Character comebacks

Following on the news that Patrick Stewart is returning to his signature role of Jean Luc Picard here are some more examples of other actors doing the same


Perry Mason

Raymond Burr paid the razor sharp Defence Attorney who would always provide a surprise to the trial that would earn his client a reprieve for 9 seasons between 1957 and 1966. 19 years later Burr world start playing the character in a series of TV movies until his death in 1993

Columbo

Peter Falk had a 11 year gap between 1978 and 1989 before returning to the crumpled 'tec forever pitting wits with arrogant murderers. The last episode was 2003's Columbo Likes the Nightlife which saw the character go into the Rave scene on a case.

Kojak

Between 1973 and 1978 Telly Salavas the loipop sucking cop with the immortal catch phase 'Who Loves you Baby?'. Salavas returned to the role for an number of specials between 1985 and 1990.  In 2005 there was a short liver revival starring Ving Rhames in the title role.