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ENQU EXCLU BREAKDOWN IRER as daughter SIVE

tries to take Daughters Catherine (left) and Jackie control of with Falk his estate T Legendary star OFFICIAL COUR slipping in and DOCUMENT out of reality OLUMBO” star Peter Falk broke down in “ tears when he learned that his daughter had gone to court to control his finances, Shera has told friends that Peter does not suf- Csources close to the bitterly divided Falk fer from Alzheimer’s but rather from a different family told The ENQUIRER. form of dementia. However, those close to the The sad family crisis developed after the 81-year- star say that he is still often lucid, and he clearly old actor’s youngest daughter claimed in court understood Catherine’s attempt to take control of documents that he’s suffering from Alzheimer’s his affairs. disease and needs her as his guardian to make “When Peter learned what Catherine did, he felt sure his money and property are protected. betrayed. He began to sob uncontrollably,” said Catherine Falk, 38, says her father “requires the source. “Peter goes in and out of reality, but full-time custodial care for his health and safety” he knows exactly what Catherine is up to, and he’s and that she’s worried he “can easily be deceived hurt and terribly angry.” into transferring away property,” according to In the 1970s and ’80s, Falk documents filed in Los was recognized by millions for Angeles. The court battle his role as the rumpled, rain- clearly targets Peter’s coat-clad detective who always wife Shera, say sources, outwitted the villain. Up until who has been married to recently, Peter worked regularly Falk as the star for more than 30 in both movies and television. “” years. But a close fam- But today Peter mostly spends ily friend insists that The actor his days in his Beverly Hills home, rarely going Shera is a tireless care- with wife out, and being cared for by Shera, according to giver who is not after his Shera the source. money. “Peter sits around watching old reruns of ‘Co- “Shera cares for Peter 24/7, and after 31 years, lumbo’ and other TV shows and movies he starred she obviously has his best interests at heart,” the in. He likes to see himself young and vibrant.” friend told The ENQUIRER. Added another family friend: “Some days are very good for Peter and there’s no confusion. Other “IT’S ABSURD TO THINK PETER NEEDS TO BE days are dreadful and he becomes very childlike. protected from her. He’s at no risk of being taken He’ll sit for hours with a bright-eyed, questioning, advantage of by her. Catherine filing these papers innocent look and want to know what’s in store did more harm to Peter than any physical or men- for the day – maybe lunch or dinner with friends. tal illness could ever do. Sometimes he gets so Something exciting, he hopes. upset about the court battle that Shera says she’s “One very difficult day he disappeared briefly, afraid he’ll stroke out.” but he was quickly found in one of the garages Catherine, who has a 42-year-old sister, is worried on the property looking for his old beat-up 1959 about her inheritance and fears Peter will leave ev- Peugeot convertible that he drove in the Columbo erything to his wife, according to the family friend. TV series.” by ROBIN MIZRAHI “But Peter made his will years ago, and whatever [email protected] the girls will get, they will get,” the source said. and ALAN SMITH

• NE 24 January 5, 2009

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