Peter Falk

Peter Michael Falk (September 16, 1927 – June 23, 2011) was an American film and television actor, singer and television director and producer. Best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo on the NBC/ABC series Columbo (1968–1978, 1989–2003), he won four Primetime Emmy Awards (1972, 1975, 1976, 1990) and a Golden Globe Award (1973) for his performance. In 1996, TV Guide listed Falk 21st on its 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time list. He received a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013. Despite his major recognition for TV work, Falk was also twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for Murder, Inc. (1960) and Pocketful of Miracles (1961). He was the first actor to be nominated for an Academy Award and an Emmy Award in the same year, achieving the feat twice (1961 and 1962). Falk was also known for his collaborations with filmmaker, actor, and personal friend John Cassavetes.

Peter Falk was born in The Bronx, New York City, where he also spent his early life. His right eye was surgically removed when he was three because of a retinoblastoma. Despite this setback, he participated in team sports, mainly baseball and basketball. Falk first appeared on the stage at age 12, and notably starred as Columbo in two "World Premiere" TV pilots. Though he didn't limit his career to the stage or TV, he also appeared in films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), The Great Race (1965), and The Princess Bride (1987). Falk also pursued a career in the arts and had an exhibition of his drawings at the Butler Institute of American Art.