Interviews | Posted by TV Time Machine 07.01.11
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In 2007, TV Time Machine host Jim Benson interviewed Peter Falk in what turned out to be the TV legend’s final broadcast interview-discussing the creation of his quintessential character cop named Columbo. As the passage of time has proven, of the countless characters on television, few are as memorable, classic, and iconic as that seemingly dim-bulbed homicide detective working for the LAPD.

In this classic TV Time Machine audio interview, host Jim Benson is joined by Peter Falk and Mark Dawidziak, author of The Columbo Phile and television critic for the Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper. Together, they explore Mr. Falk’s vast constellation of artistic excellence, as well as that pesky personage known as Lt. Columbo.

Listen to the Interview Below

Columbo Peter Falk audio interview Segment One

In this segment, host Jim Benson asks Peter Falk about growing up in Ossining, New York, and why it took him so long to decide to become an actor. Mr. Falk explains the reasons why his job as an efficiency expert for the state of Connecticut wasn’t very efficient, and how the words “well you should be,” uttered by famed acting coach Eva LaGallienne, ultimately changed his life.

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Columbo Peter Falk audio interview Segment Two

For the second segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Peter Falk and Cleveland Plain Dealer television critic Mark Dawidziak, Mr. Falk’s career catalyst that turned on buying just the right coat–which led to two Academy Award nominations! Peter Falk also captivates Jim and Mark, by telling the story of how he was once arrested and detained in 1950’s Havana, Cuba–having been mistaken for the head of the rebel movement–Fidel Castro!

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Columbo Peter Falk audio interview Segment Three

For the third segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Peter Falk and Cleveland Plain Dealer television critic Mark Dawidziak, Mr. Falk’s iconic character Columbo, the genesis of the series, the pilot movie Prescription: Murder, Columbo creators Richard Levinson and William Link, Columbo’s car, and how much Peter Falk and Columbo have in common. Finally, the great detective reads from Mark Dawidziak’s book The Columbo Phile, which end in hysterics!

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  • This candid and fun interview is a treasure — the last time Peter Falk reminisced publicly about his career. 

  • Pineywoodsdavid

    Wonderful. A simpler time.

  • Kelsall49

    R.I.P My hero. The night you died I could smell cigar smoke and I told my sister. I live in the UK and I was telling my sister. Then the day after, before I knew he died, the smell of smoke was absolutely intense. I got home after having dinner with my son and my family phoned me to tell me Columbo had died.
     Oh, one more thing……it is so sad that not long after this he developed Dementia. He is at peace now. I named my cat after Columbo.
    R.I.P.Peter Falk a.k.a Columbo

    • montanezolga

      l myself love Columbo the character, and the actor, no one like him, however check out Vincent Donofrio, he is judt like him, althought
      there will never b anyone like My Columbo.MAY HE REST IN PEACE

  • Anne

    I love him…We all gonna miss him very much.R.I.P. Peter!!!

  • Lynn

    I am humbled thank you

  • Adam Bulby Andrews

    R.I.P PETER

    YOU ARE/WERE A LEGEND. RESPECT TO YOU FOR ALL TIME MR FALK