Happy Birthday John Payne
Actor John Payne was born on May 28, 1912 — although this one comes with a small asterisk. Some references list May 23, but IMDb lists May 28 and specifically notes that this is according to Payne’s daughter, actress Julie Payne.
Columbo fans know Payne as Ned Diamond in Forgotten Lady, the former song-and-dance partner of Grace Wheeler Willis. It’s one of the series’ most quietly heartbreaking supporting turns. Ned isn’t there to outwit Columbo, and he isn’t there to commit murder. He’s there as a living reminder of Grace’s vanished stardom — and, ultimately, as the one person willing to protect her when the truth becomes unavoidable. Payne’s Columbo credit as Ned Diamond is confirmed by IMDb and Apple TV’s cast listing for Forgotten Lady.
Payne attended prep school at Mercersburg Academy in Pennsylvania, and then went to Roanoke College. He later transferred to Columbia University in New York City, where he studied drama and voice at the Juilliard School.
Outside of Columbo, he began his career as a singer in vaudeville before transitioning to film in the late 1930s. Payne is best remembered for Miracle on 34th Street, in which he played attorney Fred Gailey, as well as a long career in musicals, westerns, and film noir. His Columbo appearance came late in that career, but what a lovely final impression he made.
Despite his successful career, Payne's personal life was marked by tragedy. He was married three times, with each marriage ending in divorce. He passed away December 6, 1989.
Happy Birthday Elizabeth Harrower
Actress and writer Elizabeth Harrower was also born on May 28, in 1918. IMDb lists her with two Columbo credits: as a maid in Murder by the Book and as one of the board members in Etude in Black.
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