In memoriam: the Columbo stars we lost in 2021
26With every year that passes, the pool of Columbo supporting stars gradually diminishes. Here I chronicle the Columbo contributors we lost over the past 12 months.
Tribute
Thanks a lot, Sarge: RIP Bruce Kirby
14He may not have the highest profile or have played a major role, but Bruce Kirby was nevertheless Columbo royalty. Here I chronicle the contribution he made to the series over a period of more than 20 years.
In memoriam: the Columbo stars we lost in 2020
40Despite the impressive longevity of a high proportion of its guest stars, sadly no year elapses without a number of Columbo contributors passing on. Let’s raise a glass to the Columbo stars we lost in 2020, and thank them for the indelible mark they left on our favourite show.
Thanks for the memories: RIP William Link
25A torrid year rounded out on a further low note for Columbo fans with the news that character co-creator William Link passed away on December 27. Here I offer a humble tribute to this goliath of TV production and creation.
So long Lily Stanhope, RIP Honor Blackman
22A brief tribute to Columbo killer Honor Blackman, star of 1972’s ‘Dagger of the Mind’, who sadly passed away on 6th April at the age of 94.
Farewell to Milo Janus, RIP Robert Conrad
36Remembering the Columbo contribution of Robert Conrad (AKA Milo Janus), who sadly passed away on 8th February at the age of 84.
The Columbo stars we lost in 2019
16From writers and directors to the talented actors who brought Columbo alive on the screen, here is a brief tribute to the Columbo stars we said a permanent farewell to 2019. May they continue to bring us delight in the years ahead every time we catch an episode.
The Columbo stars we lost in 2018
29With the passing of another year, here I chronicle the Columbo stars and contributors we said ‘bon voyage’ to in 2018. May they live long in the memory…
Read all about it! Columbo doyen pens new tribute for show’s 50th anniversary
9Legendary Columbo commentator Mark Dawidziak, author of The Columbo Phile book, has published a fine tribute to the show to mark its 50th anniversary. Every fan ought to read it!
Why Columbo matters as much as ever
140Considering the reasons why Columbo remains an enjoyable and important viewing experience today, more than 50 years after it first aired.
A word on Steven Bochco, Columbo contributor par excellence
7April 1 2018 struck a sombre note for Columbo fans with news that Steven Bochco had died at the age of 74 after a long battle with leukemia. Although small compared to his main body of work, Bochco’s Columbo contribution remains one of the most celebrated of all.
The Columbo stars we lost in 2017
7With every year that passes, the pool of Columbo supporting stars gradually diminishes, and 2017 was no different. Here I pay tribute to the Columbo guest stars we said ‘bon voyage’ to over the past 12 months.
The tragic real-life fate of three Columbo stars
68Examining the tragic real-life fates of three Columbo guest stars – including one of the best loved of all, Jack Cassidy. Read on with caution.
Help make a Columbo Google Doodle a reality!
25Help me in my bid to get Google to consider creating a Columbo Google Doodle to commemorate the show’s 50th anniversary next February.
Six of the best: chronicling Columbo’s unsung heroes
47A tribute to Columbo’s ‘Super-Six’ support stars Val Avery, Fred Draper, Vito Scotti, Bruce Kirby, John Finnegan and Mike Lally, who clocked up 60 appearances between them.
The Columbo stars we lost in 2016
5Wow, 2016 was a shocker wasn’t it? Many of the world’s most popular stars of stage, screen, concert hall and sporting arena took their one-way trips to the Pearly Gates. Columbo fans weren’t immune to these losses and a number of much-loved guest stars bid us farewell.
Bon voyage to Robert Vaughn: Columbo’s nautical nemesis
12November 11, 2016 was a sad day for Columbo fans the world over, with the news that one of the show’s suavest and most stylish guest stars, Robert Vaughn, had died at the age of 83. For what he brought to the show, Vaughn retains a place in the hearts of Columbo fans in perpetuity.
My wishlist to celebrate Columbo’s 50th anniversary
12The 50th anniversary of the first airing of Columbo Prescription: Murder is swiftly approaching. Here’s what’s on my wishlist to commemorate this momentous occasion.
Gone but not forgotten: remembering the life of Peter Falk
34Photo and video highlights from the life of Peter Falk – including lots of magnificent Columbo moments! Gone but not forgotten…
Mrs Columbo’s name revealed as Columbo meets Frank Sinatra
7As well as giving Ol’ Blue Eyes a good ribbing, Lieutenant Columbo’s hilarious turn on the ‘Dean Martin Celebrity Roast’ series in 1978 finally revealed his elusive wife’s first name. What was it? Read on and find out…
A Lieutenant’s best friend: Columbo and Dog
31Had a hard day? Then relax and enjoy the back story and image gallery of one of TV’s most enduring and heart-warming relationships: that of Columbo and Dog.
Why is there a Columbo statue in Budapest?
18Trawl through the #Columbo hashtag on Instagram and it won’t be long before you spy a multitude of plucky tourists cuddling up to a familiar-looking bronze figure, striking a classic pose. It’s clearly a statue of Columbo. But why is it in Budapest?
Columbo’s Oscars pedigree
45No silver screen accolade is more coveted than the Academy Award. And the stars of Columbo, both from in front of and behind the camera, have a shedload of Oscars between them – as well as nominations galore. Have a look here at Columbo’s Oscars pedigree. You might be surprised…
The Columbo legends we lost in 2015
5As is to be expected of a show that’s well over 40 years old, a number of much-loved Columbo characters have passed away over the past 12 months. For what it’s worth, here’s a very small tribute to the Columbo legends we lost in 2015.
Theo Bikel: a tribute
10How Theo Bikel’s performance as Oliver Brandt in Columbo Bye-Bye Sky High IQ Murder Case was the genesis of my love for the show.
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