The Enduring Legacy of Peter Falk: More Than Just a Trench Coat

PARIS, 27 February 2026 – While fifteen years have passed since the departure of Peter Falk, the American actor remains a titan of the small screen in France. Known globally as the dishevelled yet brilliant Lieutenant Columbo, Falk’s career spanned avant-garde cinema and beloved family classics, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the moving image.

The Man Behind the Lieutenant

Born in New York City in 1927, Peter Michael Falk’s path to stardom was anything but conventional. At the age of three, he lost his right eye to a malignant tumour, resulting in the glass eye that contributed to his distinctive “squint”—a physical trait that he would later use to great effect in his acting. Despite being told by a screen test scout that he “couldn’t expect much” because of his disability, Falk became one of the most celebrated actors of his generation.

In France, where the series Columbo has been a staple of terrestrial television for decades, Falk is often viewed through the lens of the “everyman” hero. Recent retrospectives, including documentaries aired on ARTE, have highlighted his collaboration with a young Steven Spielberg in the 1971 episode “Murder by the Book”. Falk was reportedly “floored” by the director’s attention to detail, a moment that shifted his own perspective on the television medium.

Key Career Milestones

Beyond the Badge: Cassavetes and Art-House Cinema

While the beige trench coat and Peugeot 403 defined his commercial success, Falk was a darling of the independent film circuit. His deep friendship and professional partnership with director John Cassavetes resulted in raw, visceral performances in films such as Husbands and A Woman Under the Influence. These roles showcased a range far beyond the bumbling detective, proving Falk’s capability for intense, improvisational drama.

European audiences also hold a special affection for his role in Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire (1987), where he played a fictionalised version of himself. This performance cemented his status as a “philosopher-actor”, bridging the gap between Hollywood stardom and European art-house sensibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Peter Falk so popular in France?

Falk’s portrayal of Columbo resonates with the French appreciation for the “intellectual underdog”. The character’s ability to dismantle the arrogance of the wealthy elite using logic and persistence has made the programme a permanent fixture on French networks like TF1 and TMC.

Did Peter Falk actually have a glass eye?

Yes, Falk had his right eye surgically removed at the age of three due to retinoblastoma. He wore a glass eye for the remainder of his life, which he famously joked about throughout his career.

What was Peter Falk’s final appearance as Columbo?

The final television film, Columbo Likes the Nightlife, aired in 2003, marking the end of a 35-year tenure in the role that earned him four Primetime Emmy Awards.