STAR SELECTION
We have a whole host of Hollywood stars and big names on Movies 24. Now's your chance to find out a bit more about them in our Star Selection.
PETER FALK
It’s almost impossible to hear the name Peter Falk and not think of the shabby but brilliant Lieutenant Columbo. The cigar chomping, raincoat wearing detective is surely one of the most iconic characters in television history, but how much do you real know about the man behind the mac? Read on for our top ten facts about the life and career of Peter Falk.
•Born on the 16th September 1927 in New York, to Jewish parents of Eastern European origin, not Italian as many believe.
•One of his trademarks as Lt. Columbo was the vacant gaze, which came from the fact that he has had a glass eye in his right socket since the age of three.
•The aspiring young actor made his first appearance on the stage at the age of 12 in a school theatre production of The Pirates of Penzance.
•He gained a masters degree in Public Administration in 1953.
•He has been married twice and has two children, Catherine and Jackie.
•The Columbo series and movies have spanned an incredible 35 years. The first time audiences were introduced to the now unmistakable Columbo was in the one off TV movie Prescription: Murder (1968), and most recently the slightly greyer and more wrinkled, but no less astute Lt. Columbo was seen in Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003). In total Falk has starred in no fewer than 69 Columbo mysteries.
•Friends with the legendary independent filmmaker John Cassavetes with whom he made three films; Husbands, A Woman Under the Influence, and Opening Night.
•Following the massive success of Columbo Falk found it difficult to create a name for himself that wasn’t associated with the shabby detective. Perhaps his most memorable role outside of Columbo was as the grandfather/narrator in cult fantasy movie The Princess Bride.
•He has won 5 Emmy awards throughout his acting career, 4 of which were for playing Columbo. Also earned best supporting actor Academy Award nominations for the films Murder, Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles.
•In his spare time Falk is a keen artist. He works from his studio in Beverly Hills and examples of his impressive work can be seen on his official website.
Find out when the next Columbo movie is on Movies 24
|
|