It was almost as if the role of the LAPD homicide detective Columbo had been made just for Peter Falk. Falk embodied the role so effortlessly that everyone who sees him still immediately thinks of the iconic detective.
For ten seasons, Peter Falk played Columbo, a homicide detective who wore rumpled suits, high-top sneakers, and an old raincoat. These clothes actually belonged to Falk, so there was no need for costumes.
In this clip, Peter Falk accepts his first Primetime Emmy for the role of Columbo. Over the ten-year run of the crime drama, Falk was nominated every season, and he won four times.
Falk takes the stage as an overjoyed audience applauds. He begins with, “It’s terrific to win,” which he says as he leans on the podium. He follows that with, “I’m trying to figure out a way to appear humble.” The audience loves it and reacts with laughs.
Falk then regales the viewers with the tiresome story of all of the planes he had to take to be in Hollywood for the evening’s ceremony. Layover after layover, Falk explains, saying, “I know it’s not a very interesting story…”
The ‘Columbo’ actor then goes on to thank all of the show’s creators, producers, and writers. He believes ‘Columbo’ wouldn’t exist without those men who brought this shabby detective to life.
He ends his Emmy acceptance speech by thanking his family, who gave him a week of solitude, which he used to compose this speech. It’s clear that Falk was much beloved by all who attended the awards. Everyone believed his win was well-earned.
