Peter Falk, the American actor famous for his role in the TV detective series Columbo, has died at the age of 83.
Falk's lawyer said he died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home on Thursday evening. The actor had reportedly been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in Columbo, which ran from 1971 to 2003. Lieutenant Columbo became well known for his shabby raincoat and his killer catchphrase: "One more thing âĶ"
As a child, Falk's right eye had been surgically removed because of a malignant tumor, and was replaced with a glass eye.
But the handicap became Columbo's physical trademark and enhanced the detective's image as a dishevelled and oddball crime sleuth.
Falk, who was born in New York City, began his career on the stage and appeared in community theatre and Broadway productions before moving to Hollywood.
He also starred in The Princess Bride and Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire. Falk received Oscar nominations for Murder, Inc, his breakout film role, and Pocketful of Miracles.
He last appeared in the feature film American Cowslip in 2009.
He is survived by Shera, his wife of 34 years, and two daughters Catherine and Jackie, from a previous marriage.
Falk's lawyer said he died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home on Thursday evening. The actor had reportedly been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in Columbo, which ran from 1971 to 2003. Lieutenant Columbo became well known for his shabby raincoat and his killer catchphrase: "One more thing âĶ"
As a child, Falk's right eye had been surgically removed because of a malignant tumor, and was replaced with a glass eye.
But the handicap became Columbo's physical trademark and enhanced the detective's image as a dishevelled and oddball crime sleuth.
Falk, who was born in New York City, began his career on the stage and appeared in community theatre and Broadway productions before moving to Hollywood.
He also starred in The Princess Bride and Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire. Falk received Oscar nominations for Murder, Inc, his breakout film role, and Pocketful of Miracles.
He last appeared in the feature film American Cowslip in 2009.
He is survived by Shera, his wife of 34 years, and two daughters Catherine and Jackie, from a previous marriage.
