Real Peter Sellers

Peter Sellers was a comedic genius who appeared to be acting even when being interviewed. He had celebrity status, wealth, and motor cars, but was plagued by self-doubt and resorted to superstition, clairvoyance, and drugs to get himself through the day. His masterpiece, Being There, was a damning indictment of the false god of materialism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Peter Sellers, the comedic genius, is revered worldwide for his unparalleled talent. However, a keen observer will notice that Sellers always seemed to be acting, even during interviews. This raises the question: who was Peter Sellers?

Sellers once remarked, "I could never be myself; you see, there is no 'me.' I do not exist." While it's clear that this statement was not meant to be taken literally, it hints at a loss of identity. Exploring the true essence of Peter Sellers is a challenging task, and when we finally uncover it, we discover a persona entirely different from the comedic characters he portrayed on screen.

Sellers enjoyed a life of celebrity, with a succession of beautiful wives, immense wealth, luxurious motor cars, expensive yachts, and a house in Mayfair. However, despite his material possessions, he was plagued by self-doubt and an unquenchable desire for success. In an attempt to find fulfillment, Sellers resorted to superstition, clairvoyance, and drugs to navigate his daily life.

Despite his worldwide fame as Inspector Clouseau, many consider the film "Being There," in which he played the character Chance, a gardener, as his masterpiece. The film, in fact, serves as a damning indictment of the false god of materialism. Sellers' obsession with the character of Chance suggests that this was the kind of person he aspired to be and wished he had been.

In conclusion, Peter Sellers was a complex and enigmatic individual whose life and career were marked by both comedic brilliance and personal struggles. While he may have lost his sense of identity, his legacy as a comedic genius and his profound impact on film and society continue to be celebrated.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526786838