The late actor Peter Falk, famous for his portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo on television, has donated $3 million from his estate to UCLA.

[Updated at 4:55 p.m.] The executor of Falk’s estate notified UCLA officials of the gift last fall and the $3 million was officially donated to the university in late December, said Rhea Turteltaub, vice chancellor for external affairs.

The donation will establish the Shera and Peter Falk Lt. Columbo Memorial Scholarship Fund, according to a university statement.

[Updated at 4:55 p.m.] Falk, who died last summer, and his widow, Shera, wanted the scholarship to support students studying music, students with disabilities and those who have served in the military, Turteltaub said.

Falk and his wife specified UCLA as the recipient of the donation because of its proximity to their home in Beverly Hills, although neither attended UCLA, Turteltaub said.

“We have a very strong donor base,” Turteltaub said. “(The donors) really call this university their own even if they didn’t get their degree here.”

The scholarship will cover the tuition of at least five undergraduate students for four years beginning in fall 2012, officials said.

Compiled by Alessandra Daskalakis, Bruin contributor.