"One more thing..."

Peter Falk was known worldwide as that rumpled detective “Colombo.” To me, he was a classy guy who could charm you with his wit and style. Peter was hilariously funny, thoughtful and profound and didn’t mind at all if people thought he was that grumpy guy they knew from TV. I have to tell you, he was actually a sweety.

One night he and I were both at a dinner party at a very posh home. I walked over to his table to say hello…and one of the guests said to me, “Don’t go over there…they said not to bother Mr. Falk.” Peter heard and turned around, “Hey, Jeanne, come bother me.”

Peter told me his trademark beat-up raincoat was actually his own that he wore in an episode of Columbo because it was a rainy day. After a few decades the coat was in tatters but it still hung in his closet.

While he was proud of playing the polite quirky detective that made him famous, he wanted people to know that he was a true “actor.”

He was nominated twice for Academy Awards, for Murder Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles. He was unforgettable in The Princess Bride and Women Under the Influence. An important film by John Cassavetes. He won four Emmys and even a Tony award.

No one will forget his distinct voice or his unique talent.

• Tweet