Category: Entertainment | Title: Who Played Pink Panther Across All Films and Series | Tag: Pink Panther actors | Meta Description: Complete list of actors who portrayed Inspector Clouseau and the Pink Panther in every film and series...
Who Played Pink Panther in the Original Film Series
Peter Sellers played Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the classic Pink Panther films from the 1960s through the 1970s, establishing the character as a bumbling yet brilliant detective. Sellers starred in multiple entries of the original series, which were produced by Mirisch Films and distributed by United Artists. His portrayal became the definitive Clouseau, influencing every subsequent actor in the role. Read more about Sellers' impact on the franchise.
After Sellers' death in 1980, the role passed to other actors in later installments. Roger Moore took over the role for the 1982 film Curse of the Pink Panther, while Ted Wass played a supporting role in the same film and its 1983 sequel Curse of the Pink Panther. These entries attempted to continue the series with varying degrees of success, but Sellers remained the most iconic Clouseau. View the filmography for Curse of the Pink Panther.
Who Played Pink Panther in the Modern Reboot Series
Steve Martin portrayed Inspector Clouseau in the 2006 film The Pink Panther, a reboot that brought the character into the 21st century. The film was produced by Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, with Martin bringing a more restrained but still comedic take on the role. The movie grossed over $150 million worldwide and spawned a sequel.
In 2009, Martin reprised the role in The Pink Panther 2, which assembled a new team of detectives around Clouseau. The sequel was directed by Harald Zwart and produced by the same studios behind the first film. While it received mixed reviews, it confirmed Martin's Clouseau as the modern standard for the character. Check the SEC filing for Sony Pictures distribution rights.
Other Actors and Appearances in the Pink Panther Franchise
Beyond the main films, the Pink Panther character has appeared in animated series, television specials, and video games. In the 1993 animated series The Pink Panther, the character was voiced by Matt Frewer, bringing the silent film-era slapstick to a new generation of viewers. The series aired on Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television and introduced the character to younger audiences.
Other notable actors who have played Clouseau or related characters include Herbert Lom as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus, a role he reprised across multiple films. The franchise has also featured cameos and supporting roles by actors such as David Niven, Robert Wagner, and John Cleese. Explore the franchise's box office history.