Peter gave a good answer in his "Inside the Actors Studio" interview. He said "I don't know what the name is, but I tell you, I think it must be something really embarrassing" -- which makes perfect sense, consistent with the evidence.

Personally, I see it as part of Columbo's acting style: The real Mr. Columbo, the genius who is Mrs Columbo's husband, obviously must have a first name. But the fictitious character that he creates and plays when he's on the job, the supposedly bumbling Lieutenant, has never been given a first name.

sorry i went over the topic again, that was my first post as i am new to the site. maybe the host should put up something saying this topic has been discussed too many times so new posters are aware?

Stephen, don't worry about it....being it was your first post you couldn't have known that we have discussed this topic a lot in the past.

And welcome to the forum!!! Great to have you here!

Hi Stephen. Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude with my "zzzzzzzzz" post. But I agree that it is better not to know his first...well, I for one like not knowing. Anyway, welcome to the forum...continue posting.

I googled "Mrs. Columbo", being curious about the TV show and I found this (Phillip as Columbo's first name?)on the website:

A five-episode test about Kate Columbo, the wife of famed L.A.P.D. detective Philip Columbo of the series "Columbo". Lieutenant Columbo is never seen. Kate is a mother (of Jenny) and works as a journalist for Josh Alden, the publisher of the Weekly Advertiser in San Fernando, California. Stories follow Kate as she uses her amateur sleuthing abilities to solve crimes.

What do you think?

Philip Columbo Story

WD

(Thanks for the welcomes)

I know the subject is quite milked out in the years, but I clearly see the name Frank written on the ID. I don't really care if you want to discuss this or not, I just wanted to state my opinion on the case

*edit*

It's what I saw from the pic on the "Lt. First Name" section, not the clearly typed one in the scrapbook

wikipedia has a good close up of his badge, and it's clearly frank...

Actually, the name on the badge/I. D. isn't as clear as people think it is. The "Fr" part is messy and blurred. It could in fact be "Hank".

However, if you get your face right up to the TV screen and stare at that freeze-framed image of Columbo's badge for a good seven hours straight, it becomes very obvious that the name on the I. D. is Randy. (Right, Cassa?)

Of course I remember.....I remember Randy/Rudy and I also remember standing in front of my tv in the kitchen rewinding and pausing and playing and rewinding and....well you get the picture...and there I would be...inches from the screen squinting my eyes and freeze-framing when I needed to........Headache??? What is wrong with us?!?!?