10 Facts About Peter Falk

He and Columbo are synonymous.

Creative Commons: Elekes Andor

Columbo was one of the most iconic TV detective shows of all time. And Peter Falk definitely carried the franchise. Columbo solved crimes through sheer brilliance, hidden under a facade of bumbling. Fifty years later, Columbo is still an enjoyable watch

I also remember Peter from his work in the movie, The Princess Bride. Beyond that, I don’t remember a lot about his career, or his personal life for that matter. So, on to some facts about Peter Falk.

1: Peter’s right eye was surgically removed at the age of three due to a retinoblastoma. Despite that, Falk played baseball and basketball in high school. That led to an interesting exchange with an umpire. Peter said:

“I remember once in high school the umpire called me out at third base when I was sure I was safe. I got so mad I took out my glass eye, handed it to him and said, ‘Try this.’ I got such a laugh you wouldn’t believe.”

And I can’t top that.

2: Falk tried to join the armed forces as World War II was winding down but was rejected because of the missing eye. He was…