The remarkably talented Peter Falk would have turned 85 on September 16, today in some parts of the world. And because I’ve been in love with him forever – or since I first laid eyes on Lt. Columbo, the unforgettable character he created that made his debut in 1971, I just have to post something in his honor.
Peter Falk was a great actor by anyone’s estimation. He was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The first for Balaban and Rosenberg’s, Murder, Inc. (1960 and the other for Frank Capra’s, Pocketful of Miracles (1961). Falk was also nominated for one Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Special for his performance in Showtime’s, A Storm in Summer (2000), twelve times for an Emmy Award, winning five in total. Four of those were for portraying Lt. Columbo, by my estimation, one of the most iconic, unforgettable characters in television history. I must mention also he received 10 Golden Globe nominations. One for Most Promising Newcomer in 1961, the other nine for Columbo.
“I worry. I mean, little things bother me. I’m a worrier. I mean, little insignificant
details – I lose my appetite. I can’t eat. My wife, she says to me, “you know, you can really be pain.” – Ransom for a Dead Man
The many faces of Columbo…
[Distraught over her husband's disappearance, Joanna Ferris tries to get a water fountain to work]
Lieutenant Columbo: I think that’s out of order, ma’am. Uh, you see, that’s the trouble with these buildings; the fountains never work, then you have to use the coffee machine. And then you lose your dime, and the coffee’s lousy.
Joanna Ferris: Who are you?
Lieutenant Columbo: Oh, I’m just another cop. My name is Columbo. I’m a lieutenant. – Murder By the Book
Dr. Benson: [referring to Columbo's dog] “Say, how old is he?
Columbo: Kinda hard to say. You see, I just picked him up at the pound. His time was up, if you know what I mean.” - Etude in Black
“My ears pop in an elevator. As a matter if fact, I don’t even like being this tall.” – Swan Song
Sean Brantley: You’ve read many mystery stories, Columbo?
Lt. Columbo: Oh, no, sir. I never read them. I tried. I can’t figure them out. Even after the detective lays it all out at the end. – Columbo Cries Wolf
“My wife says I’m the second smartest. She claims there are 80 guys tied for first.” - Short Fuse
Columbo on a magazine…
“You’re a very kind man Lieutenant. Columbo
Don’t count on that Miss Mitchell, don’t count on it.” – Try and Catch Me
“One more thing…”
We miss you, Peter Falk. And our Lieutenant!
