The Man Who Stares At Screens is deeply saddened to learn of the death of screen legend Peter Falk, best known for playing iconic television detective Columbo. Mr Falk's lawyer reported that he had died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home yesterday evening, he was aged 83 and had been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Falk started his acting career on the stage, but was warned by his agent not to expect much screen work due to his glass eye, which he had worn from the age of three after his right eye was removed due to a retinoblastoma. Despite this Falk went on to win five Emmy's (four for Columbo), one Golden Globe and received two Academy Award nominations and win over an army of fans both within the industry and amongst the public.
He also starred in one of The Man Who Stares At Screens own favourite films, Wim Wenders' Wings of Desire in which he plays an angel who chose to become mortal, a role that seemed somehow very fitting for this most humble yet endearing of actors. Here's a clip of Peter Falk's performance in that movie, one of my favourite scenes and a fine example of the man's acting skills for those who may not be aware of the gentle genius of the man in the dirty mac. RIP.
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