Who played Inspector Clouseau in the original "Pink Panther" films?

Peter Sellers (1925–1980) was an English actor and comedian. Chief Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series is one of his many film roles through which he became known to a worldwide audience.

The Pink Panther is an American media franchise primarily focusing on a series of comedy-mystery films featuring a French police detective, Inspector Jacques Clouseau. The franchise began with the release of the classic Pink Panther film in 1963. The first film got its name from a pink diamond refered to as the Pink Panther. When viewed closely, it is said that the flaw at the diamond's center resembles a leaping pink panther.

The role of Clouseau was originated by and is most closely associated with Peter Sellers. Most of the films were written and directed by Blake Edwards, with theme music composed by Henry Mancini. Elements and characters inspired by the films were adapted into other media, including books, comic books, video games and animated series. The franchise is often represented by the Pink Panther animated character.