What's After the Movie
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.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Peter Falk, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Peter Falk rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: Peter Michael Falk
Born: The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: September 16, 1927
Occupations: Actor, Singer, Author
Years Active: 1956-2009
Children: 2
Spouses: Alyce Mayo, Shera Danese
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Peter Falk
A Woman Under the Influence
Wings of Desire
The Great Race
The Thing About My Folks
Lakeboat
Mikey and Nicky
Murder by Death
Corky Romano
Faraway, So Close!
Husbands
The In-Laws
Big Trouble
The Brink's Job
My Darling Vivian
And the Oscar Goes To…
A Storm in Summer
Hubert’s Brain
A Constant Forge
A Town Without Christmas
Peter Falk Versus Columbo
NBC 75th Anniversary Special
Finding John Christmas
Three Days to Vegas
Wilder Days
When Angels Come to Town
Edge of Outside
In the Spirit
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
Wings of Desire: The Angels Among Us
Tune in Tomorrow…
…All the Marbles
Night of 100 Stars
The Lost World
I Love Liberty
Happy New Year
Vibes
Arena - John Cassavetes
Telephone for Lieutenant Columbo
Cookie
Something a Little Less Serious: A Tribute to ‘It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World’
Cookie
Brigadoon
The Sunshine Boys
The Secret of the Purple Reef
The World of Jim Henson
The Cheap Detective
Castle Keep
Scared Straight!
Attack and Retreat
Money Kings
Griffin and Phoenix
Pronto
Machine Gun McCain
Operation Snafu
Anything for John
Wind Across the Everglades
The Balcony
Roommates
Pocketful of Miracles
Penelope
Ashes to Ashes
Robin and the 7 Hoods
Pressure Point
A Step Out of Line
Prescription: Murder
Luv
American Cowslip
The Muppets Go Hollywood
The Making of ‘Husbands’
The Bloody Brood
Frank Capra’s American Dream
Char·ac·ter
Pretty Boy Floyd
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Peter Falk, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
2003
Finding John Christmas
Max
Wilder Days
James 'Pop Up' Morse
Wings of Desire: The Angels Among Us
Self
1991
Something a Little Less Serious: A Tribute to ‘It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World’
Self (archive footage)
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