Czech Republic
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Herbert Lom
Prague, Czech Republic
Archival Overview
Distinguished Czech-born British actor whose versatile screen career spanned seven decades, immortalized as the twitching, long-suffering Police Commissioner Charles Dreyfus in the 'Pink Panther' comedy films.
Biographical Record
Born into an aristocratic Bohemian family in Prague, Herbert Lom fled to Britain in 1939 shortly before the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia. Possessing a commanding voice and piercing gaze, he quickly established himself as a leading character actor in British cinema, portraying Napoleon Bonaparte in 'The Young Mr. Pitt' (1942).
Lom played villainous and complex characters in classics like 'The Ladykillers' (1955), 'Spartacus' (1960), and 'The Phantom of the Opera' (1962). In 1964, he debuted as Inspector Clouseau's maddened superior Commissioner Dreyfus in 'A Shot in the Dark', reprising the eye-twitching, hysterically unhinged character across six Pink Panther films.
Key Life Milestones
Debut as Commissioner Dreyfus
Originated the legendary comedic role of Inspector Clouseau's neurotic superior in Blake Edwards's 'A Shot in the Dark'.
Publication of Historical Novel Enter a Spy
Published an acclaimed historical novel about playwright Christopher Marlowe, displaying his broad literary talents.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialLondon, United Kingdom