Peter Falk dead at 83

Legendary actor Peter Falk, best known for his role as a wisecracking detective on Columbo, succumbed to Alzheimer's disease at the age of 83.

A statement from his family confirmed that Falk "died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home in the evening of June 23, 2011."

While the family did not release a cause of death, Falk has suffered from Alzheimer's that got worse after a series of dental surgeries in 2007.

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Falk was best known for his role on Columbo but had a career that spanned over 50 years and included a Tony Award for his 1972 role in Neil Simon's play The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

He leaves behind his wife of 34 years, Shera, and two daughters from a previous marriage -- one of whom, Catherine, battled Shera for control of Falk's finances after his health began to deteriorate. A judge ruled in Shera's favor.

Image courtesy WENN.com