BWW Remembers Peter Falk; Passes Away at 83

Stage and screen star Peter Falk passed away in his Beverly Hills home yesterday, June 23. He was 83 years old. As stated by his rep, "Peter Falk is survived by his wife, Shera, of 34 years and two daughters from a previous marriage."

Falk was perhaps best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series Columbo. He appeared in numerous films and television guest roles, and has been nominated for an Academy Award twice (for 1960's Murder, Inc. and 1961's Pocketful of Miracles), and won the Emmy Award on five occasions (four for Columbo) and the Golden Globe award once.

Falk starred in the Off-Broadway production of Molière's Dom Juan at the Fourth Street Theatre that closed after its only performance on January 3, 1956. Falk played the second lead, Sganarelle. His next theater role proved far better for his career. In May he appeared at Circle in the Square in a revival of The Iceman Cometh with Jason Robards, playing the bartender.

Falk made his Broadway debut also in 1956, appearing in Alexander Ostrovsky's Diary of a Scoundrel. As the year came to an end, he appeared again on Broadway as an English soldier in Shaw's Saint Joan, with Siobhán McKenna. 

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.