U.S. actor Peter Falk, known as legendary Inspector Columbo, is dressed as a German police officer as he speaks to German actress Brigitte Mira (R) during the TV show
U.S. actor Peter Falk, known as legendary Inspector Columbo, is dressed as a German police officer as he speaks to German actress Brigitte Mira (R) during aTV show Reuters

Peter Falk, veteran actor who won four Emmy Awards passed away at his Beverly Hills home on Thursday.

Falk was well known for detective series Lt Columbo, a character played by him on television for more than 30 years. Falk was 83 and the cause of the death is not stated yet but he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, according to a statement released by family friend Larry Larson.

Columbo began its history in 1971 as part of the NBC Sunday Mystery Movie series. It took hardly any time for the series to become the most popular of the three mysteries, the others being McCloud and McMillan and Wife. Falk was reportedly paid $250,000 a movie.

Columbo presented a contrast to other TV detectives. He looks like a flood victim, Falk once said. You feel sorry for him. He appears to be seeing nothing, but he's seeing everything. Underneath his dishevelment, a good mind is at work.

In 1989 ABC offered Columbo in a two-hour format for appearing once or twice a season after NBC canceled the three series in 1977.