In 2009, a judge established a conservatorship for the ailing actor after a court battle between Catherine and Falk's wife of 34 years, actress Shera Danese Falk. His wife was appointed conservator. Falk won four Emmys for his starring role in the television detective series, "Columbo." He also received Academy Award nominations for movies in 1959 and 1960. Falk portrayed "Columbo" on 69 episode