Peter Falk, the legendary actor of the long-running Columbo series, is supposedly suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, according to papers filed in a Los Angeles court by his concerned daughter.

Catherine Falk filed documents in Los Angeles Superior Court last week, claiming her father is suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia and is in need of “full-time custodial care for his health ad safety.”

Catherine Falk says in the documents that she is concerned her father can “easily be deceived into transferring away property” and is seeking a conservatorship to protect him and his estate.

Celebrity gossip site TMZ was first to report the story.

Catherine Falk says her father, at 81, is no longer able to recognize people. According to the court papers, Falk lives in Beverly Hills with his wife and requires constant care.

A hearing has been set for next month.

Peter Falk initially worked as a stage actor and had small roles in television shows before being cast as detective Columbo in the series of the same name. His performance as the apparently muddled and simple-minded investigator earned him four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Actor in a drama series and a Golden Globe.  

He played the part of Lieutenant Columbo for an amazing 35 years.

He has also starred in films such as The Princess Bride, The Great Race, It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and Shark Tale.

Peter Falk has been nominated for an Academy Award twice, in the Best Supporting Actor category, for Murder, Inc. and Pocketful of Miracles.