Peter Falk, the protagonist of the “Columbo” series, established a special fund many years before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and asked in his will that the bulk of his fortune be left to his wife Shera with whom he was married for 33 years, informs radaronline.com.
The star of “Columbo” series died at his home in Beverly Hills on Thursday night.
American actor fortune is estimated at about $5 million. “Peter has left most of the wealth to his wife Shera. The house where the couple lived, art, and their investment accounts went to Shera. Peter has bequeathed a sum of several hundred thousand dollars to two daughters, adopted during his first marriage” said the source.
“Catherine, one of Peter’s daughters, had a strained relationship with Shera for many years and she (Catherine) tried to put Peter under guardianship. Peter’s relationship with Catherine was almost nonexistent for years. The judge rejected her request because Shera proved beyond any doubt that she provided an excellent care of her husband at home. Catherine was granted the right to visit her father in restrictive conditions, as it has been proved that her visits were very troublesome for Peter, at a time when he suffered from Alzheimer’s disease”, said the same source.
Catherine had the right to visit her father once a month at a neutral location, but in the presence of a family member. Peter Falk’s relationship with the other daughter, Jackie, was normal.
According to the press, Peter Falk anticipated the risk that one of the heirs, especially Catherine, could try to contest the will and took special measures to protect his wealth. In his will, Peter Falk has added a special clause, requesting that, if one of the heirs will contest the will, then that heir will automatically lose the right to the legacy.
Peter Falk was admitted to Southern California Hospital in Los Angeles in recent weeks, but was released and transported to his residence in Beverly Hills in his last days of life. Cause of death was not specified, but the actor was suffering for several years from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.