Peter Falk, Detective Columbo Dies-Alzheimers Hits Columbo and Glen Campbell-I Will Never Forget
Posted: Saturday, June 25, 2011
by Steve Kovacs
The Kovacs Perspective
My friend, actor Peter Falk just died at the age of 83. He wasn’t my real friend but the role which made him famous, Detective Columbo, brought him so close to so many people that I, as well as many others, considered him a personal friend.
The cause of death has not been released however, he had been suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
Falk played homicide detective Lt. Columbo from the TV series “Columbo” that played in the 1970’s and on re-runs for years. He played a polite, raincoat-wearing, Peugeot-driving detective who always wanted to know "just one more thing." There was never any violence in the long-running series but the who done-it plots were outstanding. The shows were directed impeccably, often times by famous actors filling in as directors. Falk played a somewhat bumbling but unbeknownst to most people a very smart cop who solved all his cases. He was utterly likeable and the show was pure entertainment. The series won seven Emmys -- including four for Falk.
I was a young cop working permanent midnight shifts when Colombo reruns were played every morning on television. I’d come home and to unwind, I’d watch the reruns and fell in love with the show and the character. Being caught up in the character took me away from stress and took me to a place where I’d smile and feel refreshed. For this, I considered him a friend.
It has been said that recently the ravages of Alzheimer’s made Falk forget that he played the role that made him wealthy and famous. Alzheimer’s is a terrible illness that seems to take the soul of an individual. However, it does not take the soul just the physical memory—there is a difference. Recently, it has been reported that famous singer and songwriter Glen Campbell is suffering from this disease too. It is a sad disease and terrible for the family almost as much as for the victim. Falk may have forgotten that he was the famous Detective Columbo however; I will never forget and never forget Peter Falk for helping me relax, refresh and be entertained. Rest in peace my friend.
The cause of death has not been released however, he had been suffering with Alzheimer’s disease for several years.
I was a young cop working permanent midnight shifts when Colombo reruns were played every morning on television. I’d come home and to unwind, I’d watch the reruns and fell in love with the show and the character. Being caught up in the character took me away from stress and took me to a place where I’d smile and feel refreshed. For this, I considered him a friend.
It has been said that recently the ravages of Alzheimer’s made Falk forget that he played the role that made him wealthy and famous. Alzheimer’s is a terrible illness that seems to take the soul of an individual. However, it does not take the soul just the physical memory—there is a difference. Recently, it has been reported that famous singer and songwriter Glen Campbell is suffering from this disease too. It is a sad disease and terrible for the family almost as much as for the victim. Falk may have forgotten that he was the famous Detective Columbo however; I will never forget and never forget Peter Falk for helping me relax, refresh and be entertained. Rest in peace my friend.
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Top-level comments on this article: (6 total)Sounds like Alzheimer really is a frightening disease. Just days early I clicked on Glen Campbell on Youtube to find a song called Summertime and now he got this coming.
How sad actually to think of humans can be so helpless when the time comes. President Reagan had suffered from it that he also forgot he once was the president.Hi Hilda--Bad disease--has to be one of the worst ones.
I loved him also, Steve, and am very sad to hear that he lost the memory of what he'd achieved. May he rest in peace. Thanks for writing about him.Hi Jennifer--You're welcome--very sad that he forgot...he left US with lots of good memories though.Hi Steve ,Columbo was one of my favorite shows for years it is so sad to me that he had such an awful disease.Alzheimers robs a person of their identity and robs a family of their Loved One .I Appreciate the Article Steve ! Thanks For Writing It!
Yes Peter Falk will be missed by many, he was a great actor.Hi Dave--Yup, he was!
Thanks
We have taken pills for hearts and gotten better in erradicating cancer and then live long enough to get dementia - oh, my... this is a good and thoughtful reflection, Steve Thanks!Yes, we live longer and can't remember poop! Well, I'll still take living longer. But seriously, I know what you mean...thank you Marijo
What a heartwarming tribute. I didn't watch the show, but isn't wonderful when there are shows we can connect with and that bring release to our lives. What a gift. I recently read the article on Glen Campbell and think it is wonderful that he has decided to tour. I do pray it turns out well for him. Prayers to the families of these great people. Thanks for sharing Steve. Blessings to you!Teresa--Every comment you make literally exudes sunshine--you are a great representative for your religious beliefs--you lift me up every time I hear from you--you are really something--thanks...
Steve
wow Steve, this is a most precious compliment. I am who I am because of what Jesus did for me. What a blessing it is to hear that it comes shining though. You know, I think about your articles on gangs, and crime when I think about my past. Living in Compton, South Gate, Cudahay, and Huntington Park...well gangs were inevitable....haven't yet written about my days as a bully.... Blessings to you and yours!
Alzheimer is too bad...Nice infos Sir...thanks for sharing...Regards, ChiradeepYes, Alzheimers is terrible
Thank you for reading and commenting Chiradeep
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