Theater News

Actor Peter Falk Has Died

Peter Falk
(© peterfalk.com)
Peter Falk
(© peterfalk.com)

Actor Peter Falk has died following a long bout with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to published reports. He was 83.

Falk appeared on Broadway in the original production of Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue, which also starred Lee Grant. His other Broadway credits include The Passion of Josef D, Diary of a Scoundrel, and Saint Joan. Among his other New York credits are The Iceman Cometh, Don Juan, and The Lady’s Not for Burning off-Broadway.

The actor is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the police detective Columbo, a role which earned him four Emmy awards and an additional six nominations. He also won an Emmy Award for The Dick Powell Theatre and received a nomination for The Law and Mrs. Jones.

Falk received Academy Award nominations for his performances in the films Murder Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles. Among his many other movies are The Princess Bride, A Woman Under the Influence, Wings of Desire, The Cheap Detective, and Murder by Death.

He is survived by a wife and two daughters.