Peter Falk...Memories of a kind-hearted actor! Oh, just one more thing!

I, along with many others in the industry, was saddened by the news that well-respected actor - Peter Falk - passed to spirit over the weekend.

Mr. Falk was best-known for his delightful characterization of "Detective Columbo" which he fleshed out with distinctive style on the long-running highly-rated drama series.

However, Falk was also blessed with a remarkable multi-faceted career which spanned several decades.

In one of his early television appearances (a just-blossoming medium) Falk drew rave notices (and snapped up his 1st Emmy Award) for an off-beat portrayal of a truck driver on the ever-popular "Dick Powell Show".

The compassionate actor, born in New York City in 1927, was quite adept on the boards also.

On the heels of being cast as a bartender in "The Iceman Cometh" - talent scouts took notice - and there was no looking back for the humble thespian.

Shortly thereafter - two plum roles in the medium of film landed him Oscar nominations for Best Supporting Actor - "Murder, Inc." and "A Pocketful of Miracles" respectively.

But, "Columbo" was the character that made the reluctant star a household name around the country.

While the weekly mystery series was in production, I was cast in a cameo role for one episode which featured a plot line that focused on the fascinating realm of the paranormal and a charlatan who used smoke-and-mirrors to commit a murder.

On the set one day, I half-turned, and found myself face-to-face with the rumpled "persona" of Detective Columbo.

I tell 'ya, that was quite a memorable experience, for a fledgling actor to experience.

Mr. Falk possessed a magnetic "aura" which spoke volumes.

Falk fondly relayed his feelings about the Columbo character recently in a heartfelt interview.

"I love him. He's eccentric, oblivious to the impression he makes on people. His obsessiveness is hidden by his graciousness. He has a sly sense of humor, is by nature polite and totally devoid of pretension."

The last two years of his life, Falk suffered from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, which triggered a couple of legal skirmishes in the courts with family members in the inner circle.

In 2009, the court granted a request by his wife to maintain control of his personal care and professional affairs.

According to public records, Mr. Falk was 83 years old when he left this mortal coil.

When God created Falk, he broke the mould.

The talented performer will be missed!

Peace Perfect Peace.

http://www.thetattler.biz

Jay Leno...Does he really have a wife? A mysterious foil...

In the popular detective show - Columbo - Peter Falk's character was inclined to engage in small talk about his wife at a pivotal point in the plot line during the run of the show.

More often that not, the Missus offered up a piece of information - or uttered up an astute observation - that egged him on to better understand the intriques of the criminal mind - and to eventually solve the crime.

But, I don't recall ever catcing a glimpse of her!

I actully acted on the weekly TV series in the capacity of a bit part - in which I played a Military man - taking a tour of a facility that conducted experiments on the paranormal and a myriad of psychic phenomenon.

At one point, I turned to my left in the scene, and was startled to encounter Peter Falk staring intently into my eyes.

To capture an up-close glimpse of his face - a sort-of battered-in well-lived one - was quite a remarkable experence that will remain deeply etched in the memory banks of my mind.

Tonight, when Jay Leno mentioned his wife, I immediately flashed back to that precious moment.

Then, it suddenly occured to me, that Jay Leno often referred to his wife on the Tonight Show.

But, have we ever seen hide-or-tail of her?

Not moi!

Last night, Leno noted that he and his wife were recently preparing to attend a screening, when she pestered him about whether there was a lot of blood, and guts, and gore in the movie.

"My wife hates that," he confided in so many words.

It struck me - that like Columbo - Jay has often affectionately mentioned his better half.

Does she really exist, or is she just an imaginary foil, fathomed up to fascilitate a punch line?

Inquiring minds want to know!

http://www.julianayrs.com/