Pink Panther’s Burt Kwouk dies at 85

• Danny Pape


• 25 May 2016

Bert Kwouk, best known for playing Cato in the Pink Panther films, has died at the age of 85. Kwouk enjoyed a successful acting career, mainly portraying sidekicks and villains.

He was born in Warrington in 1930, but grew up in Shanghai until he was 17, before returning to England and later taking up acting in the US.

He starred in the likes of TV Shows such as Hancock’s Half Hour, The Avengers, The Saint, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Tenko, Doctor Who, Lovejoy, Banzai and Howard’s Way.

He also made a name for himself on the big screen after appearing in three Bond movies, including Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice. And he also made appearances in The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness, Rollerball, Kiss Of The Dragon and Empire Of The Sun.

But he’ll be remembered best for playing Cato, the eccentric butler to Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau.

A statement released by his agent revealing the sad news of his death reads:

“Beloved actor Burt Kwouk has sadly passed peacefully away. The family will be having a private funeral but there will be a memorial at a later date.”