Peter Falk, the iconic actor best known for his role as the rumpled detective Columbo, wasn’t just solving mysteries on television; he also found a real-life love story that was as captivating as any episode of his famed series. His relationship with his wife, Shera Danese, began unconventionally and blossomed into a long-lasting Hollywood romance, both behind the scenes and occasionally in front of the camera. Their story is a testament to a connection that sparked unexpectedly and endured for decades.
The Serendipitous Meeting on the Set of ‘Mikey & Nicky’
Love can often strike when you least expect it, and for Peter Falk, it happened on the set of the film Mikey & Nicky. As he was immersed in filming, his attention was drawn to a woman observing from the sidelines. This woman was Shera Danese. In a 1991 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Danese recounted their meet-cute, stating, “He saw me walking down the street and that was it.” Falk was so taken by her presence that he had to pause filming to introduce himself. This chance encounter marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Peter Falk’s life, personally and professionally, intertwining his world with that of Shera Danese.
Shera Danese’s Early ‘Columbo’ Debut
By the time Mikey & Nicky premiered in theaters in late 1976, Peter Falk and Shera Danese were already deeply connected. Interestingly, Danese had already made her debut on Falk’s hit series Columbo in the episode “Fade In to Murder.” This appearance occurred early in their relationship. In this episode, Shera Danese, who had previously held minor roles, found herself sharing screen time with television giants Peter Falk and William Shatner. Despite the significant opportunity, Danese humorously downplayed her performance in the LA Times interview, reflecting on her early career naiveté: “As soon as I came out here in the mid-’70s I did a Columbo. I was dumb then. I was just checking my lip gloss.”
Marriage and Frequent ‘Columbo’ Collaborations
Shera Danese’s appearance in Columbo was not a one-off event. She returned to the series multiple times, and by her second appearance, she and Peter Falk were married. For fans of Peter Falk, it was no secret how much he adored Shera Danese, and this affection translated into her becoming a recurring presence on Columbo. Danese admitted to feeling pressure when working alongside her husband on set. She described the unique challenge of acting with her spouse: “I didn’t know how to act as a person. I didn’t want to act like his wife.” This dynamic added an interesting layer to their on-screen collaborations.
On-Screen Chemistry in Memorable Episodes
As their relationship deepened, so did Shera Danese’s roles in Columbo. She frequently played characters who were romantically linked to the suspects Columbo was investigating, creating intriguing on-screen dynamics. Notable episodes featuring Danese in prominent roles include “Murder Under Glass,” “Murder, a Self Portrait,” “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star,” and “A Trace of Murder.” In her L.A. Times interview, Danese shared her desire to have played the rock star victim in “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star,” but Peter Falk reportedly declined due to a particular scene. However, she did lend her voice to the role, singing the rock star’s songs, adding a unique twist to her involvement.
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable on-screen pairings of the couple is in the 1994 episode “Undercover.” In this episode, Columbo goes undercover and attempts to deceive Danese’s character, an art gallery owner, who sees through his disguise effortlessly. “Undercover” showcases the palpable chemistry between Peter Falk and Shera Danese, complete with a scene involving champagne, although Columbo, ever the dedicated detective, abstains to maintain his focus.
A Lasting Hollywood Romance
In total, Shera Danese appeared in more Columbo episodes than any other actress, becoming a familiar face to fans of the series. While her characters never turned out to be the murderer on the show, her presence added a special element to Columbo. Off-screen, Peter Falk and Shera Danese were a Hollywood couple whose love was genuine and deep. They remained married for 33 years. Peter Falk publicly expressed his adoration for his wife. As he touchingly admitted at an awards ceremony, “I’m crazy about my wife,” underscoring the enduring love story of Peter Falk And Wife Shera Danese, a tale that began with a chance encounter and played out both on and off the screen.
