Prayers for Peter Falk

Gentle Giant · December-16th-2008, 12:20 PM

One of my all-time favorite actors is unwell, according to reports. Hopefully this isn't just some fucked-up family thing.

Conservatorship Sought for Peter Falk
Just one more thing...Peter Falk's daughter is pulling a Jamie Spears.

Catherine Falk has filed legal papers in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking a conservatorship over her Oscar-nominated father, claiming he suffers from both Alzheimer's and dementia and has become unable to care for himself.

According to court documents, the younger Falk claims the 81-year-old acting legend and erstwhile Columbo "requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety" and is no longer able to protect himself against "fraud or undue influence."

Falk further asserted that her father can neither "recognize his physical needs" nor "communicate those needs to others who can meet them."

She also claims he is sadly no longer able to "recognize familiar people, places and things" and "remembers events that did not occur."

Falk's daughter also revealed that six months ago, the aging star "lost control" of his car and suffered a head injury after crashing into an office building.

A spokesperson for the actor has yet to comment on the legal filing. A hearing has been set for next month.

clinthopson · December-16th-2008, 12:22 PM

Peter Falk is one of my all time favorites.

"Serpentine , Vinnie, serpentine!"

Here some get well vives.

Gentle Giant · December-16th-2008, 12:47 PM

Brill.

jesus marion joseph · December-16th-2008, 12:48 PM

One of my favorite Columbo lines came in an episode where he decides to revisit the crime scene with another detective, whom he invites along because "three eyes are better than one."

Best wishes, Peter Falk.

Meatman · December-16th-2008, 02:48 PM

I hope that all this news about Alzheimers is pure bullshit. Peter Falk is a great actor and an incredibly and often unitentionally funny man. My prayers are with him and his family.

me wag · December-16th-2008, 03:14 PM

If all of that is true, that means no more episodes of Columbo, ever. I'm glad he's still with us and all but that would truly be a bummer.

His acting performance in A Woman Under The Influence often gets overlooked by Gena Rowland's but he's every bit her equal albeit in a much more subtle way.

Cem · December-16th-2008, 03:23 PM

I'm sorry to hear this. He's a favourite when I was growing up. Even great and funny with Turkish dubbing, or hell even the sound off!

Squaredancecalling Steve · December-16th-2008, 03:46 PM

Falk's great in Cassavetes' Husbands (as well as Woman Under the Influence). And Columbo's the best. I wish him well.

hornplayer · December-16th-2008, 03:52 PM

He's one of my faves, also.

It's so sad to watch someone you love "go down" mentally. (Before my mom died 7 years ago, she had lost all rationality and reason, and just sort of sat there drooling. Almost impossible to watch without losing it.

)

Surfer · December-16th-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by me wag

His acting performance in A Woman Under The Influence often gets overlooked by Gena Rowland's but he's every bit her equal albeit in a much more subtle way.

"Just be yourself, just be yourself."

Surfer · December-16th-2008, 04:03 PM

Mikey & Nicky

What a great photo.

Surfer · December-16th-2008, 04:04 PM

Wings of Desire

kedoane · December-16th-2008, 05:54 PM

My mother went downhill for at least five years before she passed on. I had medical power of attorney over her. My name was also on her banking and brokerage accounts so I was able to use her money to pay for her care.

It is very difficult to see a family go through this and hopefully this will turn out for good as far as everyone is concerned.

Hudson Boy · December-16th-2008, 05:58 PM

I remember Falk starring in the TV series The Trials of O'Brien, which was a good show but only lasted for one season (1965-66).

Jimmy Cantiello · December-16th-2008, 06:26 PM

Peter Falk is also one of my favorite people as well. Love that guy. Jason's YouTube video reminded me just how funny he could be. Not enough people like him in this world.

patricia · December-16th-2008, 06:53 PM

I too LOVE this man. I guess that time doesn't stand still for any of us and one by one...
Hang in there Peter.

Jazzooo · December-16th-2008, 06:54 PM

"Peter Falk is a great actor and an incredibly and often unitentionally funny man. "

You could be right, but something tells me it always just seems unintentional.

Jazzooo · December-16th-2008, 07:00 PM

Duplicate.

Monte Smith · December-16th-2008, 08:06 PM

In a Columbo episode, maybe more than one, Falk sat down to a bowl of chili and started into his typical ramble. "I love chili. You know what makes this dish? The crackers." I cannot eat a bowl of chili without thinking of that and I cannot eat a bowl of chili without crackers. God love ya, Falk.

Ron Thorne · December-16th-2008, 09:21 PM

Peter Falk is definitely an "original" in more ways than one.

I've always enjoyed his work and wish him well.

GoodSpeak · December-16th-2008, 10:07 PM

Columbo was one of my favorite detective whodunits.

Peter Falk was the absolute Zen Master at it.

Monte Smith · December-17th-2008, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoodSpeak

Columbo was one of my favorite detective whodunits.

The thing about Columbo is it isn't a whodunit. The first scene in every episode of Columbo is the killer doing the killing, so the audience knows whodunit. Then you get to watch the lieutenant bumble around--or pretend to bumble around--for the remaining hour or two until the criminal is trapped, outwitted by a genius who to all appearances is an annoying idiot. You like Columbo, Goody? Hm....

me wag · December-17th-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monte Smith

In a Columbo episode, maybe more than one, Falk sat down to a bowl of chili and started into his typical ramble. "I love chili. You know what makes this dish? The crackers." I cannot eat a bowl of chili without thinking of that and I cannot eat a bowl of chili without crackers. God love ya, Falk.

If I remember correctly, Columbo eats chili everyday, with or without beans for "variety" and he has also been known to carry hard boiled eggs in his coat pocket (with a salt shaker) when he gets called out early in the morning.

patricia · December-17th-2008, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monte Smith

The thing about Columbo is it isn't a whodunit. The first scene in every episode of Columbo is the killer doing the killing, so the audience knows whodunit. Then you get to watch the lieutenant bumble around--or pretend to bumble around--for the remaining hour or two until the criminal is trapped, outwitted by a genius who to all appearances is an annoying idiot. You like Columbo, Goody? Hm....

But, Monte, YOU know whodunit, but Columbo doesn't until he ferrets out the clues and the suspects and triumphs in the end.
The series was a character study of Lt. Columbo more than a true detective story, you have to admit.

steve(thelil) · December-18th-2008, 10:07 PM

If you get a chance to see him in the movie Tune in Tomorrow, do so. I LOVED it, and Peter Falk was an absolute riot. IMHO, a very overlooked film.