Picture a master of mystery who spun tales that kept millions glued to their screens—meet William Theodore Link! Born in Philadelphia in 1933, Link, alongside his lifelong collaborator Richard Levinson, crafted iconic TV series like Columbo and Murder, She Wrote. Their knack for clever plots and unforgettable characters turned the mystery genre into a cultural phenomenon.
From humble beginnings, Link’s storytelling genius took him from junior high scribbles to Emmy-winning scripts, leaving a legacy that still thrills fans today. Ready to dive into the life of this TV trailblazer?
The Making of William Theodore Link
William Theodore Link was born on December 15, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Elsie and William Theodore Link, a textile broker. With German Huguenot roots on his mother’s side and a surprising Jewish heritage discovered later through family research, Link’s diverse background shaped his curious mind. He met Richard Levinson in junior high, bonding over magic tricks and storytelling. By their teens, they were selling their first short story, “Whistle While You Work,” to Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine in 1954. After earning a degree from the Wharton School and serving in the Army from 1956 to 1958, Link dove into writing full-time, setting the stage for a legendary career.
William Theodore Link’s Unforgettable Stories
Link and Levinson’s partnership was a creative powerhouse, blending sharp dialogue, intricate plots, and relatable characters. Their crown jewel, Columbo (1971–2003), introduced the disheveled yet brilliant Lieutenant Columbo, whose bumbling charm outsmarted cunning criminals. The series’ innovative “inverted mystery” format—revealing the killer upfront—kept viewers hooked on how Columbo cracked the case.
They also co-created Murder, She Wrote (1984–1996), starring Angela Lansbury as sleuthing novelist Jessica Fletcher. Its cozy yet gripping mysteries made it a global hit. Other TV gems include Mannix, Ellery Queen, and made-for-TV movies like The Execution of Private Slovik and My Sweet Charlie. Link’s solo work after Levinson’s death in 1987, like The Cosby Mysteries and the 2010 book The Columbo Collection, showcased his enduring love for mystery, with short stories capturing Columbo’s essence.
Their cinematic ventures, like The Hindenburg (1975) and Rollercoaster (1977), brought suspense to the big screen, while contributions to Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine cemented their literary influence. Link’s style—witty, suspenseful, and character-driven—made every story a puzzle worth solving.
Why William Theodore Link Matters
William Theodore Link didn’t just write mysteries; he redefined them. His work with Levinson earned multiple Emmy Awards, Edgar Awards, and a 1995 Television Academy Hall of Fame induction. By creating relatable yet brilliant detectives like Columbo and Jessica Fletcher, Link made the mystery genre accessible and endlessly entertaining. His influence persists in modern crime dramas, and the William Link Theatre at California State University, Long Beach, honors his contributions. Link’s stories continue to captivate, proving that a good mystery never goes out of style.
- Born: December 15, 1933, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, The Columbo Collection
- Awards: Multiple Emmys, Edgar Awards, Television Academy Hall of Fame (1995)
Grab The Columbo Collection or binge Murder, She Wrote to unravel the magic of William Theodore Link’s mystery mastery!