365 Days of Columbo: January 11th

Happy birthday Sondra Currie

Actress Sondra Currie was born on January 11, 1952 in Los Angeles, CA. Columbo fans may recognize her from not one but two later-era appearances: she plays Sgt. Hubach in Columbo and the Murder of a Rock Star (1991) and as Mrs. Rocca in Murder in Malibu (1990).

Her Sgt. Hubach role is a good example of a ‘revival’ episode giving the Lieutenant a slightly different texture. Instead of the usual parade of dismissive cops, Hubach comes across as capable and professionally impatient.

Her role in Murder in Malibu is much smaller, she plays the wife of the director that killer Wayne Jennings sleeps with in Palm Springs.

Currie’s résumé is packed with classic TV, and Columbo is also a fun footnote in her personal life: she’s married to director Alan J.Levi, who directed multiple Columbo movies in the show’s later run including Currie's own Murder of a Rock Star.

Happy birthday to Ken Weiler

Actor and musician Ken Weiler was born on January 11, 1967 in Van Nuys, California. In Columbo, he appears as the singer crooning the cringy “He’s a Jolly Good Undertaker” at the awards bash in Ashes to Ashes (1998).

That’s the Patrick McGoohan episode — McGoohan directs and plays Eric Prince, the undertaker-to-the-stars villain.

In Memoriam: James McEachin (May 20, 1930 – January 11, 2025)

January 11th is also an anniversary for James McEachin, who passed away on this date in 2025. McEachin appears in two episodes a few years apart.

He turns up early as Billy Jones in Étude in Black, the first episode of Season 2. Years later, he returns in Make Me a Perfect Murder (1978) as projectionist Walter Mearhead, working in the studio environment that gives that episode its movie-business flavor.

Outside Columbo, McEachin had a long career that included the title role in the 1973 detective series “Tenafly,” and he was also a decorated U.S. Army veteran. Within the Columbo universe, he’s one of those dependable character actors who instantly adds credibility.

Remembering Robert F. Liu, ASC (May 1, 1926 – January 11, 2021)

Finally, January 11th marks the passing of Robert F. Liu, ASC (2021) — a reminder that Columbo’s look didn’t happen by accident. Liu worked as a camera operator on Columbo before going on to a distinguished television career, including work on series like “Lou Grant” and “Family Ties.”