Peter Falk, the iconic actor best known for his role as the rumpled Lieutenant Columbo, wasn’t just a detective on screen; he was also a man who knew what he wanted in real life, especially when it came to love. While filming Mikey & Nicky, Falk’s keen eye for detail spotted someone special off-screen, leading to a real-life romance that was as captivating as any Columbo case. The woman who caught his attention and eventually became his wife was the actress Shera Danese. Their meeting wasn’t scripted, but it was certainly cinematic. As Shera Danese recounted in a 1991 interview with the Los Angeles Times, their first encounter was simple yet impactful: “He saw me walking down the street and that was it.” This chance meeting sparked a relationship that would last for over three decades.
Their connection deepened quickly. By the time Mikey & Nicky premiered in late 1976, Peter Falk and Shera Danese were not just a couple; Danese had already made her debut in an episode of Columbo. In “Fade In to Murder,” she found herself sharing screen time with not only Peter Falk but also William Shatner. For an actress who had previously held minor roles, this was a significant moment. Despite the pressure and the presence of these television giants, Danese delivered a memorable performance. Reflecting on this early role, she modestly admitted, “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.”
Shera Danese’s appearances on Columbo became more frequent after their marriage. For fans of Peter Falk, it was no secret how much he adored his wife, and this affection translated into more prominent roles for Danese in the series. She often played characters who were romantically linked to the suspects Columbo was investigating, adding an interesting dynamic to the episodes. Working alongside her husband, however, came with its own set of challenges. Danese described feeling pressure to separate her personal relationship from her professional performance. “I didn’t know how to act as a person. I didn’t want to act like his wife,” she explained, highlighting the unique situation of acting opposite her spouse.
Danese’s roles in Columbo grew in significance, appearing in episodes like “Murder Under Glass,” “Murder, a Self Portrait,” “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star,” and “A Trace of Murder.” Interestingly, Danese revealed her ambition to play a different role in “Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star” – she wanted to play the victim. However, Peter Falk reportedly declined this request due to certain scene requirements. Despite not playing the rock star herself, Danese still contributed her vocal talent to the episode, singing the character’s songs, adding a unique twist to her involvement.
One of the most memorable collaborations between Peter Falk and Shera Danese on screen is in the 1994 episode “Undercover.” In this episode, Columbo goes undercover and encounters Danese’s character, an art gallery owner who quickly sees through his disguise. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable in this episode, with moments of playful interaction, including a scene involving champagne, adding a lighthearted touch to their dynamic, even as Columbo remains focused on solving the case.
Shera Danese holds the distinction of being the actress with the most appearances in Columbo episodes, a testament to both her talent and her special connection with the show’s star. While her characters never turned out to be the murderers Columbo sought, her presence enriched the series and provided a glimpse into Peter Falk’s personal life through their professional collaborations. In reality, Peter Falk and Shera Danese shared a deep and enduring love. Married for 33 years, they were a Hollywood couple whose affection was evident both on and off screen. Peter Falk’s public declaration at an awards ceremony, “I’m crazy about my wife,” echoed the sentiment of a man genuinely in love, proving that his admiration for Shera Danese was no act.
