He turns 60 in 2024, but MGM is kicking off a yearlong celebration this June.
Pink Panther continues to attract new fans around the globe. The animated cool cat quickly became a popular film and television star in his own right, beginning with the cartoon short, “The Pink Phink,” in 1964. The character came about simply because writer and director, Blake Edwards, felt the credits would benefit from some kind of cartoon character. It’s an unusual start for a cultural icon – the Pink Panther we know and love began as an animation created for the opening credits of the eponymous 1963 film, “The Pink Panther,” starring Peter Sellers.
MGM’s Leo the roaring lion may have predated the Pink Panther on the silver screen, but the cat nicknamed “Pinky” rules the realm of cool.
