Actor Peter Falk (R) gets some help with his script from actress Hilary Swank as he presents a contribution from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association during their annual Installation luncheon in Beverly Hills, California August 9, 2007.
Actor Peter Falk (R) gets some help with his script from actress Hilary Swank as he presents a contribution from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association during their annual Installation luncheon in Beverly Hills, California August 9, 2007. Reuters

Peter Falk, the actor best known for his role as the raincoat-wearing detective in Columbo died at the age of 83.

A family spokesman told Los Angeles radio news station KNX 1070 that the actor has passed.

The New York-born actor won four Emy Awards as Lt. Frank Columbo. His character was an absent-minded detective who was often underestimated by many of his foes.

He started his career as an actor in a community theater in Connecticut. He later moved to New York to pursue a professional acting career. When he first decided to move to the big city, he was advised not to because he would face many obstacles because of his glass eye. According to People.com, Faulk's right eye was surgically removed at age 3 due to a tumor.

Falk's big break came in 1960 when he landed a role in the gangster film Murder Inc. In his autobiography Faulk called that movie a miracle that made my career.

He later won an Emmy for his role in The Dick Powell Theater.

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