My parents took me to the Circus at the Shrine in L.A. in the early 70's. I needed a bathroom break and was standing at the urinal and at the urinal next to me was Columbo (Peter Falk). It was weird because we watched that show every week and there he was right next to me. After washing up, I said something dumb to him and he was polite, we went out the door and waiting for him was a 6' beautiful blond woman. It was then I understood the power of the television.
Here is a link to the story about his 59 Peugeot that he drove in the show. Since this is a car forum.
http://www.columbo-site.freeuk.com/car.htm