Herbert Lom (Czech pronunciation: [ɦɛrbɛrt lom]; 11 September 1917 – 27 September 2012) was a Czech-born British film and television actor who moved to the United Kingdom in 1939. In a career lasting more than 60 years he appeared in character roles, usually portraying villains early in his career and professional men in later years.Lom's English was noted for a precise, elegant delivery. He is best known for his roles in The Ladykillers and The Pink Panther film series.
[on Alec Guinness] I remember Alec teaching me not to rehearse too much. Because I am a bit of a pedestrian, I like to rehearse until I know it all backwards. That was my school, but Alec taught me. He said, "If you know too much about it, it ceases to be fun."
2
[on Alexander Mackendrick] He had a charming habit of losing his temper very frequently, but exclusively with the bosses, never with his cast.
3
In English eyes, all foreigners are sinister.
4
For one of my scenes, the Hammer people wanted me to smash my head against a stone pillar, because they said they couldn't afford one made of rubber. I refused to beat my head against stone, of course.
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You know, I always do my best, no matter the quality of the film.
6
Asylum (1972) was good exposure for me and it is still shown quite often on television. I remember the special effects people had fun making a little doll that looked like me - which is not so easy - and it had to move along the floor.
7
Peter Sellers was always a mixed-up guy, a childish fellow. But if you're fond of children, you're also fond of childish men. He was always very helpful to me. After he was famous and when I was still in trouble with the US embassy, he wrote a letter in support of me which was magnificent. But it is true that he was very cruel to his children. He was so hurt by the way children treat you when you're their father. I have been hurt by my children. But he was not in possession of a proper brain when it came to these things.
$6 Million
