365 Days of Columbo: September 20th

Happy Birthday JoAnna Cameron

Actress JoAnna Cameron, who played photographer Paul Galesko’s attractive assistant Lorna McGrath in Negative Reaction, was born on September 20, 1948, in Greeley, Colorado.

Cameron turns up several times during Dick Van Dyke’s memorable outing as murderous photographer Paul Galesko. As Lorna, she’s clearly more than just another employee: there’s an unmistakable suggestion that Galesko has plans for a new life once his troublesome wife Frances is out of the picture.

Cameron’s biggest claim to fame came the following year when she landed the title role of Andrea Thomas/Isis in the Saturday-morning superhero series Isis, later known as The Secrets of Isis. She ultimately appeared in 22 episodes of the series.

Cameron died in Hawaii on October 15, 2021, following complications from a stroke. She was 73.

Remembering Dick Patterson

September 20 also marks the death anniversary of actor Dick Patterson, who died on this date in 1999 at age 70.

Patterson appeared in the 1991 Columbo adventure Death Hits the Jackpot, playing the Master of Ceremonies. The episode, of course, starred Rip Torn as Leon Lamarr, the none-too-generous uncle who decides that nephew Freddy Brower’s lottery windfall would look much better in his own bank account.

Patterson had a long career as an actor, comedian and song-and-dance performer. Movie fans may also recognize him from the original Grease, in which he played TV host Mr. Rudie.