Jon Favreau calls the 83-year-old actor a pioneer of independent film, while Seth Meyers and Ralph Macchio brand his 70's movie 'The In-Laws' one of the funniest movies of all time.
- June 25, 2011
AceShowbiz -
Peter Falk, who played the beloved TV detective Lt. Columbo, has passed away. The 83-year-old actor died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home Thursday evening, June 23, his attorney and family friend Larry Larson said. As soon as news of his passing made headlines, Hollywood celebrities have begun paying their tributes.
Actor/director Jon Favreau, who played opposite Peter in 2001's "Made", called the veteran actor "a pioneer of independent film". He added that the five-time Emmy winner "redefined what you could do on television." The 44-year-old went on to say, "He brought tremendous truth and honesty to his performances. I was blessed to have worked with him."
Another of Peter's co-star, Patricia Heaton, remembered him as someone who was "a joy to work with". Co-starring with the late actor in 2001's "A Town Without Christmas", she said, "He had a great sense of humor and was a master of his craft, with an ease and subtlety that made it look so easy. I consider it a privilege to have gotten to work with him."
Other celebrities took to Twitter to mourn the two-time Oscar nominee. Seth Meyers and Ralph Macchio, in particular, remembered him through his 1979's "The In-Laws". Seth wrote, "RIP Peter Falk. 'The In-Laws' still one of the funniest movies of all time. #SerpentineShelSerpentine." Meanwhile, Ralph tweeted, "RIP Peter Falk. 'The In Laws' one of the all time great classic comedies!"
Some others remembered Peter for his other works. Rainn Wilson tweeted, "RIP Peter Falk - He was one of the greats. Watch 'Wings of Desire' to see him at his best. ,) [one eyed emoticon]," while Kevin Pollak wrote, "Peter Falk will always be one of my favorite actors. Check his work in Murder Inc. Oscar-nominated, I believe. Sad..."
The cause of Peter's death was not released, but he had been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. In 2009 about two years after he developed dementia, a court put him under a conservatorship that settled up a dispute over his affairs between his daughter, Catherine, and his wife, Shera.
