Burt Kwuok, the actor who was best known for playing the manservant Cato in Peter Seller’s iconic Pink Panther films, has passed away at the age of 85.
No cause of death was given, but sources say Kwuok passed away quietly at home.
Kwuok’s death was confirmed this morning by his agent, who issued the following statement to the BBC:
“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.”
Born in Manchester but raised in Shanghai, Kwuok was made a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2011.
He rose to fame in 1964, playing the loyal assistant to Sellers’ Inspector Closeau.
Memorably, Cato’s primary job responsibility was attacking Closeau without warning in order to keep his employer on his toes.
Kwuok went on to reprise his most famous role in The Return of the Pink Panther (1975), The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976), Revenge of the Pink Panther (1978), Trail of the Pink Panther (1982), Curse of the Pink Panther (1983), and, finally, Son of the Pink Panther (1993).
The last film in the series starred Roberto Benigni as Closeau’s offspring.
Though best known for his work as Cato, Kwuok racked up an astonishing 144 film and television credits over the course of his career.
Bond fans may remember him from his work in Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, and the original Casino Royale.
Kwuok is also well-known to British TV viewers thanks to his recurring roles on Dr. Who and the beloved BBC comedy The Last of the Summer Wine.
Kwuok is survived by his wife of 55 years, Caroline, and his son, Christopher.
Social media tributes to the beloved actor began to pour in just moments after the news of Kwuok’s death went public.
