Crumpled-coat, cigar-smoking Columbo became one of TV’s most iconic detectives, always catching criminals with “one last detail.” The show dominated the ’70s and continued into the 2000s, and Peter Falk’s brilliant portrayal earned him four Emmys.
Falk redefined TV detectives by playing a scruffy, working-class genius who outsmarted the wealthy and powerful. But behind the fame, authors of Beyond Columbo say he lived a rougher private life, drinking heavily and struggling as a husband and father.
Falk lost his right eye at age three and wore a prosthetic for life, which added to his signature squint. Despite this, he played sports, joked about his glass eye, and went on to earn Oscar nominations for Murder, Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles. At his peak, he was TV’s highest-paid actor.
His personal life was more troubled. His first marriage to Alyce Mayo ended after 16 years, though they adopted two daughters together, Catherine and Jackie. Catherine later had a strained relationship with Falk and accused his second wife, Shera Danese, of keeping her away from him.
Falk died in 2011 at age 83 from pneumonia and complications of Alzheimer’s, no longer remembering his famous role. Hollywood paid tribute, with Steven Spielberg praising him as an early mentor. Catherine said she never got to say goodbye, while Shera maintained that Falk’s final days were private.