Richard Levinson, born on August 7, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was an influential American writer and producer who made an indelible mark on the world of television, particularly in the mystery and crime genres. Levinson, alongside his longtime collaborator William Link, is best known for co-creating some of the most iconic television series of the 20th century, including Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, and Mannix. His work redefined crime drama and introduced enduring characters and innovative storytelling techniques that have captivated generations of viewers. Levinson’s legacy as a television pioneer endures, with his creations continuing to be celebrated and enjoyed decades after their initial broadcasts.
Early Life and Education
Richard Levinson grew up in Philadelphia, where his love for storytelling and writing began at an early age. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he met William Link, who would become his lifelong writing partner and creative collaborator. The two young men quickly discovered a shared passion for mystery stories and began working together on various writing projects while still in college. Their partnership, which would last more than 30 years, would go on to shape some of the most iconic works in television history.
Levinson and Link’s first forays into professional writing began after they graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. They moved to New York City and, like many aspiring writers of their generation, took up work writing scripts for anthology series and radio dramas. Levinson and Link were heavily influenced by classic mystery writers like Agatha Christie, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler, as well as the film noir style of the 1940s and 1950s. These influences would later become evident in the distinctive mystery stories they crafted for television.
Breakthrough in Television: Columbo
Levinson and Link’s breakthrough in television came in the late 1960s with the creation of Columbo, a detective series that would become one of the most beloved and enduring crime dramas of all time. First introduced as a character in the 1968 made-for-TV movie Prescription: Murder, the rumpled and unassuming Lieutenant Columbo, portrayed by Peter Falk, was a new kind of detective. Unlike the hard-boiled private eyes of previous detective shows, Columbo used his seemingly bumbling manner and keen powers of observation to outwit criminals, often high-society types who believed they could outsmart the law.
Levinson and Link’s innovative “inverted detective story” format, in which the audience knew the identity of the killer from the beginning of the episode and the drama came from watching Columbo solve the case, set Columbo apart from traditional whodunit mysteries. The series officially debuted in 1971 as part of NBC’s Mystery Movie rotation and became an instant hit. Levinson and Link’s writing, combined with Peter Falk’s brilliant portrayal of the disheveled detective, earned critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Columbo ran for multiple seasons and produced numerous TV movies over several decades, solidifying its place as one of television’s most iconic shows.
Columbo also showcased Levinson’s talent for creating multidimensional characters and twisting narratives that kept audiences engaged. The show’s unique structure and Columbo’s methodical, slow-burn approach to solving crimes created a blueprint that would influence future crime dramas for years to come.
Success with Murder, She Wrote
In addition to Columbo, one of Levinson’s most famous and enduring creations is Murder, She Wrote, which premiered in 1984. Starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer and amateur sleuth who solved murders in her small town of Cabot Cove, Maine, Murder, She Wrote became a cultural phenomenon. Levinson and Link originally developed the series as a way to tap into the popularity of classic mystery stories, but the show exceeded their expectations, becoming one of the longest-running mystery series in television history.
Lansbury’s portrayal of Jessica Fletcher, a sharp-witted, compassionate, and resourceful character, resonated deeply with audiences. Levinson and Link’s writing brought a refreshing twist to the detective genre by centering the show around an older female protagonist—something rare for prime-time television at the time. The cozy, small-town setting of Murder, She Wrote combined with its clever murder mysteries, often featuring a revolving door of guest stars, made it a Sunday night staple for millions of viewers. The show ran for 12 seasons and garnered numerous accolades, including several Emmy nominations for Lansbury’s performance.
Levinson’s knack for developing characters who could sustain long-running narratives was on full display in Murder, She Wrote. His ability to craft intricate plots with surprising twists and relatable characters helped the show maintain its popularity for over a decade. Levinson’s influence on the mystery genre, particularly through his work on Murder, She Wrote, can still be seen in contemporary television series that follow a similar format.
Other Notable Collaborations and Projects
In addition to Columbo and Murder, She Wrote, Richard Levinson and William Link were responsible for several other notable television shows and films. One of their most successful collaborations was Mannix, a gritty private-eye series that aired from 1967 to 1975. Starring Mike Connors as Joe Mannix, a tough-as-nails private investigator, the show was known for its hard-hitting action sequences and emotional depth, setting it apart from other detective series of the time. Levinson and Link’s writing for Mannix helped the series gain a dedicated following, and it became a hallmark of 1970s television.
Levinson and Link were also responsible for creating Ellery Queen, a short-lived mystery series that aired from 1975 to 1976. Based on the famous fictional detective created by Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, the show was another example of Levinson’s deep love of the mystery genre. Although Ellery Queen did not achieve the same level of success as Columbo or Murder, She Wrote, it demonstrated Levinson’s continuing commitment to delivering complex and engaging mystery stories.
Levinson and Link’s success wasn’t limited to television. The duo also co-wrote the screenplay for the 1979 film Rollercoaster, a disaster film that played with suspense and thrills in a theme park setting. They also co-created the TV miniseries The Execution of Private Slovik (1974), starring Martin Sheen. The miniseries, based on the true story of the only American soldier executed for desertion during World War II, earned critical acclaim and was one of the earliest examples of television tackling serious, real-life subjects with depth and sensitivity.
In addition to their creative collaborations, Levinson and Link were champions of social justice and often infused their works with commentary on larger societal issues. Their 1986 TV movie My Sweet Charlie tackled race relations and won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing. Levinson’s desire to tell stories that resonated beyond the screen reflected his deep sense of empathy and understanding of the human condition.
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his career, Richard Levinson received numerous awards and nominations for his contributions to television. Levinson and Link’s work on Columbo earned them multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and Writers Guild of America honors. Murder, She Wrote also brought critical recognition, earning several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations during its 12-year run.
Levinson’s influence as a writer and producer has been widely acknowledged by industry professionals, and his shows have continued to be a benchmark for quality television storytelling. In 1995, he was posthumously inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his extraordinary body of work.
Personal Life and Legacy
Richard Levinson was more than just a prolific writer and producer; he was a man deeply committed to his craft and to the people he worked with. His partnership with William Link was one of the most successful creative collaborations in television history, and their friendship lasted more than 30 years, producing some of the most beloved series of the 20th century.
Levinson was married to actress Rosanna Huffman, and the couple had two children together. He passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 12, 1987, at the age of 52. His death was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry, but his influence continues to be felt through the shows he helped create and the genre he helped redefine.
The work of Richard Levinson remains a vital part of television history. His storytelling, innovative approaches to mystery, and ability to craft memorable characters have ensured that his creations, particularly Columbo and Murder, She Wrote, will remain beloved for generations to come. Levinson’s contributions helped shape the landscape of television drama, and his legacy as one of the finest mystery writers in American TV history is secure.