Peter Falk

About

Peter Falk was an American actor, best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series "Columbo". He was born on September 16, 1927, in New York City and began his acting career on stage before moving to television and film. Falk received two Emmy Awards for his iconic role in "Columbo" and was also known for his roles in films like "The Princess Bride" and "A Woman Under the Influence". Throughout his career, he demonstrated a remarkable range, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles. Falk continued to act until his health began to decline, and he passed away on June 23, 2011.

Associated With

Peter Falk, best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Columbo in the TV series "Columbo," had widespread connections within the film and TV industry. As an actor, he collaborated with many noteworthy directors and actors. In cinema, he worked with the eminent director John Cassavetes, featuring in films such as "Husbands" and "A Woman Under the Influence." He also acted alongside Alan Arkin in "The In-Laws" and under the direction of Wim Wenders in the film "Wings of Desire." In his personal life, Falk was married to Shera Danese, an actress who appeared in multiple episodes of "Columbo." Despite his extensive career, it's his role as the disheveled but shrewd detective that highlighted his collaborative relationships the most, as "Columbo" brought together a broad roster of prominent guest stars.

Career Highlights

• 1958: Peter Falk began his acting career on stage appearing in classic plays like The Iceman Cometh.
• 1960: Falk earned his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting ActorA performer who portrays a character in a film, television show, theater, or other dramatic producti... in Murder Inc.
• 1961: He received his second Oscars nomination for his outstanding performance in the movie Pocketful of Miracles.
• 1962: Falk won his first Emmy Award for his guest role in 'The Price of Tomatoes' episode of The Dick Powell Show.
• 1971: His significant breakthrough came in his career as he started playing the iconic role of Lieutenant Columbo in TV series 'Columbo', which became a major hit and earned him a vast audience and respect in the industry.
• 1972: Peter won his second Emmy for his leading role in Columbo.
• 1975: He once again received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a DramaA genre that focuses on character development and an emotional narrative, often exploring complex re... Series for Columbo.
• 1976: Falk was awarded the distinguished Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for his performance in Columbo.
• 1989: He received his final Emmy Award for Columbo, proving his towering presence in the industry.
• 1991: An exceptional achievement came when he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• 2006: His autobiographical book, 'Just One More Thing' got published where he shared his experiences and stories from his life and acting career.
• 2011: The legendary actor passed away on June 23, but left an indelible mark in both the film and television industry.

Notable Awards

• Peter Falk, best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series "Columbo," won numerous awards throughout his career, including:
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Columbo" in 1972, 1975, 1976 and 1990.
• Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for "Columbo" in 1973.
• Lifetime Achievement Award at the Rome Film Festival in 2007.
• Star on the Walk of Fame - Television in 1991.
• He also received multiple nominations, including Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in the films "Murder, Inc." and "Pocketful of Miracles."

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Peter Falk Movie/TV Show?

Peter Falk is perhaps most popularly acknowledged for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the long-running television series "Columbo." Falk portrayed the iconic title character from 1971 to 2003, earning him four Primetime Emmy Awards. His unique, engaging portrayal of the deceptively shrewd detective won over audiences and critics alike, ultimately cementing "Columbo" as an integral part of TV crimeA genre of literature, film, and television that focuses on the dramatization of crime, its detectio... drama history and making it Peter Falk's most widely recognized and beloved role.

How Did Peter Falk Get Famous?

Peter Falk, an American actor, gained fame primarily for his portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo on the detective series "Columbo". Falk’s performance as the unassuming and seemingly absent-minded detective successfully captivated audiences, leading to multiple Emmy AwardsAnnual awards recognizing excellence in the television industry, presented by the Academy of Televis.... Although he had a vast and varied acting career in stage plays, films, and other television series, it was this iconic role that launched him into stardom and made him a household name. Falk’s ability to bring uniquely human elements to his characters, coupled with his distinctive voice and persona, solidified his fame and enduring legacy in the world of show business.