Peter Falk Talks Columbo and Johnny Does His Best Impersonation | Carson Tonight Show

[@carolharris1291]

I still binge- watch “Columbo.” Peter Falk was masterful in that role. He deserved every one of those Emmys he earned. One of the best actors ever.

[@girlthewonderdog8763]

... HELLO CAROL

[@Hothenrik]

I recorded "Columbo" on VHS tapes in the 90's (believe it or not, that is when I discovered him!) I fell in LOVE with the show and especially the character. I have (I believe) every episode of "Columbo" that was aired on TV, from "Prescription:Murder" to "Columbo Likes the Nightlife". Loved him in every single one!!!

[@patriciamayhue5519]

Me too!!

[@feurigerStern]

Colombo is a classic and will never age.

[@Hothenrik]

@@feurigerStern "Columbo"😉

[@fearsomename4517]

I watched every Columbo and he was perfect for the role. His car, dog and mannerism was spot on. Peter Falk is a legend.

[@hippielove3100]

@ Fearsome What kind of car was it ? I loved it

[@fonziebulldog5786]

@@hippielove3100 Peugeot.

[@freshstart4423]

Show about good vs evil

[@delt2743]

He was a AAA auto-club member

[@hippielove3100]

@@fonziebulldog5786 Thank you. I was to young back then.

[@moc7323]

Columbo is still rocking tv today .. it never gets old ..

[@rustyruss2962]

I watch him on late night few times week when he’s on

[@nb2008nc]

Where at? He was on MeTV, but they cancelled him.

[@rustyruss2962]

@@nb2008nc Direct tv channel 239 Sundance channel usually 3 are 4 times week starts at midnight usually two episode at time

[@tarnsand440]

@@nb2008nc In Canada Columbo movie every Thursday night( for years) Vision TV 6-8pm MT.

[@Grahame1975]

@@tarnsand440 yup. They rerun it at midnight which is when I watch it. Too young to remember when it was on its initial run

[@althenya]

I went home for the holidays and my father (70yrs old) and I took a trip to Walmart because he was keeping his eye out for ANY season of Columbo. He would speak of it fondly. He ended up finding the whole box set for only $50 and I showed up in the electronics section to see a sneaky grin on his face, he was so pleased with himself! SO, over the Christmas holidays and New Years we would watch an episode or two a night before bed; My Dad and Mum and I. It was one of the coziest, loveliest times of my life. At 34 years of age with my parents. I will treasure it forever.

[@JWimpy]

What a wonderful story. There are some things and memories that make family so special.

[@winonafrog]

♥️

[@donsaxon1948]

What wonderful moments caught in time

[@RobertMcGowan-y9c]

Thank you for sharing this. Beautiful memories, best always. Ps. Columbo is still the best ever.

[@blankstares4355]

Precious

[@eddierae8945]

Growing up in 70s, Columbo was a must watch , great TV

[@pierreo33]

I'm currently on season 2 and it's so fascinating to someone born in 1991 to watch how it was back in the 70's. Everyone was smoking indoors lol! And people seemed much more polite and fashionable back then.

[@quintbromley2112]

Every one of these clips is like opening a bottle of perfectly aged wine.

[@warrenhoffman2006]

From the cellar of Adrian Carsini!

[@quintbromley2112]

@@warrenhoffman2006 Lol. Very nice. 🍷

[@mpreiss7780]

True

[@warrenhoffman2006]

@@quintbromley2112 Thank you.

[@Feark]

Ohh, red?

[@AliasJimWirth]

I loved Columbo. We, the family, watched them all and looked forward to the next one each week. What a great show. We miss that quality today.

[@MicroSoftner]

You forgot something?! Just one more thing...!

[@AliasJimWirth]

@@MicroSoftner Right on. Great call and observation. Who could forget that. Thanks.

[@b01tact10n]

Quality and love for the work is missing nowadays.

[@leegraves101]

Just one more thing… my wife thinks he’s great too.

[@stelvis7413]

"Columbo" is one of my all time favorite shows. I bought Peter Falk's book online in 2004. It arrived with a personalized autograph from Peter on the front page. Couldn't believe it.

[@josephgaviota]

SUPER GREAT for you !! Jealous!

[@beckyhill4097]

Very envious. Good for you!

[@nineteen8486]

Wow .. great stuff

[@steelhurricane4041]

What a thoughtful guy.☺️ Love peter Falk.

[@victorbachmann3093]

Columbo is a class act from A to Z

[@ScottALanter]

Geez, I miss Peter Falk. When I sit and watch the reruns of Columbo, I get lost in my own little world. I've seen every episode at least 50 times, but they never get old watching them.

[@jesusisunstoppable4438]

Agreed

[@BillClay88]

Peter falk was the man. Just started binge watching every episode again. Just effortlessly so genius. Love Peter. Rip, sir.

[@archstanton3430]

He actually did a great job of explaining the appeal of Columbo at the end. Well said.

[@JellyBean02288]

Perfect!

[@lesliegreenberg3534]

I watched every Columbo episode, multiple times. Peter Falk was perfect every moment. Hands down, my favorite detective show of all time. Originally it pre-dated VCRs, and we never missed an episode, couldn't wait for it to air. Those really were the good old days!

[@ramongonzalez2112]

I was 8 years old when this aired. My parents were alive, and my brother and I were having the time of our lives. Great childhood and great times for America.🤗🙏🇺🇸

[@jayne59brohammer]

I have to agree with you Ramon, life was good back then, wish I had a time machine! Do you know where I can get one....lol

[@paulcalzolano9074]

Could not have said it any better!!! Hopefully someday this country will get back on track to times like they were when we were kids

[@thepatriotess4279]

Well said, great comment! Now our country is going downhill so fast it’s scary.

[@AFMMD-q8]

Good O’l days alright, I’m afraid we’re loosing the republic folks, last 3 years have been a monumental disaster 😢 hopefully we can endure one more year and a half of this madness and get back to earlier ideals and 🇺🇸 way.

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

Look where the country is at now 😢😢😢

[@alziraneves7235]

Here in Brazil we watch COLUMBO every Monday night. The best detective in the History of American TV.

[@Urko2005]

I live in the UK and i could watch repeats of Peter Falk as Columbo over and over.

[@Acducec]

Columbo was so good he didn’t need to plug it . Total Greatness

[@riverbankfisher]

As he walked off the set I half expected him to pause, turn around and utter that immortal phrase "Oh, there was one more thing...."

[@MrTruth111]

lol yes, missed chance:)

[@gkvogt]

That's certainly what he should have done.

[@PurpleHaze4me]

I think that line is copyrighted.

[@fabriziomorris5320]

You forgot the arm raise as he stops, his back still facing the camera

[@Teri_Berk]

Nice comment but if he actually did it, that would have been overdoing the show. Peter Falk was a man of moderation. He used to do small jokes, small talks always in moderation. That's actually one of the reasons I like him so much. So here in this Johnny Carson show, he knew how long he should do the show. Not too little not too much.

[@michaelobrien5958]

Like gold, Columbo series only appreciates over time. Love 'em...

[@bigdad1211]

One of the best shows on TV! I still watch it to this day!

[@simsim8865]

me too. 👍👏

[@SubdolphinX]

Peter Falk was a real gem.

[@TWWIW]

van Dyke said it best in one of the columbo epidoses hehe

[@BlackangelKatakuri]

Omg he's not just an actor he's literally Columbo. I love it

[@penelopelopez8296]

This was 1972….I miss those days. I miss Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show interviews. I loved “Columbo” and I love Falk. Thank you for posting this on the Tube…I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

[@terryherrera9054]

I've always loved him. I've seen him in comedies and serious movie's . He was always brilliant in them. His timing , deliverance , and his facial expressions and that voice . He truly was original and unique . All around a great actor. There's no one like him.

[@stefaniewick1212]

I'm 76 and I have seen every episode of Columbo, at least. 5 to 8 times...

[@robskipper8682]

And I thought I was the only one😂😂

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Peter Falk's personality is just like his character Columbo, very quirky but lovable! Perfectly cast for role.

[@nicolen.9642]

Columbo is still rerun on Saturdays in France. I grew up with Peter Falk. Yes he rocks!

[@ashleelarsen5002]

Cool

[@nicolen.9642]

@@ashleelarsen5002 Yep😃

[@ashleelarsen5002]

@@nicolen.9642 my mom loves this show ...

[@josephgaviota]

So great to hear !

[@carriec.9834]

Colombo is also on NBC Peacock streaming service (we paid the upgrade to eliminate commercials, worth it) and are currently enjoying this great series.

[@concorde2003]

I wish I could have met Peter Falk.

[@craigjgomez]

I wish I could have met President Kennedy. Anyone else?

[@williamschlenger1518]

No one can hold a candle to Johnny Carson & I loved Colombo.

[@bartonpercival3216]

You are so right. Johnny Carson was the best late night talk show host ever. I use to love when Carson would have on Rodney Dangerfield. After his comic routine Rodney would sit down and then just continue his routine, and Carson would let him go on and on. "I tell ya Johnny, with my wife I got no sex life ya know. She cut me down to once a month. I mean I'm lucky, I know two guys she cut out completely"

[@JellyBean02288]

Colombo and Peter Falk are my favorites of all time ! Very charismatic person-he was extraordinarily popular-and still is.

[@llynnie888]

Wow, this is vintage gold. Especially sweet for me because my father was exactly like Columbo & like Columbo, nothing got past him.

[@eusebiothomas2481]

Nothing like this on today's garbage. Light years away in class, self-respect and integrity.

[@shaunajin8497]

You said it perfectly! I agree w every word. 🎉🎉🎉

[@gg2fan]

As someone who is probably much younger than the average Columbo fan, the show made me really understand where boomers were coming from when they lamented the decline of American culture. The 70s episodes are pure class, the later reboots are offputtingly trashy and pulpy. I think it has everything to do with the precipitous decline in the level of dignity Americans experienced in their day to day lives as the new deal was eviscerated by politicians who had been captured by corporate interests. Everything, not just the tv shows, lost the deeply imbued sense of dignity, integrity, and inherent value as people's economic lives slowly, sometimes not so slowly came crashing down around them. The same systems and institutions that were once upheld as pillars of a functional society were reduced to absolute mockeries of their former selves as their legitimacy became eroded by cynical bourgeois interests seeping in and deconstructing them. All that to say, if the society you live in, the world around you, the institutions you're supposed to rely on to protect you, have no respect for you and are totally uninterested in providing a dignified life for their citizens- How are you supposed to take the mere CONCEPT of dignity seriously? You couldn't make a show like Columbo today, because the America he lived in and the America we live in are two entirely different universes. All because the capitalist cartels that control every aspect of our society need to make the line go up more. The sheer reach of the knock-on effects created by that sad fact never ceases to astound me.

[@shaunbeer7367]

Perfectly put.

[@CommonContentArchive]

TV in general is far better today, but Columbo was a gem

[@ThePsychoAnon]

@@gg2fanwell said! It can all be fixed though: racial, cultural, social and spiritual hygiene reinforced by the fixing of those broken systems.

[@ronaldzent4845]

Johnny was truly the best 🌃 time host, Peter Falks character of Columbo I think showed how a police drama could be done without chase.scenes, violent shootings, etc. The way he would start to follow up on his hunches of someone in particular in each episode was just very good to excellent Screen writing , and some of the best TV Dramas ever done.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

Columbo is the best of all detective shows. My all time favorite. The best use of celebrity guest appearances ever. Unique in its approach. You witness the crime then see it solved.

[@lynettepalecek3141]

Both Peter Falk and Johnny Carson were hilarious in this video. I loved it when Peter takes 2 rolls of film out of his pocket when he said that he brought some film. Lol.

[@joshn1287]

Most of the Columbo episodes were before my time but my mom always loved Columbo and the movie the In-laws. My mom gave my wife and I the Columbo DVD set for Christmas one year and we both fell in love with the show. We have now watched all the seasons multiple times.

[@Jerseybytes2]

if you like Peter Falk, I'd suggest you watch, the cheap detective as well

[@beckyhill4097]

The the in-laws! My favorite line "serpentine."

[@lauramalek3128]

"Serpentine Shel! Serpentine!"

[@carriedillmann4455]

Peter Falk is a National treasure!

[@douglasmcconnell8116]

Amen to that..

[@continentalgin]

One of the greatest TV shows ever and Falk made it the great series it was. Everybody loved Columbo and still do!

[@vwlssnvwls3262]

Peter Falk was just a great, great man. I watched Columbo all the time growing up. I was so happy to see Peter Falk as the grandfather in The Princess Bride, and that final line when he says "as you wish" gets me in the feels every time.

[@debgaye]

Watch Colombo almost every night. Peter Falk is a true treasure. Super talented.

[@psw4763]

The most perfect character actor and even here you can see Colombo in him. Loved everything he starred in and Colombo still on my rerun watch list.

[@mpreiss7780]

Yeah he acted in so many other movies and shows. Very talented. I loved his 1963 role as an religious murderer in Alfred Hitchcock Presents show.

[@psw4763]

@@mpreiss7780 Agree

[@Teri_Berk]

@@mpreiss7780 I've searched for that particular Hitchcock episode which you said Falk played as a murderer but couldn't find it couldn't even identify the episode^s name. Its name could be "Bonfire" but that's reported to be filmed in 1962 not 1963. Could you give more info on that particular episode or provide links if there are any?

[@mpreiss7780]

@@Teri_Berk Yes, I believe it is Bonfire, must have got the year wrong.

[@rawbacon]

Never realized how sharp and funny Falk was.

[@mytoytoo]

We purchased the entire series of Columbo. We loved it. Peter was made for that role.

[@rustyruss2962]

Johnny an Peter two of my Favorites from back in day ❤️🙏❤️🙏

[@helanameisters2841]

Absolutely hilarious! Love seeing these old clips :)

[@richardanderson9957]

I watch those episodes still. They or mostly Falk is pure genius.

[@radutamas2014]

Every every every word,every smile- every evrerything is excelllent! Genius!

[@saxongirl2054]

Omg I love love Peter Falk! My boys together 😍😍

[@pman5886]

Columbo...CLASSIC from the original film in 1968 to last episode in 2003. Still great today as it was when it was first shown.

[@SmithTrek]

Watching this show for the first time at age 30 for perspective, a year or two ago, I couldn't get enough Columbo, I've seen every season multiple times it never gets old !! So good and so relaxing to watch Peter Falk work his magic on screen !

[@Lava1964]

I love Columbo. I have all the NBC episodes on DVD. They are great!

[@MgtowRubicon]

As he was exiting the stage, I was expecting him to stop and say, "Just one more thing..."

[@coursedesign8312]

Exactly!!!

[@andrayespeed_co.]

EXACTLY 🤣🤣🤣

[@husq48]

"Hate to bodda ya Johnny, but..."

[@manuelmaldonado2387]

The best in the world and thank you very much. 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@Antsir12]

In our area Columbo is on our TV antenna on every Saturday night. I watch every time and don’t care that I have probably watched each episode dozens of times! There aren’t many shows like that where I don’t mind watching episodes over and over again.

[@jessiehaislet3625]

I have an autographed photo from Peter Falk. I asked him for it and he was kind enough to send it to me. I read his autobiography and he was a funny man for sure. RIP Peter Falk

[@huemann3416]

I love Columbo And I think this Johnny Carson show is going to be a HIT!!!

[@mikeash7193]

I'm totally impressed that he stayed in character in his clothes. That shows that he understands that everybody identifies with him that way. And that's where hisbread is buttered.

[@mw9463]

watching Columbo right now :) I love...

[@richardmiller191]

This is classic! One of the rare times the guest has Johnny on his heels. Peter Falk took control and ran with it and Johnny handled it beautifully. Peter did the whole interview in character. Hilarious! Both are legends. Miss them both. Still watch Columbo. Never gets old!

[@alanfrost75]

In the history of television, there are a number of characters that stand out because of how perfectly they were played by the actor, and Columbo is certainly on that list.

[@jillkjv3816]

1972. I was 14. A lifetime ago. 😊 Those were good years though. I miss them.

[@BigSplenda1885]

I was -17

[@KINDERGARTEN-COP]

Just started watching Columbo and I can't get enough of it. This show is way better than today's detective shows.

[@marializ7]

I" m currently watching all series. He was brilliant. .

[@thomasboushier2972]

AUSENDA RODRIGUES: Good!...What you're seeing is a detective who pulls tiny pieces of evidence out a criminal through mistakes from the ego of the criminal... So, thanks, Ausenda...Be careful, and stay calm...

[@donnacsuti4980]

Colimbo, Definitely one of my all time favorite series that I never tire of watching. Thanks for a funny and great interview

[@AdamDavidDunlop]

Just started watching Columbo last weekend while I was out with a bad cold. Incredible series, easily holds up.

[@mr.roaddogwade7107]

I still watch and record every episode of Columbo. My favorite show. Nothing on today comes close.

[@donnamanzares8440]

My mom met him in Ossining, NY. His father owned an Army store and he used to work in it. She talked to a lot of Tim’s. She said he was very nice.

[@beverleydabell3241]

In the UK at the moment Columbo is on continuously every Sunday from 9am to 9pm, I watch every single episode over and over again. I must have seen them a million times, I know them word for word but I still watch them all. I just love everything about it. 👏🥰

[@samanthaboren9881]

I still love Columbo. Watching it now. It comes on every Sunday for about 24 hour Marathon on Great American Family channel.

[@MikeTyson_II]

👍🏻Yes, and it's on the Sundance channel also.

[@CathyLahn]

COLUMBO (1968-1978): "The" best TV presentation ever! The writing, acting, unique approach, lead man....and, maybe most importantly, the 1970s era itself, made it the best. All top notch brilliant! Peter Falk: best detective, in every way.

[@WatchitforDays]

What a great interview that I haven't seen before. Thank you for sharing! Big Columbo fan!

[@misspolly2812]

Peter Falk just one of a kind. Lucky me i have his memoirs in a book and his signature on it

[@genepoolbooboo]

Missed Columbo during it’s original airing because only CBS came in clear on the antenna. I had always known about it though. Found it on Tubi and became hooked. Binge watching for the second time. Adore the show!

[@jmh2105]

@genepoolbooboo i wondered if anyone Else had those experiences the 'selection' of shows made by... the antennae! Very familiar.

[@hamidreza620]

People respect him because he's not care about his clothes, shoes, or car, and he's focused on doing his job right.....beautiful lesson and very pure conclusion why this serial has become one of the most popular and successful tv programs. We always remember you, peter. ❤❤❤

[@donaldharrison8281]

I never miss an episode watched it yesterday..🇺🇲📽️🎞️📺💘🚓

[@elguapo1507]

I still watch him every Sunday in the UK! Absolutely love him and wish he was still with us! 👍

[@markuss4133]

My parents watched the first columbo episodes multiple times beore i came to it. Nowadays i watched every epsisode a million times more than them. Thank you

[@travisfletcher900]

Columbo was one of the greatest shows ever on tv. Each episode was a movie. Still holds up today!

[@sepanta8762]

I am not tired of watching Columbo time and time again! One of the best shows ever made!

[@TheMarilyn1969monroe]

I met Peter back in 1992, great New Yorker , we had a chat and i still have a autograph to this day #peterfalk

[@frankiefelinesalwayswelcom5825]

Peter is so candid and relaxed even on “Carson”, so funny. Columbo will always be the best mystery sleuth on TV.

[@beckyhill4097]

Miss this raw talent and spirit.

[@Primus54]

There’s a “mystery/comedy” movie called “Murder By Death” that had an ensemble of stars, including Peter Falk doing a “Humphrey Bogart” detective character. He is hilarious. Sir Alec Guinness plays a blind butler, Peter Sellers plays Charlie Chan. Also stars David Niven and Truman Capote. The movie was not real popular with the critics, but it is worth watching at least once.

[@pauls7318]

I would say that it is worth watching much more than once. I loved that film!

[@hippielove3100]

I'd love to see it , I miss rental movies lol lol 😝

[@mikechap2021]

Great movie

[@jassonsw]

Maggie Smith "Oh darling that's tacky. That really is tacky".

[@Jerseybytes2]

he was also in the cheap detective and the in-laws. both are great movies

[@mpreiss7780]

Simply one of a kind. I still watch Colombo these days

[@normacasini838]

When I am having a down day and/or anxious, Columbo saves me --- I have watched his shows over and throughout the years since I was a tween when it came out in the early 70s.

[@sbbinahee]

Cannot stop watching Peter Falk as Columbo. Brilliant show and brilliant lovely man too.

[@juanmonge7418]

We all grew up watching this show. I can talk to my contemporaries about it. It is. Shame that the younger generation doesn’t have the pleasure of having great tv like this.

[@randybailin4902]

I'm old school. The 2 greatest crime-related programs ever on television were Columbo and Perry Mason. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. The shows were polar opposites. In Columbo, you knew the murderer and the fun was in watching him work it out. In Perry Mason, the murderer was a complete surprise revealed in the courtroom.

[@lynettepalecek3141]

@Randy Bailin. I agree 💯%!

[@beckyhill4097]

Did you ever watch Mannix?

[@randybailin4902]

@@beckyhill4097 I did. It hasn't aged well.

[@russcooke5671]

Loved both shows. Ten times better than today’s shows.

[@keepitsimple4629]

Before he got the job, he said "I'd kill for that role". I think he was born to play Columbo. I once heard Bing Crosby was considered for the role; I can't imagine anybody better than Peter Falk. Nobody could've done it justice!

[@penelopelopez8296]

Columbo Rocks

[@keepitsimple4629]

@@penelopelopez8296 yes it does! Except for all the corny hairstyles and fashions, it's the best. they don't make 'em like that anymore

[@donnacsuti4980]

Crosby couldn't have done it justice, glad they didn't choose him.

[@keepitsimple4629]

@@donnacsuti4980 Crosby, nor any other actor, had what it took to play him.

[@howie9751]

Actually the part became whatever he did with it. Once that happens you can't see anyone else in the role. Like Archie Bunker.

[@sheilagravely5621]

I always loved Peter Falk, not just as an actor but I had a massive crush on him too. RIP love.😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@nycthinklab966]

Miss this kind of TV.

[@mddell58]

I just started binging on COLUMBO 2 weeks ago. LOVE, LOVE the character! Peter was a very intelligent man. Very. I live all of his charcoal artwork. Even his own self-portrait! ❤

[@manuelmaldonado2387]

hey Columbo was the best show in the world and i love Him thank you. 😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉😉

[@tootsiegirl]

1-12-2023 Even the reruns are still a classic.

[@robertsinko3044]

HAHA! Amazing ! Columbo is STILL the best damn TV show on my TV! Today's diarrhea of forgettable disposable entertainment can take a hike!!!

[@neiljohnson7914]

what about Grey's Anatomy?

[@neiljohnson7914]

What about chicago med? It's a forgettable, disposable show?

[@viviandarkbloom100]

I still watch Colombo...it soothes me....ive seen every episode multiple times.

[@rustyruss2962]

Tv was Awesome back in day couldn’t wait get new TV guide

[@Lacremebakes]

One of my all time favorites. I literally have an episode paused at this moment. 😅

[@Rjl41]

In the episode called "the forgotten lady", Johnny Carson was at the center of the story, Raymond and his wife were always watching his Tonight Show after dinner!

[@randysills4418]

That was a great episode with Janet Leigh...

[@beckyhill4097]

I'm thinking that I don't know this episode. And then, I remember!

[@linkfan160]

I was not expecting him to come out in his Columbo costume! That's fantastic!

[@stevejones3868]

I think its success was largely down to the writing. Very clever. Perfect compositions.

[@rosaliediones4180]

My late grandma loved Columbo...as a young kid, I watched it too...adore his character and always looked forward to the nxt episode