Shera Danese

1.1. Early Life and Background

Born on October 9, 1949, in New York, Shera Danese displayed talent and presence from an early age. In 1970, she was notably crowned Miss Pennsylvania World, an achievement that marked an early highlight in her public life before her acting career began.

1.2. Early Acting Career

Danese's acting career officially commenced in 1975 with her television debut. She first appeared as Kitty in an episode of the TV series Medical Story, credited as Sherry Danese. Following this initial role, she became a frequent guest star in various other television series throughout the 1970s. Her early television appearances included roles in popular shows such as One Day at a Time, Serpico, Baretta, Three's Company, Kojak, Family, Hart to Hart, Starsky and Hutch, and Charlie's Angels. These early roles established her versatility and set the stage for her more prominent engagements in the years to come.

2.1. Columbo Appearances

Shera Danese is particularly recognized for her significant involvement in the long-running television series Columbo, where she appeared in six episodes alongside her husband, Peter Falk, who famously portrayed Lieutenant Columbo. She holds the unique distinction of having the most appearances of any actress in the series. Her roles in Columbo were varied and memorable:

• In "Columbo: Fade in to Murder" (1976), her first appearance, she played Molly, the secretary to the husband of the victim, Claire Daly (portrayed by Laurette Spang). The episode featured William Shatner as the perpetrator.
• Her second appearance was in "Columbo: Murder Under Glass" (1978), where she took on the role of Eve Plummer, the secretary to a food critic who was the episode's perpetrator, played by Louis Jourdan.
• For "Columbo: Murder, a Self Portrait" (1989), part of the revival series, Danese played Vanessa, the current wife of the killer, portrayed by Patrick Bauchau.
• In "Columbo: Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star" (1991), she played Trish Fairbanks, a secretary to the criminal defense attorney, Hugh Creighton (played by Dabney Coleman). Her character initially helped him with an alibi but later discovered his guilt and used this knowledge to become a co-partner in his firm.
• Her fifth appearance was in "Columbo: Undercover" (1994), an episode based on an Ed McBain novel that deviated from the typical inverted detective story format of Columbo. Danese portrayed Geraldine Ferguson, a gallery owner who is murdered towards the end of the story.
• Finally, in "Columbo: A Trace of Murder" (1997), Danese took on her first and only role as the actual killer in the series. She played Catherine Calvert, an entrepreneur who wished to separate from her overbearing husband, Clifford (played by Barry Corbin), but was prevented from doing so without losing her fortune due to a prenuptial agreement. She conspired with her lover, Los Angeles Police Department forensic scientist Patrick Kinsley (played by David Rasche), to murder a wealthy individual with whom Clifford was in dispute, thus framing her husband for the crime.

2.2. Ace Crawford, Private Eye

In 1983, Shera Danese also had a notable role in the comedy series Ace Crawford, Private Eye, starring alongside Tim Conway. In the series, she played Luana, a singer at a venue called The Shanty, who had a romantic interest in the titular private investigator, Crawford. Her character added to the comedic dynamics of the show.

2.3. Other Television and Film Roles

Beyond her significant contributions to Columbo and Ace Crawford, Private Eye, Shera Danese appeared in various other television series and feature films. Her film roles include:

• New York, New York (1977)
• Risky Business (1983), where she played a prostitute named Vicki, starring alongside Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay.
• Baby Boom (1987)
• Unbecoming Age (1992)
• Enemies of Laughter (2000)
• John Q (2002)
• Who's Your Daddy? (2003)
• Checking Out (2005), in which she appeared with her husband Peter Falk.
• Alpha Dog (2006)

Her other television appearances include roles in:

• Having Babies (1976), a TV movie.
• The Feather and Father Gang (1977).
• Fame (1978), a TV movie.
• The Love Tapes (1979), a TV movie.
• Million Dollar Infield (1982), a TV movie.
• Your Place... or Mine (1983), a TV movie.
• Sparkling Cyanide (1983), a TV movie.
• Maggie Briggs (1984).
• Brothers (1985).
• Detective in the House (1985).
• The Ladies Club (1985).
• Midnight Caller (1989).
• Mulberry Street (1989), a TV movie.
• Cold Case (2010).

3.1. Marriage to Peter Falk

Shera Danese met actor Peter Falk on the set of the 1976 film Mikey and Nicky. Their relationship blossomed, and they married on December 7, 1977. Their marriage lasted for 33 years until Falk's death on June 23, 2011, at the age of 83. He succumbed to complications from Alzheimer's disease and pneumonia. Their deep connection was publicly acknowledged, with Falk's headstone bearing the inscription: "I'm not here. I'm home with Shera."

3.2. Conservatorship Dispute and "Peter Falk's Law"

Following Peter Falk's decline due to Alzheimer's disease, Shera Danese became his conservator. However, this period was marked by a contentious legal dispute with Falk's adopted daughter, Catherine Falk. Catherine alleged that Danese prevented some of Peter Falk's family members from visiting him, failed to notify them of significant changes in his medical condition, and did not inform them of his death or funeral arrangements.

This highly publicized conservatorship dispute brought attention to broader issues of social equity and human rights within the legal framework of conservatorships. It underscored the critical need for safeguards to protect the visitation rights of incapacitated individuals and ensure transparency in their care. Catherine Falk subsequently became a vocal advocate for legislative change, leading efforts to pass what is now widely known as "Peter Falk's Law." This legislation aims to provide clear guidelines that guardians and conservators must adhere to regarding visitation rights for incapacitated individuals and the requirement to provide notice of death to their family members. As of 2016, more than ten U.S. states had enacted such laws, reflecting a growing recognition of the ethical imperatives to uphold familial connections and basic human dignity for those under conservatorship. The movement for "Peter Falk's Law" represents a significant step towards greater accountability and compassion in conservatorship cases, aiming to prevent situations where vulnerable individuals are isolated from their loved ones.