Peter Falk’s portrayal of the rumpled, trench-coat-wearing detective Columbo remains one of the most memorable characters in television history. With his ever-present cigar and unassuming demeanor, Falk’s character had a knack for catching even the most cunning criminals with just “one nagging detail.”
The show dominated prime-time television throughout the 1970s and continued intermittently from the late 1980s until 2003. Unlike other TV detectives of the era, Columbo turned the stereotype on its head—portraying a scruffy, blue-collar investigator who often outsmarted the wealthiest and most influential offenders.
Emmy-Winning Career
Peter Falk’s performance as Columbo earned him widespread acclaim and four Emmy Awards, cementing his status as a television legend. Beyond the show, he also built a remarkable Hollywood career.
Born in New York, Falk overcame a childhood battle with retinoblastoma, which required the surgical removal of his right eye at age three. The prosthetic eye gave him his signature squint, but it never held him back from sports or acting ambitions.
Falk’s early career included standout roles in Murder, Inc. (1960) as gangster Abe Reles, earning his first Academy Award nomination, and Pocketful of Miracles (1961) alongside Bette Davis, which brought another nomination. By the time Columbo made him a household name, he was also one of the highest-paid TV actors, reportedly earning $250,000 per episode.
Personal Life and Marriages
Falk married his college sweetheart, Alyce Mayo, in 1960 after a 12-year courtship at Syracuse University. Together, they adopted two daughters, Catherine and Jackie. While Alyce reportedly tolerated his infidelities for some time, their marriage ended after 16 years.
Catherine Falk has spoken publicly about her complicated relationship with her father, particularly after his marriage to actress Shera Danese. She alleged that she was kept away from her father’s home and even filed a lawsuit regarding unpaid college expenses.
“My father’s second wife made it difficult for him to feel free,” Catherine told Inside Edition in 2011. “We weren’t allowed in his house, and that created a lot of tension.”
Health Struggles and Later Life
Peter Falk’s later years were overshadowed by health challenges. He battled Alzheimer’s disease, which worsened after hip surgery in 2008, and he also faced the long-term effects of childhood retinoblastoma. By the end of his life, he reportedly “couldn’t remember” his iconic role as Columbo.
Falk passed away peacefully at his Beverly Hills home in June 2011 at the age of 83. Pneumonia, compounded by complications from Alzheimer’s disease, was cited as the cause of death.
Legacy
Despite personal struggles, Falk left an enduring mark on Hollywood. Steven Spielberg, reflecting on Falk’s influence, said:
“I learned more about acting from him at that early stage of my career than I had from anyone else.”
His daughters praised his wisdom and humor, though Catherine revealed she never got the chance to say goodbye and only learned of his passing hours later. Legal representatives confirmed that Falk’s final resting arrangements were made solely by him and Shera Danese.
Peter Falk’s talent, perseverance, and unforgettable portrayal of Columbo continue to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide. He remains a legendary figure in television history, a true Hollywood icon whose work will not be forgotten.