PETER FALK PASSES

 

Actor Peter Falk, known to millions as the rumpled star of television crime drama "Columbo," has died, KTLA.com reports. The actor was 83.

He reportedly was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Falk first played Lieutenant Columbo (his first name was never clearly announced, though one badge image lists it as "Frank") in a 1968 TV movie. Its popularity led to a second film and then to the series, which ran from 1971 to 1978. Even after the show was cancelled, Falk would play the laid-back detective in "Columbo" TV movies.

Falk also starred in 1965's "The Great Race," 1963's "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World," and played the grandfather and narrator in 1987's "The Princess Bride," with a young Fred Savage as his grandson.