Peter Michael Falk (/fɔːk/; September 16, 1927 – June 23, 2011) was an American actor, best known for his role as Lieutenant Columbo in the long-running television series Columbo (1968–2003), for which he received four Primetime Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe Award. He was twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, first for Murder, Inc. (1960) and again for Pocketful of Miracles (1961). Falk further appeared in films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963), The Great Race (1965), Anzio (1968), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), Murder by Death (1976), The Cheap Detective (1978), The Princess Bride (1987), Wings of Desire (1987), The Player (1992), Corky Romano (2001) and Next (2007), as well as many television guest roles. Director William Friedkin said of Falk's role in his film The Brink's Job (1978): "Peter has a great range from comedy to drama. He could break your heart or he could make you laugh."