happy birthday peter falk, 82 years old today!!

columbo, t.v.'s greatest detective, a/k/a peter falk, was born 82 years ago today, on september 16, 1927. it hasn't been that great a year for him - with the announcement that he has alzheimer's disease, that his estranged daughter sought guardianship of him, a conservatorship was subsequently granted, and the court appointed his wife, shera, as his conservator.

all that said, peter falk is a survivor. while he's best know for his multiple emmy-winning role as lt. columbo, falk was an oscar nominated actor on the big screen and an experienced stage performer as well. i read his off beat autobiography, "just one more thing: stories from my life," this summer - and learned that in addition to the acting, he is a passionate painter!

happy birthday, peter falk!