Happy birthday to Columbo friend Fred Draper
Fred Draper was born Frederick Paul Draper II on September 2, 1923, in Chester, Pennsylvania. He attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, where he was classmates with notable actors such as John Cassavetes, Anne Bancroft, and Grace Kelly. Draper began his acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in various television series and films.
Draper is best known for his collaborations with John Cassavetes, appearing in several of his films, including Faces (1968), Husbands (1970), A Woman Under the Influence (1974), and Opening Night (1977). His work with Cassavetes showcased his talent for portraying complex, often troubled characters.
Draper's friendship with Cassavetes also undoubtedly also brought him into Peter Falk's circle and that led to six episodes of Columbo.
Lady in Waiting
Draper's first appearance was in Season 1's Lady in Waiting. He played the cab driver who brings Mrs. Chadwick to the house after the murder.
Lovely but Lethal
Draper's second appearance was as put-upon old Dr. Murcheson in the season 3 opener, Lovely but Lethal.
Negative Reaction
Draper made his next appearance in a minor role in season 4's Negative Reaction. You'll find him as a lab tech checking out the old farm house where Francis was killed.
A Deadly State of Mind
He was back later in season 4, in a slightly more substantive role, though he didn't appear until the Gotcha scene, as David Morris, the blind man's brother in A Deadly State of Mind.
Last Salute to the Commodore
Draper came back in perhaps his most substantial, and honestly maybe weakest, role as the murderer Swanny in Last Salute to the Commodore. I'll give his performance a bit of a pass since everybody in that episode was a bit off, and I kinda blame Patrick McGoohan, who directed.
Fade in to Murder
Draper's final Columbo appearance was in the very next episode - the opener of season 6, Fade in to Murder. In the opening sequence he told Inspector Lucerne that it would be "A treasure to pill" him. That was his last Columbo scene.
Fred Draper retired to Rancho Cucamonga, California, where he passed away on December 26, 1999, at the age of 76.
Happy birthday to Chuck McCann
Chuck McCann was born Charles John Thomas McCann on September 2, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. A third-generation performer, McCann began his career as a child actor on radio and quickly became a show business veteran by the age of eleven. He gained regional fame with his own children's television series, The Chuck McCann Show, which aired in the New York area during the 1960s.
Real estate and raisins
Columbo fans will rememer him as ambitious blackmailing projectionist Roger White in season 3's Double Exposure.
Roger reminded us all, yet again, that it's never a good idea to blackmail the murderer.
Beyond Columbo
McCann was a versatile entertainer, known for his work as an actor, comedian, puppeteer, and voice artist. He appeared in numerous television shows and films, including The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968) and Herbie Rides Again (1974). He also lent his voice to many animated characters, such as Sonny the Cuckoo Bird in Cocoa Puffs commercials and Duckworth in DuckTales.
Chuck McCann passed away on April 8, 2018, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 83. His legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of classic television and animation.
Buon Compleanno to Penny Santon!
Penny Santon was born Pierina Burlando on September 2, 1916, in New York City, New York. She began her acting career in the early 1950s and became known for her versatility in film, stage, and television. Santon often portrayed traditional Italian-American characters, leveraging her fluency in Italian.
She got to use her Italian in both of her Columbo appearances. First off as the disapproving momma in season 11's Death Hits the Jackpot.
And then again as the widow Lucia in Undercover.
Beyond Columbo
She appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including notable roles in Short Circuit (1986), Fletch (1985), and Love with the Proper Stranger (1963). Santon also made memorable guest appearances on popular TV series such as Laverne & Shirley and Hill Street Blues.
Penny Santon was married to Bruno Della Santina until his death in 1968, and they had one child. She passed away on May 12, 1999, in Burbank, California, at the age of 82.
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