‘COLUMBO’ STAR PETER FALK’S DAUGHTER JACQUELINE DIES BY SUICIDE AT AGE 60 Jacqueline “Jackie” Falk, the adopted daughter of the late Columbo actor Peter Falk, has died by suicide at the age of 60 in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed. Her death was ruled a suicide, and the case remains under investigation. Jackie lived a largely private life despite being part of the family of one of TV’s most beloved stars. She was one of two daughters adopted by Falk and his first wife, Alyce Mayo. Her sister, Catherine Falk, became known for her advocacy work following a long legal battle over visitation rights during their father’s final years suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Peter Falk — famed for his role as Lt. Columbo and a four‑time Emmy winner — died in 2011 at age 83. Jacqueline’s passing marks a somber moment for the Falk family legacy and has renewed discussions about mental health and support.

Jacqueline Falk, the daughter of late ‘Columbo’ star Peter Falk, was found at a Los Angeles residence, according to medical examiner records

Peter Falk with his daughter at the 2002 NBC 75th Anniversary in New York City.
Credit : Walter McBride/Corbis via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Jacqueline Falk died at a residence in Los Angeles, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office
  • The manner of death was ruled suicide, according to official records
  • She was one of two daughters welcomed via adoption by Peter Falk and his first wife, Alyce Mayo

Jacqueline Falk, the daughter of late Columbo star Peter Falk, has died at 60.

According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner obtained by PEOPLE, Jacqueline died at a residence in Los Angeles on Monday, April 27. The manner of death was ruled suicide.

Additional details listed in the report indicate the body has been released, and the case remains open as the investigation continues.

Jacqueline was one of two daughters adopted by Peter and his first wife and college sweetheart, Alyce Mayo. The Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as the rumpled but brilliant detective Lt. Columbo, died in 2011 at the age of 83 after living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Daughter Jackie Falk, Peter Falk arrives at the 50th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA on September 13, 1998
Jackie Falk and Peter Falk at the Primetime Emmy Awards in 1998.

Over his career, Peter also starred in countless films, including The Princess BrideThe Great Race and It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Jacqueline largely remained out of the public eye, keeping a private life despite her connection to Hollywood through her father. Her sister, Catherine, later became a leading voice on families’ rights, speaking out about her own experience navigating conservatorship issues involving their father in his final years.

Catherine has publicly alleged that she faced barriers in maintaining contact with her dad during that time, claims that informed her push for legislation known as “Peter Falk’s Law,” aimed at protecting visitation and communication rights for adult children.

According to the Catherine Falk Organization website, the sisters learned of their father’s death “from media reports and their attorney.” They also claim their father was buried without “notifying” them.

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