Jamie Lee Curtis made an appearance on “The Tonight Show” on Wednesday to promote her new Prime Video series “Scarpetta,” but it was her unexpected impression of Peter Falk that stole the spotlight. During her conversation with host Jimmy Fallon, Curtis reflected on her early career and her indirect connection to “The Tonight Show,” which began with a small role on the classic series “Columbo.”
Curtis recollected how her early days at Universal saw her landing a guest role as a waitress in a diner on “Columbo.” She explained that when Falk appeared on “The Tonight Show” to promote the show, he shared a clip from her episode, making her an unexpected part of the program. “I was on ‘The Tonight Show’ because of my second job in show business,” she said proudly.
Demonstrating her talent for impressions, Curtis then recreated a scene with Falk’s character, Columbo, who enters the diner with a donut. “I play a bitchy waitress, and he walks in with this donut,” Curtis described, eliciting laughs with her portrayal of the iconic detective’s mannerisms.
With nostalgia filling the air, Curtis shifted the conversation to her current work in “Scarpetta,” in which she stars alongside Nicole Kidman, based on the beloved books by Patricia Cornwell. Curtis shared how she brought the project to life, explaining that after talking to Cornwell about her desire to adapt “Scarpetta,” she collaborated with Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum and convinced them to produce the series. Interestingly, Curtis revealed that Kidman had always aspired to play the titular role of forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta.
What Curtis hadn’t planned was her own involvement in the series, but Kidman’s enthusiasm persuaded her otherwise. “It’s called the Nicole Kidman effect. It’s an extraordinary thing,” Curtis remarked, highlighting the excitement surrounding the project, which received a two-season pickup at Amazon shortly after, largely attributed to Kidman’s involvement.
Curtis’s journey reflects not only her rich history in the entertainment industry but also the unpredictability of showbiz, where roles can emerge from the most surprising of circumstances, leading to new opportunities and collaborations. With “Scarpetta” on the horizon, fans can look forward to Curtis’s dynamic presence alongside Kidman’s performance, promising an engaging adaptation of the beloved literary series.