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Bert FreedAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 03.11.1919
Country:  Canada |
Bert Freed: The Early Years and Stage Debut
Professional Acting Debut and Early Film RolesSupporting Roles in Film and Television
Notable Roles: "Paths of Glory" and Lieutenant Columbo
Legacy as the "Original Columbo" and Villainous Character
Career Highlights and Personal Life
Bert Freed, an American actor, was born in the Bronx, New York in 1919. His passion for acting blossomed during his time as a student at Penn State University, where he participated in student plays.
In the early 1940s, Freed made his professional debut on Broadway. His early film roles came in the late 1940s, when he appeared in "Carnegie Hall" (1947) and "Boomerang!" (1947) as uncredited characters. He later landed more prominent roles, including in the TV series "The Ford Theatre Hour."
Over the years, Freed accumulated a vast number of roles in film and television, predominantly in supporting capacities. His television credits include "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Playhouse 90," "Perry Mason," "Peter Gunn," and "Bonanza," among many others. In films, he appeared in "No Way Out" (1950), "Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town" (1950), "Take the High Ground!" (1953), "Invaders From Mars" (1953), "Madigan" (1968), and "Hang 'Em High" (1968).
Freed's notable performances include his role as a sergeant in Stanley Kubrick's war drama "Paths of Glory" (1957). However, he is best remembered as the first actor to portray the iconic detective Lieutenant Columbo in the 1960 episode of "The Chevy Mystery Show." Peter Falk would later become synonymous with the character, but Freed remains credited as the "original Columbo."
In 1966, Freed took on the role of the villainous character Ryker in the television series "Shane." Throughout his almost 40-year career, Freed appeared in over 170 film and television productions. His final screen appearance was in an episode of "ABC Afterschool Specials" in 1986.
Married to Nancy Lee, Freed kept the details of his personal life private. He passed away in Canada at the age of 74 due to a heart attack on August 2, 1994. Bert Freed's legacy lives on through his diverse performances and his iconic portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo, a character that would forever be etched in the minds of crime drama enthusiasts.
