Blake Edwards
1922-2010

December 15, 2010

Legendary writer-director Blake Edwards passed away this morning at age 88. The filmmaker was regarded as a modern master of contemporary film comedy and will be remembered through his more than 50 movies, including THE PINK PANTHER series, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES and 10.

Beyond his films, Blake was a dedicated humanitarian. Operation USA owes an enormous debt to his generosity—and 31 years of friendship and support. Blake and his wife Julie Andrews underwrote Operation USA’s first relief flight to Cambodia in 1979—allowing OpUSA to send medical supplies to hundreds of thousands of Cambodians in need. Helping form the Board of Operation California—the then fledgling relief agency that has grown into today’s Operation USA—Blake and Julie were instrumental in shaping the agency that has now worked in over 100 countries.

Blake never hesitated to advocate on OpUSA’s behalf. From his role in creating our first large fundraiser—the CBS-TV 2-hour special, “Because We Care” in 1980; to donating the proceeds from a gallery show of his own paintings this spring to support Operation USA’s recent work in Haiti.

Blake’s irreverent humor—and unyielding support—will be greatly missed by all at Operation USA.

Honor Blake Edward’s Legacy