Peter Falk -- star of the TV show "Columbo" -- died last night ... TMZ has learned.
Falk -- who suffered from Alzheimer's disease -- was 83.
A rep for the family tells TMZ, "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."
The rep continued, "Peter Falk is survived by his wife, Shera, of 34 years and two daughters from a previous marriage."
In addition to "Columbo," Falk starred in "Princess Bride," "Brigadoon" and "The Great Race."
Peter's wife, Shera and daughter Catherine were locked in a legal battle in 2009 over the creation of a conservatorship for Peter and who would control it. In the end, the judge appointed Shera conservator.
UPDATE: John Finnegan -- Falk's "Columbo" co-star -- tells TMZ, he fell literally FELL DOWN when heard the news ... “I have known Peter for over 60 years ... He was like a brother for me, he kept the food on the table. He was the best, great!"
@AndyMilonakis
Rip Peter Falk. Murder By Death is the sh*t
@DougBenson
Peter Falk was great in THE IN-LAWS and THE GREAT RACE. #RIPColumbo
@JamesGunn
RIP Peter Falk - one of my favorite actors ever.
@rainnwilson
RIP Peter Falk - He was one of the greats. Watch 'Wings of Desire' to see him at his best. ,) [one eyed emoticon]
@JoyVBehar
So sorry to hear about the passing of Peter Falk.
@Alyssa_Milano
Rest in peace, Peter Falk. ❤
@alroker
Few were better thanPeter Falk in Columbo or as Vincent J. Ricardo in The In-Laws. He will be missed.
@sethmeyers21
RIP Peter Falk. "The In-Laws" still one of the funniest movies of all time. #SerpentineShelSerpentine.
@stephenfry
Oh no :( Just heard. Peter Falk, who played Columbo, TV's greatest EVER detective, has died.
