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Kate Mulgrew's First Franchise Role: Mrs. Columbo
4 Apr
Summary
- Kate Mulgrew starred as Mrs. Columbo before Captain Janeway.
- Peter Falk opposed the casting due to age gap concerns.
- The show was renamed after its first brief season.
In 1979, Kate Mulgrew, later famous as Captain Janeway, first entered a major franchise as Kate Columbo. The role was in 'Mrs. Columbo,' a spin-off of the acclaimed detective series 'Columbo.'
Peter Falk, the original Detective Columbo, voiced strong objections to casting Mulgrew. According to producer David Levinson, Falk felt the nearly three-decade age gap between Mulgrew and himself would create an awkward perception, comparing it to an older man with a much younger wife.
The series premiered on NBC on February 26, 1979. After a short five-episode first season, the show's premise shifted, and Kate was no longer referred to as Mrs. Columbo for its second season.
