1. Peter Falk.
In 1930, a boy named Peter Falk was born in New York City. At age three, tragedy struck—cancer claimed his right eye. Doctors replaced it with a glass one, and though he grew up with a visible difference, Peter never let it define him. In fact, he often joked about it, once telling a teacher, “I’ll take out my eye if it helps me pass the test.”
Hollywood, however, wasn’t laughing. Casting directors told him bluntly: “You’ll never work in front of a camera.” But Peter had grit. He studied acting, performed in theatre, and slowly carved a place for himself in film. His raspy voice, crooked smile, and unmistakable gaze became his trademarks.
Then came Columbo. In 1968, Peter stepped into the rumpled trench coat of the quirky detective who always seemed one step behind—until he wasn’t. His glass eye gave Columbo a unique, off-kilter presence, and his seemingly distracted manner masked razor-sharp intelligence. Audiences adored him. The role won Peter multiple Emmys and cemented him as one of television’s most iconic figures.
What Hollywood once called a flaw became his signature. Falk proved that authenticity could outshine perfection, and that resilience could turn rejection into triumph. He worked for decades, leaving behind a legacy of wit, humanity, and unforgettable storytelling.
2. Jack Elam.
Great info, I'd never heard eithers story. So I learned something new today. Thanks David.💯😊
Great stories!
On a personal note, I was born with bad eyes. Both eyes were damaged at birth and I was also paralyzed on my right side. For the first two years of life, I was unable to move my right arm and right leg on my own. With much therapy, I eventually gained use of my right side and grew up with no noticeable disability. However, my right eye has always been blind, meaning I only have one "good" eye, and that one isn't perfect.
I've had corrective lenses since I was a baby. Thing is though, I've never considered my eye situation a handicap, as I've never known life with good vision. I have wondered how nice it would be to have "perfect" vision, as I assume it is something special. I've said to my wife that when I die, I don't want my glasses to come with me in the casket. I tell her, "in heaven I won't need them".
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
George, you certainly started life with a lot of disadvantages. I am glad that you overcame most of them. Sad about your sight loss but despite that, you have had an amazing life with many good fortunes and a positive attitude. I love your comment to your wife.
Gotta love these guys!
John Bono
North Jersey
George, you certainly started life with a lot of disadvantages. I am glad that you overcame most of them. Sad about your sight loss but despite that, you have had an amazing life with many good fortunes and a positive attitude. I love your comment to your wife.
Thank you David. With regard to attitude, I've always strived to be positive in every situation. No matter how rough someone may think they have it, it's safe to say that there is always someone else that might have it rougher. So every morning while having my coffee, I give thanks for my (so many) blessings, ask God to forgive my shortcomings, and to walk with me through the day.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
nice posts all round gents, thank you
@georgeschire Well said George. Always best to be focused on being thankful for all that we are blessed with and being kind to others, as the vast majority on this earth have very little.
@jack-dodds How true Jack. You don't have to look far to see those who are fighting battles you can only imagine. Thanks for sharing yours with us George.
Extremely well said George. I've been blessed beyond measure. The Lord healed me of cancer, gave me a beautiful wife and family and saved me from myself on more than one occasion. I still pray for him to not give up on me as I need his strength every moment of my life. I try my best to be kind and uplift others. Life is too short not to be happy. I fear nothing on this earth, what scares me more than anything? The thought of spending eternity in Hell. Eternity is a long time for endless torment.George, you
Thank you David. With regard to attitude, I've always strived to be positive in every situation. No matter how rough someone may think they have it, it's safe to say that there is always someone else that might have it rougher. So every morning while having my coffee, I give thanks for my (so many) blessings, ask God to forgive my shortcomings, and to walk with me through the day.
Extremely well said George. I've been blessed beyond measure. The Lord healed me of cancer, gave me a beautiful family and saved me from myself on more than one occasion. I still pray for him to not give up on me as I need his strength every moment of my life. I try my best to be kind and uplift others. Life is too short not to be happy. I fear nothing on this earth, what scares me more than anything? The thought of spending eternity in Hell. Eternity is a long time for endless torment.George, you
Thank you David. With regard to attitude, I've always strived to be positive in every situation. No matter how rough someone may think they have it, it's safe to say that there is always someone else that might have it rougher. So every morning while having my coffee, I give thanks for my (so many) blessings, ask God to forgive my shortcomings, and to walk with me through the day.
Also to you Geno, extremely well said. I've always said "Attitude" is a choice we all have each day. In my banking days, I used to have saying on my work computer, "Attitudes Are Contagious. Is Yours Worth Catching?". I feel that in our efforts to be kind and uplifting to others, that too, is easier to do than being unkind and vindictive to others.
We all have rough days, but it's how we deal with those times that defines who we are. As for Hell, of course none of us consciously (I don't think) wants to end up in Hell, and yes, eternity is a long time. You mentioned God healing you of Cancer, what a blessing for you. God also healed my wife of Cancer earlier this decade. We are blessed beyond words. Prayers always for you Geno!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
@georgeschire A blessed healing for your wife and you as well. Thanks George. Prayers for you all as well.🙏😊💯


