In the storied history of Columbo actor Robert Culp stands out for his memorable performances. Culp’s association with “Columbo” is notable for the depth and cunning he brought to his roles, making him one of the most formidable adversaries to Peter Falk’s iconic detective, Lieutenant Columbo.
Robert Culp, born on August 16, 1930, in Oakland, California, was a distinguished American actor and screenwriter whose career spanned over five decades. He first gained national attention starring as Texas Ranger Hoby Gilman in the CBS Western series “Trackdown” from 1957 to 1959. Culp’s most internationally recognized role came as Kelly Robinson in the espionage series “I Spy” (1965–1968), alongside co-star Bill Cosby, where they played secret agents.
Culp’s early life was marked by a passion for the arts and performance. He attended several universities, including the University of the Pacific and the University of Washington School of Drama, but never completed a degree. Instead, he honed his craft at HB Studio in New York City. Culp’s talent was not confined to acting; he was also a skilled screenwriter, contributing to the stories that captivated audiences.
Fun fact: In 1970 Culp was briefly married to actress France Nguyen, who was known to Columbo fans as Miss Choy in Season 7's "Murder Under Glass."
Culp appeared in a total of four episodes of “Columbo,” three times as the murderer and once as the father of a murderer. His first appearance was in the episode “Death Lends a Hand” (1971), where he played the role of Investigator Brimmer, a former cop turned private investigator. His character’s quick temper and attempt to blackmail a client’s wife set the stage for a classic “Columbo” confrontation.
In Season 3 Culp starred in “Double Exposure” (1973). Here, he portrayed Dr. Bart Kepple, a self-styled “motivation research specialist” who uses subliminal cues to commit murder. The episode is a standout for its exploration of psychological manipulation and Culp’s chillingly calm portrayal of a man convinced of his own intellectual superiority.
Culp’s appearances were not just about the characters he played but also about the cat-and-mouse game his characters engaged in with Columbo. His ability to convey intelligence and menace made each of his episodes memorable. The episode “The Most Crucial Game” (1972) saw him as Paul Hanlon, a sports executive involved in a murder during a football game, showcasing Culp’s range in playing calculated villains.
Robert Culp’s contributions to “Columbo” were significant in shaping the series’ legacy. His performances were nuanced, often portraying villains who were charming yet dangerous, intelligent yet morally corrupt. These portrayals added a layer of complexity to the episodes, elevating them beyond simple crime procedurals to engaging psychological studies.
Culp is often mentioned by fans when they cite their favorite Columbo villains.
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