Dr. Eric Mason

Nicol Williamson

EPISODE 44


Columbo Villains -  Dr. Eric Mason

Last Words to Columbo: "I'd swear you'd taken my course"



In "How to Dial a Murder", a behavioral psychologist (Dr Eric Mason played by Nicol Willaimson) trains his dogs to kill on command through prompts which can be heard through a telephone. He uses his dogs and his love of movie props to murder his friend for revenge for his adulterous affair with Dr. Mason's late wife.
Nicol Williamson (14 September 1936 – 16 December 2011) was a Scottish actor and singer, known for his powerful stage presence and intense performances. He was born in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Williamson's career spanned over five decades, during which he performed on stage, screen, and television. He was particularly known for his Shakespearean roles, including his portrayal of Hamlet in a Tony-nominated Broadway production in 1969. He also played the title role in a film adaptation of Macbeth in 1983. On screen, Williamson appeared in numerous films, including "The Seven Percent Solution," "Excalibur," and "Robin and Marian." He also had a recurring role in the television series "The Equalizer" in the 1980s. Throughout his career, Williamson was known for his distinctive voice and unconventional approach to acting. He was also a talented singer and musician, releasing several albums of folk and traditional Scottish music. Williamson died in 2011 at the age of 75, leaving behind a legacy as one of Scotland's most celebrated actors.