Peter Falk - The heart and soul of Columbo

Peter Michael Falk, born on September 16, 1927, in New York City, was an actor whose portrayal of the beloved detective Lieutenant Columbo left an indelible mark on television history. Falk's journey to becoming Columbo was as unique and compelling as the character he brought to life.

Peter Falk was born to Michael and Madeline Falk, both of whom were Jewish. At the tender age of three, Falk faced a significant challenge when he lost his right eye to retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer. Despite this, he never let his disability hinder his ambitions. He wore an artificial eye, which contributed to his distinctive squint, a feature that would later become a part of his iconic Columbo persona.

Falk's early aspirations were far from Hollywood. He graduated from Ossining High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the New School for Social Research in New York City. He also obtained a Master's degree in Public Administration from Syracuse University. Before diving into acting, Falk worked as a management analyst for the Connecticut State Budget Bureau.

Catching The Acting Bug

Peter Falk's passion for acting was ignited during his time at the Budget Bureau. He began taking acting classes with renowned teachers such as Eva Le Gallienne and Sanford Meisner. His first break came on Broadway in 1956, and he soon transitioned to television and film, earning critical acclaim for his roles in "Murder, Inc." (1960) and "Pocketful of Miracles" (1961), both of which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

Becoming Columbo

Falk's most iconic role came in 1968 when he first donned the rumpled trench coat of Lieutenant Columbo in a TV movie. The character, known for his seemingly absent-minded demeanor and relentless pursuit of the truth, resonated deeply with audiences. The success of the TV movie led to the creation of the "Columbo" series, which aired from 1971 to 1978 and was revived from 1989 to 2003. Falk's portrayal earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

Peter Falk's journey to becoming Lieutenant Columbo is a fascinating story of serendipity and talent.

Initially, the role of Columbo was not intended for Falk. The character first appeared in a 1960 play titled "Prescription: Murder," where he was portrayed by Thomas Mitchell. The role of Columbo was portrayed again by Bert Freed in the 1960 Chevy Mystery Movie presentation of "Enough Rope".

This was basically just the stage version of Prescription Murder, broadcast on TV.

When the play was adapted into a TV movie in 1968, the producers initially considered Bing Crosby for the role. However, Crosby declined, preferring to spend his time on the golf course rather than commit to a television series.

Falk, who had already made a name for himself with two Academy Award nominations and an Emmy win, was approached next. Despite some initial hesitation from the network executives, who were unsure about casting Falk due to his unconventional looks and his glass eye, Falk's audition won them over. His unique portrayal of Columbo, with his rumpled trench coat, unlit cigar, and seemingly disorganized manner, brought a fresh and engaging twist to the detective genre.

Falk's interpretation of Columbo was a masterclass in subtlety and nuance. He played the character as a seemingly bumbling and absent-minded detective who, in reality, was incredibly sharp and observant. This contrast made Columbo a beloved character, and Falk's performance earned him widespread acclaim and multiple awards.

The success of the initial TV movie led to the creation of the "Columbo" series, which aired from 1971 to 1978 and was later revived from 1989 to 2003. Falk's portrayal of Columbo became iconic, and he remained deeply connected to the character throughout his career.

In his later years, Falk continued to act in both film and television, with memorable roles in "The Princess Bride" (1987) and "Wings of Desire" (1987). 

Personal Life

We may never have met Mrs. Columbo, but in real life Peter Falk was married twice. His first marriage to Alyce Mayo in 1960 ended in divorce in 1976. They had two daughters, Catherine and Jackie. In 1977, Falk married Shera Danese, who appeared in several "Columbo" episodes. Their marriage lasted until his death in 2011.

Sadly, Falk was diagnosed with dementia in 2008, which was later attributed to Alzheimer's disease. He passed away on June 23, 2011, at the age of 83.