William Link

William Theodore Link is an American film and TV writer, producer, and author who often collaborated with Richard Levinson. Link was born in 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to William and Elsie Theodore Link. He was raised in a Christian household, unaware of his Jewish roots until much later in life. His niece, Amy, discovered genealogical research done by Link's father during World War II, which revealed that Link's paternal grandparents were of Jewish heritage.

Link is best known for creating the character Lieutenant Columbo, a Los Angeles police detective known for his shabby raincoat, cheap cigars, and unique investigative style. In the early 1960s, Link and Levinson created the character, which first appeared in an episode of the Chevy Mystery Show. The character then starred in the successful mystery play Prescription: Murder, which was turned into a television movie in 1968. Although originally played by other actors, Peter Falk made the role famous on television, playing Columbo off and on from 1968 until 2003.

Beyond his work in television, Link has written plays, novels, and films. He co-wrote the movie The Hunter (1980), which featured the last screen appearance of Steve McQueen. Link's latest work is The Columbo Collection (2010), a volume of short stories starring the iconic cop. His ability to create memorable characters and engaging stories has made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry, and his work continues to be celebrated by audiences today.