'Columbo' star Peter Falk dies, aged 83

Peter Falk has died at the age of 83.

The Columbo star passed away last night at his home in Beverly Hills. The family declined to reveal any details pertaining to the legendary actor's death.

According to his adopted daughter, Falk had been suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease for a long time.

"Peter Falk, 83-year-old Academy Award nominee and star of television series Columbo, died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home in the evening of June 23, 2011," read a statement from his family.

"Peter Falk is survived by his wife, Shera, of 34 years, and two daughters from a previous marriage."

Falk was best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo on the television series Columbo. The starring role earned him four Emmy Awards. The actor was also nominated for two Academy Awards for the films Murder, Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles.

Falk was most recently seen in the films Next alongside Nicolas Cage and in American Cowslip with Val Kilmer.

The actor reportedly developed dementia in 2007 in the wake of a series of dental operations. The condition apparently progressed so far that Falk was ultimately unable to remember the character of Columbo.

> Columbo's Peter Falk: Obituary
> Columbo's Peter Falk: Tribute in pictures

Watch a classic clip of Peter Falk in Columbo below: