Actor Herbert Lom, known for roles in Pink Panther films, dies at 95

LONDON – Herbert Lom, the Czech-born actor who starred as Inspector Clouseau’s boss in the Pink Panther movies, has died. He was 95.

The London-based star appeared in more than 100 films, including “Spartacus,” ”El Cid” and “The Ladykillers,” and acted alongside film greats including Charlton Heston and Kirk Douglas.

His first major film role was as Napoleon in 1942’s “The Young Mr. Pitt,” but Lom was perhaps most famous for playing the part of Charles Dreyfus, boss to Peter Sellers’ befuddled Inspector Clouseau in the popular Pink Panther movies.

Lom’s son Alec said the actor — who “never wanted to be pigeonholed in a particular role” — died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday.