Find out how Kevin Pollak’s sincere Columbo performance resulted in a moment Peter Falk would remember and reinforced Hollywood ties.
Ever seen an actor complement an impression?
Kevin Pollak recently told a lovely tale about how Peter Falk, the venerable actor most renowned for playing Columbo, once fervently embraced Pollak’s imitation of him.
Pollak remembered Falk shocking him on a casual shopping run at Ralphs by approaching him in the produce aisle as he was at the premiere of the new play Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue in Culver City, Calif.
Falk inquired with unvarnished enthusiasm, “Excuse me: How can you do that with your eye? Me, I understand, but how can you do that?”
Pollak recalled Falk as a real hero and an absolute unicorn, and that moment prepared the ground for a real relationship.
Can an impression unlock Hollywood doors?
Celebrated for his keen imitation abilities—from channeling William Shatner to imitating Christopher Walken’s distinct cadence—pollak claimed that his portrayal of Peter Falk was enthusiastically accepted not just on televised programs like The Tonight Show but also in casual meetings.
He underlined that his method was always based on respect rather than ridicule, and fortunately, every famous person he impersonated has appreciated the performance.
In the entertainment industry, such polite regard fosters strong relationships.
Are actors really flattering each other?
When Pollak thought back on his more than forty-year career, he realized how important it is to respect those he depicts.
He described as the height of that experience his recent two-hour onstage two-hour conversation with Albert Brooks, whom he regards as his ideal comic unicorn.
This focus on real appreciation enhanced his connections with celebrities and made every mimicry seem like both a tribute and a personal compliment.
How can Hollywood camaraderie remain secret?
Beyond his stories of mimicry, Pollak disclosed that he belongs to one of the most charming unofficial groups in Hollywood: the Character Actors Dining Society (CADS).
Along with around 10 other artists, this close-knit group has a vibrant group chat and gathers for weekly dinners with Richard Kind and Steven Weber.
These get-togethers, he said, are full of touching tales and mutual encouragement—a monument to the great fraternity among character performers.
Who gains when art meets appreciation?
Pollak’s stories show a world in which sincere admiration and flattery among performers create actual bonds.
From Peter Falk’s unforgettable comment at the grocery store to the consistent camaraderie of CADS, his experiences highlight how in Hollywood the beauty of performance resides in the shared delight of creativity.
His observations remind us all that in the art of imitation, respect and comedy go hand in hand.
Quick Facts – Kevin Pollak and Peter Falk Impressions
- Kevin Pollak rejoiced at Peter Falk’s surprising comment.
- Falk stopped Pollak in a Ralphs fruit aisle to give his Columbo imitation some compliments.
- Pollak’s work consists on vivid personas of actors like Shatner and Walken.
- He values real compliments and promotes enduring relationships in Hollywood.
- Pollak belongs with pride to the Character Actors Dining Society (CADS).