Claim: Blake Edwards started as a performer.

Blake Edwards -LRB- born William Blake Crump ; July 26 , 1922 -- December 15 , 2010 -RRB- was an American film director , screenwriter , and producer .   Edwards began his career in the 1940s as an actor , but he soon began writing screenplays and radio scripts before turning to producing and directing in television and films . His best-known films include Breakfast at Tiffany 's , Days of Wine and Roses , 10 , Victor/Victoria , and the hugely successful Pink Panther film series with British actor Peter Sellers . Often thought of as primarily a director of comedies , he also directed several drama , musical , and detective films . Late in his career , he transitioned to writing , producing , and directing for theater .   In 2004 , he received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of his writing , directing , and producing an extraordinary body of work for the screen .