365 Days of Columbo: September 3rd

The people back East will be pleased

Because it's Steve Schirripa's birthday! Born on September 3, 1957, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. He is best known for his role as Bobby Baccalieri on the critically acclaimed HBO series The Sopranos. Schirripa's career began in Las Vegas, where he worked as the entertainment director at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. His interest in acting grew from cameo appearances in comedy specials, leading to minor roles in films like Casino and Joe Dirt.

He has a special distinction in Columbo, as he's the last character Columbo interacts with at the end of the very last episode of Columbo - Columbo Likes the Nightlife.

"Good work, Lieutenant. The people back East are going to be very pleased."

Schirripa played Freddie, the mob messenger. A role he was really born for - he brought the right look and the right temperment.

Beyond Columbo

Schirripa's breakthrough came with The Sopranos, where he played a mobster with a heart, earning him widespread recognition. He has also appeared in numerous TV shows, including Blue Bloods, where he portrays Detective Anthony Abetemarco, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Additionally, he has hosted and produced Investigation Discovery series such as Karma's A B*tch! and Nothing Personal.

Steve Schirripa is married to Laura Lemos, and they have two daughters, Bria and Ciara. He continues to live in New York City, balancing his acting career with writing and producing.

Happy Birthday James R. Alexander

Sound mixer Jim Alexander was born September 3, 1930, in Los Angeles.

Alexander’s Columbo association is an interesting one because it spans both eras of the series. He handled sound on the classic first-season episode Suitable for Framing, and nearly two decades later returned as sound mixer—credited as Jim Alexander—for the first two revival episodes, Columbo Goes to the Guillotine and Murder, Smoke and Shadows.

His career away from the Lieutenant was impressive. Alexander accumulated nearly 100 sound-department credits, working on films including The Andromeda Strain, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Terms of Endearment, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Uncle Buck and Home Alone. He was also a two-time Academy Award nominee.

Alexander died August 19, 2019, just a couple of weeks shy of his 89th birthday.