Biography
Peter Michael Falk was an American actor and comedian. He is best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the television series Columbo (1968–2003), which earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Falk was twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for Murder, Inc. (1960) and Pocketful of Miracles (1961). He is also known for his collaborations with filmmaker and actor John Cassavetes in films such as: Husbands (1970), A Woman Under the Influence ...
Known For
Complete Filmography
My Darling Vivian
2020
as Self (archive footage)
The story of Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash's first wife and the mother of his four daughters. Includes never-before-seen footage and photographs of John...
Peter Falk Versus Columbo
2019
as Self (archive footage)
For millions of viewers, Peter Falk is Columbo. Despite playing the quintessential blue-collar TV detective of the '70s and '80s, his early career is ...
Arthur Miller: Writer
2017
as Self (archive footage)
One of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, Arthur Miller created such celebrated works as Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, which contin...
Lost Case
2014
as Columbo (archive footage)
A completely new story based on existing footage from the series Columbo.
And the Oscar Goes To...
2014
as Self (archive footage)
The story of the gold-plated statuette that became the film industry's most coveted prize, AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... traces the history of the Academy ...
Char·ac·ter
2012
as Self
A raw and candid dialogue about the life and craft of acting between longtime colleagues and friends Dabney Coleman, Peter Falk, Charles Grodin, Mark ...
American Cowslip
2009
as Father Randolph
In Blythe, California, a small town in the remote California desert, Ethan Inglebrink is an eccentric, agoraphobic heroin addict who is obsessed with ...
Next
2007
as Irv
Las Vegas showroom magician Cris Johnson has a secret which torments him: he can see a few minutes into the future. Sick of the examinations he underw...
Three Days to Vegas
2007
as Gus 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald
Four grumpy old men go on a road trip from their retired life in Florida to the excitement of Las Vegas in order to stop one of their daughters from m...
Edge of Outside
2006
as Self
An hour-long documentary designed to celebrate the spirit of the independent filmmaker from D.W. Griffith to Quentin Tarantino. Interview footage and ...
The Thing About My Folks
2005
as Sam Kleinman
Ben's dad Sam shows up one night with a note from Ben's mother (Sam's wife of 46 years), that she has left. While Ben's wife and his three sisters try...
Checking Out
2005
as Morris Applebaum
A feisty octogenarian on the verge of his ninetieth birthday invites his three grown children to his upcoming birthday celebration with the explicit u...
When Angels Come to Town
2004
as Max
Max, an angel in exile, walks around the United States to help humans. In a small town in Maine, he meets a young woman without a family named Sally. ...
Shark Tale
2004
as Don Feinberg (voice)
Oscar is a small fish whose big aspirations often get him into trouble. Meanwhile, Lenny is a great white shark with a surprising secret that no sea c...
Finding John Christmas
2003
as Max
When a photojournalist photographs a mysterious stranger performing an act of bravery, the act quickly becomes headline news and the town dubs the str...
Wilder Days
2003
as James 'Pop Up' Morse
Quixotic old codger James "Pop Up" Morse (Peter Falk) enjoys spinning colorful yarns for his 11-year-old grandson, Chris (Josh Hutcherson). But the bo...
Wings of Desire: The Angels Among Us
2003
as Self
This is a documentary about the making of "Wings of Desire" (1987). The director, writer, actors, composer and other contributors speak at length and ...
Undisputed
2002
as Mendy Ripstein
Monroe Hutchens is the heavyweight champion of Sweetwater, a maximum security prison. He was convicted to a life sentence due to a passionate crime. I...
Three Days of Rain
2002
as Waldo
Six Anton Chekhov short stories set in modern day Cleveland during a three day rain storm.
NBC 75th Anniversary Special
2002
as Self
A celebration of NBC's 75 year history, featuring clips of special moments.
The Lost World
2001
as Theo Kerr
This Lost World is a splendid BBC TV dramatisation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous adventure story. Bob Hoskins makes an unusually genial Professor...
A Town Without Christmas
2001
as Max
In the small town of Seacliff, Wash., a child's letter to Santa Claus captures the nation's attention. When the little boy, Chris, writes that he wish...
Corky Romano
2001
as Francis A. 'Pops' Romano
Corky Romano is a bumbling, simpleton, veterinarian and the youngest, outcast son of an aging gangster, named Pops Romano, who calls upon Corky to inf...
Made
2001
as Max
Two aspiring boxers and lifelong friends get involved in a money-laundering scheme through a low-level organized crime group.
Hubert's Brain
2001
as Bailey (voice)
It tells the story of a science geek who befriends a talking brain-in-a-jar.
Enemies of Laughter
2000
as Paul's Father
Nerdy-looking Paul is a neurotic, failed sitcom writer, with a lackluster love life. But his best pal has an idea that might turn things around when h...
Lakeboat
2000
as Pierman
A college student befriends various crew members while working a summer internship at sea.
A Storm in Summer
2000
as Abel Shaddick
Set in 1969, Abel Shaddick, a crotchety deli owner, has a grudge against virtually everyone in his upstate New York town of Fairview, particularly aga...
A Constant Forge
2000
as Self
One of the great mavericks of cinema, John Cassavetes has earned a reputation as the godfather of American independent movies. The actor-turned-filmma...
From Where I Sit
2000
as Abe
High school sex education teacher Sharon and her husband, overwhelmed family man Bob humorously deal with life's ups and downs in suburban Boston.
Money Kings
1998
as Vinnie
Vinnie's a bookie, happily married, running his operation for 30 years out of his bar in Brooklyn. Times change, the boys up the chain want a bigger p...
Pronto
1997
as Harry Arno
Harry Arno is a Miami Beach bookie who finds himself in trouble with his mob bosses for reasons he can't quite figure out. When an assailant attempts ...
Frank Capra's American Dream
1997
as Self
A documentary looking at the life and career of film director Frank Capra. Hosted by Ron Howard.
The Sunshine Boys
1996
as Willie Clark
Two aging comedians, who acrimoniously dissolved their act eight years earlier, must overcome their differences when they have the chance for a lucrat...
John Cassavetes: To Risk Everything to Express It All
1996
as Self
Roommates
1995
as Rocky Holzeck
An elderly, yet young-at-heart man, moves in with his grandson, and both their lives turn upside-down.
Cops n Roberts
1995
as Salvatore Santini
The World of Jim Henson
1994
as Tramp (archive footage)
In this episode of PBS' Great Performances, the history and legacy of puppeteer Jim Henson is explored, from his six-second commercial beginnings to a...
Out of the Shadows: The Films of John Cassavetes
1993
as Self
Get the scoop on the legendary actor-director-New Yorker John Cassavetes straight from the mouth of his friend, peer and co-star Peter Falk (Columbo) ...
Anything for John
1993
as Self
An intimate portrait of actor-writer-director John Cassavetes and a loving tribute to his genius for studying and depicting the human character. In-de...
Faraway, So Close!
1993
as Peter Falk
Damiel is now married to Marion, runs the pizzeria “Da Angelo” and the two have a child. The solitarily remaining angel Cassiel is more and more dissa...
The Player
1992
as Peter Falk
A Hollywood studio executive is being sent death threats by a writer whose script he rejected - but which one?
Something a Little Less Serious: A Tribute to 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World'
1991
as Self (archive footage)
A star-studded documentary and tribute to the classic comedy, It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World.
Tune in Tomorrow...
1990
as Pedro Carmichael
Martin works at the local radio station, which just hired a new scriptwriter with a reputation for great drama, Pedro Carmichael. Martin’s aunt Julia,...
Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret
1990
as Self
A leading acting teacher who trained some of the most famous performers of the stage and screen, Sanford Meisner was a founding member of the Group Th...
Motion and Emotion: The Films of Wim Wenders
1990
as Self
Though very polite and British, this feature-length documentary about German filmmaker Wim Wenders offers the most penetrating insights and the best o...
In the Spirit
1990
as Roger Flan
After her husband loses his job, Marianne moves from Beverly Hills to a nightmare New York City. She hires ditzy psychic Reva to redecorate her apartm...
Cookie
1989
as Dominick 'Dino' Capisco
Cookie Voltecki is the illegitimate daughter of mobster Dino Capisco, who has just finished thirteen years in prison. Since being released from jail, ...
Arena - John Cassavetes
1989
as Self
Tribute to actor and director John Cassavetes who died in February 1989. Friends, associates and fellow directors remember the man and his work.
Vibes
1988
as Harry Buscafusco
Medium Sylvia Pickel and psychometrist Nick Deezy meet at a psychic research facility in New York. Not long after, they're contacted by Harry Buscafus...
The Princess Bride
1987
as The Grandfather
In this enchantingly cracked fairy tale, the beautiful Princess Buttercup and the dashing Westley must overcome staggering odds to find happiness amid...
Wings of Desire
1987
as The Filmstar
Two angels, Damiel and Cassiel, glide through the streets of Berlin, observing the bustling population, providing invisible rays of hope to the distre...
Happy New Year
1987
as Nick
Small time crooksters Nick and Charlie have an elaborate plan to rob an exclusive jewelers store. Using a variety of disguises and posing as rich old ...
Big Trouble
1986
as Steve Rickey
Leonard Hoffman is an insurance salesman struggling to make ends meet. The fact that he has triplet sons who all want to go to Yale isn't making thing...
I Love Liberty
1982
as Self
An all-star variety special saluting America.
Night of 100 Stars
1982
as Self
The most glittering, expensive, and exhausting videotaping session in television history took place Friday February 19, 1982 at New York's Radio City ...
Shoot Don't Shoot
1982
as host
An eye opening program to find out what its like to be a police officer facing the deadly force dilemma
The Great Muppet Caper
1981
as Tramp
Kermit and Fozzie are newspaper reporters sent to London to interview Lady Holiday, a wealthy fashion designer whose priceless diamond necklace is sto...
...All the Marbles
1981
as Harry Sears
A two-bit promoter tries to take a women's wrestling team to the top.
The In-Laws
1979
as Vincent J. Ricardo
In preparation for his daughter's wedding, dentist Sheldon Kornpett meets Vince Ricardo, the groom's father. Vince, a manic fellow who claims to be a ...
The Muppets Go Hollywood
1979
as Self
Kermit the Frog throws a glamorous party at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub to celebrate the premiere of the Muppets' first feature film, The Muppet Movi...
The Brink's Job
1978
as Tony Pino
In 1950, a group of unlikely criminal masterminds commits the robbery of the century. Led by Tony Pino, a petty thief fresh out of prison, and Joe McG...
Scared Straight!
1978
as Narration (voice)
The filmed depiction of a program where convicts tell troubled kids about the horrors of prison life. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2007.
The Cheap Detective
1978
as Lou Peckinpaugh
A spoof of the entire 1940s detective genre. San Francisco private detective, Lou Pekinpaugh is accused of murdering his partner at the instigation of...
Opening Night
1977
as Self (uncredited)
Actress Myrtle Gordon is a functioning alcoholic who is a few days from the opening night of her latest play, concerning a woman distraught about agin...
Mikey and Nicky
1976
as Mikey
Nick is desperate, holed up in a cheap hotel, suffering from an ulcer and convinced that a local mob boss wants him killed. Desperate and terrified, h...
Murder by Death
1976
as Sam Diamond
Lionel Twain invites the world's five greatest detectives to a 'dinner and murder'. Included are a blind butler, a deaf-mute maid, screams, spinning r...
Griffin and Phoenix
1976
as Geoffrey Griffin
Griffin has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Instead of quietly facing his death, he decides to have fun in the time remaining. At a college class...
A Woman Under the Influence
1974
as Nick Longhetti
Mabel Longhetti, desperate and lonely, is married to a Los Angeles municipal construction worker, Nick. Increasingly unstable, especially in the compa...
Ransom for a Dead Man
1972
as Columbo
A brilliant attorney gets rid of her boring husband by faking his kidnapping and keeping the ransom. The FBI may be fooled, but not Columbo.
The Making of 'Husbands'
1971
as Self
A documentary behind the scenes of John Cassavetes' 'Husbands' (1970).
A Step Out of Line
1971
as Harry Connors
Three financially down-and-out buddies plot to pull a bank robbery to cure their financial woes.
Husbands
1970
as Archie Black
A common friend's sudden death brings three men, married with children, to reconsider their lives and ultimately leave the country together. But mindl...
Operation Snafu
1970
as Peter Pawney
World War II soldiers enter Sicily to seize German arms supply only to discover there is not a gun in sight.
Castle Keep
1969
as Sgt. Rossi
During the Battle of the Bulge, an anachronistic count shelters a ragtag squad of Americans in his isolated castle hoping they will defend it against ...
Machine Gun McCain
1969
as Charlie Adamo
After serving 12 years behind bars for armed robbery, tough guy Hank McCain finds himself the pawn of a ruthless mob runt's rebellion against a high l...
Anzio
1968
as Cpl. Jack Rabinoff
American troops land unopposed on Italian beaches during World War II, but instead of pushing on to Rome, they dig in and the Germans fight back feroc...
A Hatful of Rain
1968
as Polo Pope
A 1968 made-for-television remake of the 1957 film, based on the disturbing 1956 Michael V. Gazzo play, as performed by members of The Actors' Studio ...
Prescription: Murder
1968
as Columbo
In Columbo's first outing, a psychiatrist uses a patient he is having an affair with to help him kill his wife, but his perfect alibi may come apart a...
Luv
1967
as Milt Manville
Depressed by the direction his life is taking, Harry decides to take his own life by jumping off the Manhattan Bridge. At the last minute he's stopped...
Penelope
1966
as Lt. Horatio Bixbee
When Penelope gets married to banker James Elcott, she finds him too preoccupied with work to pay much attention to her, so she robs his bank in disgu...
Brigadoon
1966
as Jeff Douglas
Every 100 years, people stumble upon the Scottish village of Brigadoon, which will never be found on a map. A wonderful, fun filled day will be had by...
Too Many Thieves
1966
as Danny
When some priceless Macedonian treasures are swiped, lawyer Falk arrives to get to the bottom of things. Compiled from the series "Trials of O'Brien"...
The Great Race
1965
as Max
Professional daredevil and white-suited hero, The Great Leslie, convinces turn-of-the-century auto makers that a race from New York to Paris (westward...
Attack and Retreat
1964
as lieutenant Mario
Chronicle of the unheralded and unsuccessful invasion of the Soviet Union by the Italian army during World War II.
Robin and the 7 Hoods
1964
as Guy Gisborne
Set in Prohibition era Chicago, bootlegger Robbo and his cronies refuse to pay the greedy Guy Gisborne a cut of their profits after Guy shoots mob bos...
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
1963
as Third Cab Driver
A group of strangers come across a man dying after a car crash who proceeds to tell them about the $350,000 he buried in California. What follows is t...
The Balcony
1963
as Police Chief
The Madam of a brothel satisfies the erotic fantasies of her customers, while a revolution is sweeping the nation. Preserved by the Academy Film Arch...
Pressure Point
1962
as Young Psychiatrist
An African-American prison psychiatrist finds the boundaries of his professionalism sorely tested when he must counsel a disturbed inmate with bigoted...
Pocketful of Miracles
1961
as Joy Boy
A New York gangster and his girlfriend attempt to turn street beggar Apple Annie into a society lady when the peddler learns her daughter is marrying ...
The Secret of the Purple Reef
1960
as Tom Weber
When a man mysteriously vanishes on his ship in the Caribbean, his two brothers journey there to investigate his disappearance.
Murder, Inc.
1960
as Abe Reles
Chronicles the rise and fall of the organised crime syndicate known as Murder, Incorporated, focusing on powerful boss Lepke and violent hit man Reles...
Pretty Boy Floyd
1960
as Shorty Walters
Trying to shake his troubled past and start a new honest life, Floyd loses his job because of that past. With nowhere to go but back home in Oklahoma ...
The Bloody Brood
1959
as Nico
Nico, a drug dealer, murders a telegram messenger-boy "for kicks", egged on by partner-in-crime, TV director Francis. Cliff, the boy's older brother, ...
Wind Across the Everglades
1958
as Writer
Set in the early 20th century, the film follows a game warden who arrives in Florida to enforce conservation laws. He soon finds himself pitted agains...