A lot of actors and actresses appeared across the 69 episodes of Columbo but few lit up the screen the way Tyne Daly did in her two appearances.
She may have appeared as an incapable lush, lusting for her nephew, but in reality she was a cold-blooded killer who took two lives.
Ellen Tyne Daly was born on February 21, 1946, in Madison, Wisconsin. Her roots trace back to Ireland, with ancestors hailing from Limerick and County Kerry. Growing up in a family of performers, it was no surprise that Tyne found her passion for acting early on. Her father, actor James Daly, and mother, actress Mary Hope, nurtured her love for the stage.
At just 15 years old, Tyne earned her Equity Card while performing in summer stock theater alongside her family. Her journey led her to Brandeis University and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she honed her craft.
Tyne Daly made her Broadway debut in 1967, captivating audiences with her talent.
Columbo fans enjoyed her two appearances on our show, even though the episodes she appeared in rarely make anybody's "Best episode" list.
Deceptive Dolores
Her first appearance was as the murderous wife Dolores McCain in A Bird in the Hand.
She may have appeared as an incapable lush, lusting for her nephew, but in reality she was a cold-blooded killer who took two lives.
Darling Dorothea
Her second appearance was briefer, just one scene, but perhaps even more memorable. She played aging hooker Dorothea McNally in Undercover.
Columbo gives her a sweet (and slightly controversial) little kiss at the end of the scene, but let's be honest, we all wanted to.
Columbo gives her a sweet (and slightly controversial) little kiss at the end of the scene, but let's be honest, we all wanted to.
Beyond Columbo
It was her role as Detective Mary Beth Lacey in the CBS police drama series "Cagney & Lacey" (1982–88) that truly catapulted her to stardom. Her portrayal of a strong, determined female detective resonated with viewers, earning her four Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
Daly's Broadway success extended beyond the small screen. In 1989, she wowed audiences as Mama Rose in the revival of "Gypsy," earning a well-deserved Tony Award. Her versatility shone through as she took on diverse roles, including Maria Callas in "Master Class" on both Broadway and London's West End.
Tyne Daly's film credits include "The Enforcer" (1976), "Hello, My Name Is Doris" (2015), and "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" (2018). She even graced the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Anne Marie Hoag in "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017).
With six Emmy Awards, a Tony, and an Independent Spirit Award nomination, Tyne Daly's accolades speak volumes. In 2011, she was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, cementing her place in entertainment history.
As of this writing (2024) she is still alive though she hasn't had a performing credit in a couple of years.
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