio]] shows. During the early 1950s, Sellers, along with [[Spike Milligan]], [[Harry Secombe]] and [[Michael Bentine]], took part in the successful radio series ''The Goon Show'', which ended in 1960.

	Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[w:parody\|parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[w:Stanley Kubrick\|Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[w:Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[w:Dr. Strangelove\|Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[w:What's New, Pussycat?\|What's New]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[w:Satire\|Satire]] and [[w:black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[w:Academy Award\|Academy Award]], twice for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Actor\|Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film\|Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[w:BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role\|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy\|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[w:Turner Broadcasting System\|Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>		Sellers began his film career during the 1950s. Although the bulk of his work was comedic, often [[w:parody\|parody]]ing characters of authority such as military officers or policemen, he also performed in other film genres and roles. Films demonstrating his artistic range include ''[[I'm All Right Jack]]'' (1959), [[w:Stanley Kubrick\|Stanley Kubrick]]'s ''[[w:Lolita (1962 film)\|Lolita]]'' (1962) and ''[[w:Dr. Strangelove\|Dr. Strangelove]]'' (1964), ''[[w:What's New, Pussycat?\|What's New]]'' (1965), ''[[Casino Royale (1967 film)\|Casino Royale]]'' (1967), ''[[w:The Party (1968 film)\|The Party]]'' (1968), ''[[w:Being There\|Being There]]'' (1979) and five films of the ''[[Pink Panther]]'' series (1963–1978). Sellers's versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. [[w:Satire\|Satire]] and [[w:black comedy\|black humour]] were major features of many of his films, and his performances had a strong influence on a number of later comedians. Sellers was nominated three times for an [[w:Academy Award\|Academy Award]], twice for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Actor\|Academy Award for Best Actor]], for his performances in ''Dr. Strangelove'' and ''Being There'', and once for the [[w:Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film\|Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film]] for ''[[The Running Jumping & Standing Still Film]]'' (1959). He won the [[w:BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role\|BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role]] twice, for ''I'm All Right Jack'' and for the original Pink Panther film, ''The Pink Panther'' (1963) and was nominated as Best Actor three times. In 1980 he won the [[w:Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy\|Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy]] for his role in ''Being There'', and was previously nominated three times in the same category. [[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] calls Sellers "one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century".<ref>{{cite web\|title=Peter Sellers \|url=http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|work=[[w:Turner Classic Movies\|Turner Classic Movies]] \|publisher=[[w:Turner Broadcasting System\|Turner Broadcasting System]] \|accessdate=14 August 2012 \|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024213758/http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/173984%7C124304/Peter-Sellers/biography.html \|archivedate=24 October 2012}}</ref>

	In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />		In his personal life, Sellers struggled with depression and insecurities. An enigmatic figure, he often claimed to have no identity outside the roles that he played. His behaviour was often erratic and compulsive, and he frequently clashed with his directors and co-stars, especially in the mid-1970s when his physical and mental health, together with his alcohol and drug problems, were at their worst. Sellers was married four times and had three children from his first two marriages. He died from a heart attack, aged 54, in 1980. English filmmakers the [[Boulting brothers]] described Sellers as "the greatest comic genius this country has produced since [[w:Charlie Chaplin\|Charles Chaplin]]".<ref name="Boulting" />