Logo

Washington Post, TVWeek, YouTube

He Had One of the Best Running Gags in Movies — Attacking Inspector Clouseau Whenever He Least Expected It; The Actor Who Played the ‘Pink Panther’s’ Cato Dies

May 25, 2016  •  Post A Comment

A character actor who made a lasting impact on the big screen as Cato in the “Pink Panther” movies has died. The Washington Post reports that Burt Kwouk died Tuesday at 85.

“As Cato Fong, Mr. Kwouk (pronounced Kwawk) was a highlight of the slapstick ‘Pink Panther’ franchise,” the Post reports. “His boss Clouseau, originally played by Peter Sellers, tasked him with keeping the police inspector’s wits sharp through frequent, unexpected surprise attacks whenever Clouseau came home.”

The bit continued through seven “Pink Panther” movies. Kwouk also had many other credits in film and TV, including roles on the British TV series “Tenko” and “Last of the Summer Wine.”

Born in the U.K., Kwouk was raised in Shanghai. He later returned to England and eventually was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of his prolific film and TV career.

Here’s a sample of his work as Cato, with Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau …

Your Comment

Email (will not be published)