The crumpled raincoat-wearing detective ‘Columbo’ is among the most iconic TV detectives of our era; he consistently kept us on the edge of our seats.
Just when you thought the villain might escape justice, the cigar-smoking super sleuth would appear with just “one nagging detail” that he couldn’t ignore.
Throughout the 70s, the show was a staple of prime-time television and was aired less frequently from the late 80s until 2003.
For years, TV detectives were always a step above the criminal masterminds they chased, but Columbo flipped that stereotype by being a clever yet scruffy blue-collar homicide detective who outsmarted the most powerful and affluent criminals.
The beloved detective, who became a household name worldwide, earned actor Peter Falk four Emmy awards for his performance on the show.
However, behind all the accolades and fame, there was another side to Peter Falk. At least, that’s what authors Richard Lertzman and William Birnes suggest in their biography “Beyond Columbo.”
According to the authors, the book provides a detailed exploration of the actor’s life, his historical significance, and his artistic journey.
“He drank and smoked constantly, enjoyed partying with his friends, and was a habitual womanizer. He was a neglectful husband and an absent father.
Marriage
At the age of just three, Falk underwent surgery to remove his right eye because of retinoblastoma, and he spent much of his life with a prosthetic eye. This artificial eye also contributed to his distinctive squint.
Regardless of this challenge, he actively participated in team sports as a child, particularly enjoying baseball and basketball.
In a 1997 interview with Cigar Aficionado, Falk reminisced about a notable high school experience: “I remember once in high school the umpire called me out at third base when I was convinced I was safe. I got so furious that I took out my glass eye, handed it to him, and said, ‘Try this.’ The laughter that followed was unbelievable.”
Falk achieved his significant breakthrough in 1960 with Murder, Inc, an American gangster film where his portrayal of the ruthless killer Abe Reles earned him an Academy Award nomination.
The next year, he appeared alongside Bette Davis in Pocketful of Miracles, which also led to another Academy Award nomination.
Many consider him one of the most iconic stars of his time. Earning approximately $250,000 per episode of Columbo, Falk was the highest-paid actor on television during that period.
However, his family life was not as fulfilling.
In 1960, the actor married his college sweetheart, Alyce Mayo, for the first time. They met at Syracuse University, where both Peter and Alyce were students. It took them quite some time to finally get married, as they dated for 12 years before tying the knot on April 17, 1960.
Alyce Mayo, who worked as a designer, was said to have overlooked her husband’s infidelities, but after 16 years, she reached her limit.
Falk and Alyce adopted two daughters together, Catherine and Jackie. Jackie Falk occasionally appeared at press events with her father but later chose to step away from the limelight.
Catherine, who pursued a career as a private investigator, had a tumultuous relationship with Peter and even took legal action against him when he allegedly ceased to cover her college expenses.
“I believe that many people perceive me as a money-hungry daughter, merely seeking my father for financial gain,” Catherine shared with Inside Edition in 2011.
Catherine explained that her relationship with her father became increasingly complex after he wed his new wife, actress Shera Danese.
“My father was married to someone who made it very challenging for him to feel liberated. We were not permitted to visit his home,” Catherine remarked.
The tension between Catherine and Shera Danese would soon escalate.
Peter Falk cause of death
Tragically, the New York-born actor known for his distinctive squint passed away in June 2011 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His death was mainly attributed to pneumonia, alongside complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
As per his doctor Stephen Read, the actor’s dementia and evident Alzheimer’s disease deteriorated following hip surgery in 2008, and he could no longer recall portraying the iconic detective ‘Columbo’.
The actor also faced Retinoblastoma, a rare cancer, at the tender age of three, resulting in the loss of one eye; he subsequently wore a prosthetic eye and was advised by an agent to not expect much acting work due to this.
Peter Falk passed away peacefully at his home in Beverly Hills at the age of 83. Tributes began to flow in, with the legendary Steven Spielberg expressing his admiration by stating: “I learned more about acting from him at that early stage of my career than I had from anyone else.”
His daughters expressed that they would cherish his “wisdom and humor” – however, Catherine mentioned that she never had the opportunity to say goodbye to her father. In a conversation with Inside Edition, Falk’s eldest daughter revealed that she was kept away from her father during his last years and only learned of his death hours later.
She made several accusations against his new wife – however, Shera replied through her lawyer, Troy Martin.
“Peter’s final resting place is solely about Peter, not Catherine, his estranged adopted daughter,” he remarked.
A remarkable talent taken by such a merciless illness. He captivated millions globally with his outstanding portrayal of this disheveled detective.
