Although never referred to by the name "Columbo" in the episode, the Casey Kasem character is an actor who pretends to be playing the role of the famous detective Columbo. Sadly both Kasem and Peter Falk, who played the real role of Columbo, both suffered from a form of dementia at the ends of their lives.
Jaclyn Smith, from Charlie's Angels (1976), makes a cameo appearance as herself playing Kelly Garrett.
J. D. Cannon, who portrayed Jason Fox in this episode, starred with Dennis Weaver in "McCloud". He played the NYPD Chief of Detectives and his character had a habit of chomping on a cigar much like he did in this episode. He and Dennis Weaver do not share a scene in this mystery.