Columbo (character)
Columbo or Lieutenant Columbo is the main character in the American detective crime drama television series Columbo created by Richard Levinson and William Link. Columbo is a shrewd and exceptionally observant homicide detective who often disguises his aptitude with his inelegant, shambling manner; trademarks of his blue-collar ethos include his rumpled beige raincoat, cigar and relentless investigative approach.
| Columbo | |
|---|---|
| Columbo character | |
Peter Falk as Columbo c. 1971 | |
| First appearance | "Enough Rope" (1960) |
| Last appearance | "Columbo Likes the Nightlife" (2003) |
| Created by | Richard Levinson William Link |
| Portrayed by | Bert Freed (1960, TV) Thomas Mitchell (1962, stage) Peter Falk (1968–2003, TV) Dirk Benedict (2010, stage) John Guerrasio (2011, stage) |
| Catchphrases |
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| In-universe information | |
| Occupation | Lieutenant (police) |
| Family |
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| Spouse | Mrs. Columbo (unseen character) |
| Children | At least 1 |
| Relatives | Andy Parma (nephew) Vito (cousin) |
| Nationality | American |
Columbo first appeared in a 1960 episode of The Chevy Mystery Show titled "Enough Rope", wherein he was portrayed by Bert Freed. After this, the character was portrayed almost entirely by Peter Falk, who appeared in the role from 1968 through 2003. Columbo's first name was never used in dialogue, although the name "Frank Columbo" is visible on pieces of identification in various episodes. (When asked directly what Columbo's first name was, Falk jokingly replied with "Lieutenant.")
Levinson and Link have said that the character was partially inspired by the Crime and Punishment character Porfiry Petrovich as well as G. K. Chesterton's humble cleric-detective Father Brown. Other sources claim Columbo's character is also influenced by Inspector Fichet from the French suspense-thriller film Les Diaboliques (1955). In a 2001 poll conducted by Channel 4 in the UK, Columbo was ranked 18th on their list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters.