A court document filed by Peter Falk's daughter says the Emmy-winning actor, best known as TV detective Columbo, has Alzheimer's disease.
Catherine Falk is seeking approval to act as a conservator - or legal guardian - so that she can manage the affairs of her father, 81.
She claims he is no longer able to recognise people.
The petition was filed last Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court. A hearing is scheduled for January.
The court papers state that Mr Falk lives in Beverly Hills with his wife and requires constant care.
The actor was born in New York in 1927 and spent several years as a stage actor and bit-part TV player before landing the role of Columbo.
His performance as the shambling, seemingly absent-minded detective won him four Emmys, while the character stayed with him for 35 years.
He has also appeared in films such as Shark Tale and cult children's movie The Princess Bride.
In the 1960s, he received two Oscar nominations for best supporting actor - for Pocketful of Miracles and Murder, Inc.
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