What Was Peter Falk’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death in 2011, Peter Falk, the American actor, producer, and director, had a net worth of approximately $5 million. Best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the iconic crime drama series Columbo (1968–1978, 1989–2003), Falk’s portrayal of the shrewd detective earned him several Primetime Emmy Awards. Throughout his prolific career, he appeared in over 100 films and television shows, establishing himself as a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Peter Falk “Columbo” Salary

During the peak years of Columbo in the late 1970s, Peter Falk commanded a salary of $300,000 per episode, which would be equivalent to around $750,000 today, adjusted for inflation. This impressive pay highlighted his importance to the series, which he not only starred in but also helped produce, direct, and write.

Early Life

Born on September 16, 1927, in The Bronx, New York, Peter Michael Falk was the son of Michael Falk, a dry goods store owner, and Madeline Hochhauser, an accountant. Despite losing his right eye to cancer at the age of three, Falk thrived both academically and athletically during his high school years. After serving in the Merchant Marines, Falk pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from The New School and a Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University.

Falk’s career in acting began with small roles in stage productions before transitioning to television and film. His breakthrough role came with his performance in Murder, Inc. (1960), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The Rise of Columbo

Peter Falk’s most notable role came in 1968 when he was cast as Lieutenant Columbo, a seemingly disheveled yet brilliant detective who always outwitted his suspects. The role became a cultural touchstone, and Falk’s portrayal garnered him four Primetime Emmy Awards. His work on Columbo spanned decades, with the series gaining renewed popularity in the late 1980s and early 2000s.

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Outside of Columbo, Falk enjoyed a long and varied career. He earned acclaim for his performances in films such as It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), The In-Laws (1979), and The Princess Bride (1987). He also starred in numerous television series and appeared in Broadway productions, including The Iceman Cometh and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

Personal Life

Falk married Alyce Mayo in 1960, and the couple adopted two daughters, Catherine and Jackie. The marriage ended in divorce in 1976, and Falk later married actress Shera Danese, who appeared in several Columbo episodes. In 2008, Falk was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, leading to a significant decline in his health. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 83 due to complications from pneumonia and Alzheimer’s.

Real Estate and Estate Management

Peter Falk and his wife Shera were known for their significant real estate holdings. In 2000, they purchased a Malibu home for $1.6 million, which Shera sold in 2019 for $3.18 million. At the time of his death, the couple resided in a Beverly Hills mansion, which is valued between $12 and $14 million today. Falk established several trusts to manage his estate before his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, ensuring his wife Shera inherited the majority of his assets.

Awards

Throughout his career, Peter Falk received numerous accolades, including two Academy Award nominations and five Primetime Emmy Awards. His portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo earned him a Golden Globe Award and cemented his place in television history. In 2013, two years after his death, Falk was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Peter Falk Net Worth 2011

Peter Falk net worth was $5 million when he died in 2011.