Apr. 6, 1964 - Peter Sellers (pictured with wife Britt Ekland in February) suffered a “moderate” heart attack today and was taken to Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Hollywood, where was reported in “fair condition.”
The 36-year-old British actor was stricken at his home shortly before noon. His wife, the Swedish actress Britt Ekland, accompanied him to the hospital.
“It’s a moderate coronary attack,” said Dr. Rexford Kennamer, a cardiologist, “but indications are that he will be in the hospital for several weeks.”
Mr. Sellers, one of Europe’s best-known actors, came to Hollywood for the filming of “Kiss Me, Stupid,” a Billy Wilder film in which he stars with Dean Martin and Kim Novak. Spokesmen for the Mirisch Corporation, the producer, said a decision would be made later on the movie’s future.
A veteran of many English films, Sellers was not known to have previously suffered from a heart condition.
An associate said: “He’s worked on five pictures in the last year — a pretty grueling pace.” Sellers and Miss Eklund were married in a civil ceremony in Guilford, England, Feb. 19, four weeks after they met.
Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s