RIP Cato.

[Gob]

Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato in the Pink Panther films, has died aged 85.



He appeared in seven Pink Panther films opposite Peter Sellers as Clouseau's servant who regularly attacked his employer to keep him alert.

He also starred in BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine from 2002 to 2010.

Born in Manchester but raised in Shanghai, the actor was awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honour List.

A statement issued by his agent said: "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."

On the big screen Kwouk also appeared in three James Bond films including Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.

Kwouk had a long TV career, appearing in numerous TV shows including The Avengers and Doctor Who. He also played Major Yamauchi in the 1980s wartime television drama Tenko.

He joined long-running sitcom Last of the Summer Wine as electrician Entwistle - a part that was written with him in mind.

The actor appeared in Harry Hill's comedy series in the 1990s and also gained a cult following when he presented Channel 4's interactive gambling show Banzai from 2001-2004.

[Bicycle Bill]

Burt Kwouk, who was best known for playing Inspector Clouseau's manservant Cato in the Pink Panther films, has died aged 85.On the big screen Kwouk also appeared in three James Bond films including Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice.

The third Bond film he appeared in was the Peter Sellers' spoof film, "Casino Royale", which no serious Bondophile even remotely considers to be canon.  Personally, I will accept "Never Say Never Again" into the Bond catalog before I would include that muddled abomination that Sellers et al cocked up.  A lot of talent was wasted in that mess; the only good things to come out of it were a couple of the songs by Bacharach and David.

-"BB"-