365 Days of Columbo: January 19th

 January 19th is a sneaky-good day on the Columbo calendar: it gave us one of the show’s most famous murder methods, marks the birthday of a director who helped define the early ‘70s look of the series, and even carries a couple of notable “in memoriam” moments for Columbo fans.

“Short Fuse” first aired

On this date in 1972, Short Fuse premiered in the U.S.—the episode with Roddy McDowall as Roger Stanford, the petulant heir who turns a family feud into murder via the ultimate ‘gag gift’: an exploding cigar box.

Happy Birthday Nicholas Colasanto

Born on January 19th, 1924, Nicholas Colasanto—best known to many viewers as “Coach” Ernie Pantusso on Cheers—was born on January 19, 1924. Columbo fans have him to thank for directing two memorable entries: Étude in Black (1972) and SwanSong (1974).

In Swan Song, Johnny Cash appears to give a nod to Colasanto, referring to his arranger as "Nick Solaconte."

Colasanto died in 1985, but his Columbo contributions live on as part of that golden stretch when the series was still inventing its signature rhythm.

Happy birthday Ann Whitney 

Character actress Ann Whitney was born on January 19, 1931 in Bloomington, IL. She pops up late in the series’ run in It’s All in the Game (1993)—an episode best remembered for its romantic (and slightly strange) Columbo arc and for Faye Dunaway’s double-duty performance.

Whitney’s part is small, she's one of the guests at Dunaway's party in the opening sequence. 

You may have also seen her as the drugstore clerk who sells Kevin his toothbrush in the movie Home Alone.

Mark Wilson died January 19, 2021...or did he?

Magician Mark Wilson—credited with staging the magic sequences for Now You See Him (1976)—died on January 19, 2021.

Now You See Him leans hard on the mechanics of stage illusion, and that’s where consultants like Wilson matter. When the sleight-of-hand feels plausible, the episode’s logic feels plausible, too—making it easier to buy into Columbo’s methodical unraveling of a performer who’s mastered misdirection for a living.

Farewell Suzanne Pleshette 

Actress Suzanne Pleshette died on January 19, 2008. Columbo fans remember her as Helen Stewart in Dead Weight (1971), the witness that murderous general Eddie Albert seduces.