Bert Freed

Bert Freed (November 3, 1919 – August 2, 1994) was an accomplished American character and voice actor, recognized as the inaugural performer to bring "Detective Columbo" to life on television.

Hailing from The Bronx, New York, Freed's acting career began during his time at Penn State University, leading to his Broadway debut in 1942. After serving in the Army during World War II in the European Theatre, he returned to the stage, featuring in the Broadway musical The Day Before Spring in 1945. Over the years, he appeared in numerous television programs from 1947 until 1985. His film career kicked off with the musical Carnegie Hall in 1947. One of his notable television roles was as the villain Ryker in the series Shane, where he cleverly grew a beard throughout the season, starting clean-shaven to reflect the passage of time.

Freed's portrayal of Columbo occurred in a live episode of "Chevy Mystery Theatre" in 1960, seven years prior to Peter Falk’s iconic interpretation. While Freed's take was less eccentric, it laid the groundwork for the character that would later evolve into the familiar detective we know.

His extensive television credits include appearances in shows such as The Rifleman, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and many others. Additionally, he had various roles in films, portraying characters ranging from a racist club owner in No Way Out (1950) to a gangster in Ma and Pa Kettle Go to Town (1950) and beyond.

Freed stepped away from acting in 1986 and passed away from a heart attack in Canada during a fishing trip with his son in 1994.