The mask behind the mask: A life of Peter Sellers

by Peter Evans

. 1980 Signet, light tanning

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

238 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Enrique Martinez]

Estupendo. Peter Evans, aun siendo un amigo cercano de Sellers, no tiene miedo de pintarle, la mayoría de las veces, como una aborrecible, excéntrica y penosa celebridad.

Su caso fue sin duda el peor que ha habido, en toda la historia, de un actor con interpretaciones consistentemente mejores que las películas en las que aparecía. Esto no excusa su comportamiento, pero hace creíble la tristeza y desapego que Sellers mostró durante gran parte de su vida, sensaciones que Evans retrata con la destreza de un cirujano.

Siempre me han interesado las historias de genios. Creo que la de Sellers es la más trágica de todas.

[Sarah Sammis]

I learned a lot about both Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan (bonus). I realize I have seen barely any of Sellers's films. I know him best for his role as Inspect Clouseau. My father was a huge fan of Sellers and took me to see all of his Clouseau films. Having now read his biography I can see a certain kinship between Sellers and my father. Both were rather depressed, insular people with well meaning but overly ambitious (and nagging) mothers and both never quite recovered from the divorce from their first wife.

[Laurie]

Fascinating read about Peter Sellers' personality and his life up until 1968. Unfortunately this book doesn't take into account the Pink Panther movies as they were made later. Told using interviews with Peter Sellers' friends and family, I found the book to be very revealing and entertaining.

[Tor]

Writing a good biography is extremely difficult. Kudos to this one on focusing on the psyche of Sellers then. Different but unforgettable.

[Conrad frankel]

good insights into his twisted psyche...