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Hollywood staple Blake Edwards has passed away. He was 88.
Edwards died Wednesday night at Saint John's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calf. due to complications of pneumonia.
He is best known as the director and writer of many of the 'Pink Panther' films, but also served as the director of 1960s classics 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and 'Days of Wine and Roses.' In 2004 he received an Honorary Academy Award.
Actress Bo Derek commented on his passing, saying, "We've lost a true genius of entertainment. It was my greatest fortune, my life-changing fortune, that he believed in me. He selected me for the role which shaped everything that ever happened to me. He was a loyal friend and I will miss him and that mischievous expression that would come over his face when he was about to come up with something hilarious."
The big-screen veteran has been married to legendary actress Julie Andrews since 1969 and has five children. Andrews and his children were by Edwards' bedside when he passed. Funeral and memorial arrangements are still pending at this time.