Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ah, Falk!

For all of us with fond memories of watching Columbo and the rest of the 1970s’ wonderful NBC Mystery Movie series, this comes as shocking and sad news:
A court document filed by Peter Falk’s daughter says the Emmy-winning actor is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Catherine Falk is seeking a court’s approval for a conservatorship of her 81-year-old father, who she claims no longer recognizes people. A hearing has been scheduled for late January.
There’s a bit more information here and here.

8 comments:

seana graham said...

Oh, that is very sad news indeed. I think our whole family was addicted to Columbo back in its heyday. What a perfect role that was for Falk.

pattinase (abbott) said...

We all come to this or something similar. So sad.

Corey Wilde said...

Falk was the lead in one of my favorite films, a spoof of 'Casablanca' and 'The Maltese Falcon' called 'The Cheap Detective.' Never fails to make me laugh.

So sad, and sadder still that his woes should be so public.

Anonymous said...

Falk was also very good in Sydney Pollack's CASTLE KEEP, which I was watching again last night when I heard the sad news. It happened I was on the set in Yugoslavia doing a magazine story on Burt Lancaster. Some great drinking and poker nights... See you soon, Peter. Keep a seat for me.

Cullen Gallagher said...

Sad to hear the news. I loved Falk not only in Columbo, but also in the movies he made with Cassavetes like Husbands and A Woman Under the Influence. And then there was that weird Double Indemnity spoof, "Big Trouble." Wasn't so good, but had a lot of odd moments...

-Cullen

P.S. I have my own mystery/noir/pulp blog at www.pulpserenade.blogspot.com. Take a look when you have the chance, hope you enjoy.

Dana King said...

Falk received so much (well earned) attention for Columbo, people often forgot how much fine work he did. THE CHEAP DETECTIVE is a favorite of mine, along with his role as Fred Savage's grandfather in THE PRINCESS BRIDE. Dramatically, he also starred in a made for TV movie called A STEP OUT OF LINE with Vic Morrow and Peter Lawford that was exceptional, and his career reached far enoug back to include MURDER INCORPORATED in the 50s.

Quite a telent, though he will live forever as Columbo.

Picks by Pat said...

My heart goes out to Peter Falk and his family. He entertained us for so many years with countless fine performances.

Anonymous said...

He has been in so many great movies, but my absolute favorite is in "the In Laws" With Alan Arkin. One of the greatest comic performances ever.