Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast - podcast cover

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Starburns Audio
Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried, a man Stephen King once called “a national treasure,” talks with the show business legends, icons and behind-the-scenes talents who shaped his childhood and influenced his comedy. Along with co-host and fellow pop culture fanatic Frank Santopadre, Gilbert is joined by comics, actors, musicians, talk show hosts, writers and other eyewitnesses to Hollywood history, including Bruce Dern, Chevy Chase, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Adam West, Steve Buscemi, Micky Dolenz, Jim Gaffigan, Judd Apatow and DOZENS more, for a funny, frenetic, fly-on-the-wall look at showbiz then and now (but mostly then.) Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast was named "Best Podcast of 2015" by the Village Voice and one of iTunes' "Best of 2014." It has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wired and the Los Angeles Times.
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Episodes

GGACP Classic: Al Roker

GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 20th) of Emmy-winning TV host (and native New Yorker) Al Roker by revisiting this funny, freewheeling conversation about local kiddie show hosts, the lost art of ventriloquism, the complicated genius of Charles M. Schulz and Al’s book “You Look So Much Better in Person.” Also, Fred Flintstone enjoys a smoke, Red Buttons leads a double life, Willard Scott becomes the original Ronald McDonald and Gilbert and Al co-star in “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.” PLUS: ...

Aug 22, 20241 hr 36 min

Peter Marshall Encore

GGACP bids a fond farewell to actor, singer and former “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall by presenting this ENCORE presentation of a candid interview from 2016. In this episode, Peter regales Gilbert and Frank with irresistible stories about Redd Foxx, the mob, Glenn Ford, Uncle Miltie’s “apparatus” and Charlie Weaver’s (and Vincent Price’s!) sexual proclivities. Also, Peter croons with Bing, tours with Bob Hope, gets roasted by Orson Welles and runs afoul of John Wayne. PLUS: Al Jolson sc...

Aug 19, 20241 hr 32 min

GGACP Classic: James Bond Movies

GGACP salutes the absorbing and informative new book by our pal Thom Shubilla, "James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze," by revisiting this memorable mini-ep from 2016, featuring James Bond fun facts and tantalizing 007 trivia. In this episode: Roger Moore shares the screen with Bernie Schwartz, Johnny Rivers scores a hit with "Secret Agent Man," Gilbert obsesses over Jewish Bond baddies (and Jewish Bond girls) and the boys bid a fond farewell to Napoleon Solo. PLUS: Hank Scorpio! Sammy Davis Jr’s...

Aug 15, 202436 min

Frankie Avalon Encore

GGACP keeps the summer vibe alive with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with singer-actor and star of the "Beach Party" movie series, Frankie Avalon. In this episode, Frankie talks about breaking into show business as a child prodigy, receiving 12,000 pieces of fan mail per week and working alongside Hollywood greats Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Buster Keaton, Lucille Ball, and Groucho Marx. Also, Frankie looks back at his humble beginnings in South Philly, his years as a teen heartthrob and his d...

Aug 12, 20241 hr 20 min

GGACP Classic: "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and "Double Indemnity"

GGACP celebrates the recent 80th anniversary of the granddaddy of film noirs, Billy Wilder's 1944 masterpiece "Double Indemnity" by revisiting this conversation from 2015. In this episode, Gilbert and Frank sing the praises of James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler, look back at various remakes ("Body Heat," "Big Trouble") and analyze the movie's seldom mentioned love story. Also: The boys pay tribute to the John Huston classic "Treasure of the Sierra Madre." PLUS: Bugs Bunny meets Bogart! Bela Lugo...

Aug 08, 202420 min

Larry Kenney Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, radio personality and voice artist Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Count Chocula, Sonny the Cuckoo Bird) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Larry trots out his array of impressions (Richard Nixon, Paul Lynde, George S. Patton) and remembers some of the industry’s legendary voice talents, including Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Bob McFadden, June Foray and Paul Winchell. Also, Larry hosts “Bowling for Dollars,” Don Imus clashes with Howard...

Aug 05, 20241 hr 27 min

GGACP Classic: Ron Friedman Returns!

GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 1) of longtime television writer and podcast pal Ron Friedman (“The Odd Couple,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “All in the Family,” “Barney Miller”) by revisiting Ron's second sitdown with Gilbert and Frank. In this episode, Ron discusses the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism and the inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner and shares all-new stories about Lucille Ball, Tony Randall, Danny Thomas and (of course) Pat McCormick. Also...

Aug 01, 20241 hr 45 min

Bad Werewolf Movies Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary actress and Gilbert favorite Maria ("The Wolf Man") Ouspenskaya (b. July 29, 1876) with this ENCORE of a funny and informative mini-ep from 2018. In this episode, the boys shoot a silver bullet through the heart of some lesser-known and less successful werewolf flicks, including "Wolf," "She-Wolf of London," "Face of the Screaming Werewolf" and the unforgettable “The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here!" PLUS: Remembering Glenn Strange! In praise o...

Jul 29, 202439 min

GGACP Classic: Battle of the Network Stars!

GGACP celebrates the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics by revisiting Gilbert and Frank's "tribute" to a slightly different (but no less entertaining) athletic competition, ABC's "Battle of the Network Stars." In this episode, Billy Crystal runs an obstacle course, Victor Buono sends up Raymond Burr, Telly Savalas locks horns with Robert Conrad and Gilbert tells one of the funniest jokes of all time. PLUS: "Murder by Death"! "Celebrity Bowling"! Wonder Woman takes a dip! Wayne Newton s...

Jul 25, 202426 min

Alan Zweibel Encore

GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of the 1994 feature film "North" (released July 22, 1994) with this ENCORE of an interview with the much-maligned movie's writer, Emmy-winner and Thurber Prize winner Alan Zweibel. In this episode, Alan discusses (among other topics) the evolution of “Saturday Night Live,” the genius of Larry Gelbart and Neil Simon and the 2018 documentaries about his longtime friends and collaborators, Gilda Radner and Garry Shandling. Also, Jay Leno offers advice, Buck Henry ma...

Jul 22, 20242 hr 2 min

GGACP Classic: Jim Norton LIVE @ NYCC Super Week

GGACP celebrates the birthday of comedian and radio host Jim Norton (b. July 19) by revisiting this LIVE interview (in connection with NY Comic Con) from way back in 2015. In this episode, Jim holds court on topics ranging from his friendship with Sherman (George Jefferson) Hemsley to his love of Jack Klugman to his admiration for “Midnight Cowboy” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Also, the boys break down celebrity conspiracy theories, sing the praises of character actor Frank McRae and l...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 11 min

Larry Cohen Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday (July 15) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite guests, legendary cult filmmaker Larry Cohen (“It’s Alive,” “The Stuff,” “Hell Up in Harlem”) with this ENCORE of a highly amusing interview from 2018. In this episode, Larry talks about his early days as a standup, his friendship with Alfred Hitchcock, the risks and rewards of “guerrilla moviemaking” and the documentary about his life and career, “King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen.” Also, Chuck Conn...

Jul 15, 20241 hr 25 min

GGACP Classic: Billy West Returns

GGACP celebrates the birthday of unpopular Stooge "Curly Joe" DeRita (b. July 12, 1909) by revisiting this hilarious interview with comedian, voice actor and Three Stooges expert Billy West. In this episode, Billy discusses bad sight gags, one-joke comedians, the legend of “Grandpa” Al Lewis, the genius of Frank Welker and the magnificence of the Buddy Rich and Paul Anka rants. Also, Larry Fine plays Stanley Kowalski, Lou Jacobi inspires Dr. Zoidberg, Jay Leno messes with James Mason’s head and ...

Jul 11, 20241 hr 48 min

Jim Gaffigan Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan (b. July 7) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Jim joins Gilbert and Frank at the famed New York Friar’s Club to weigh in on subjects ranging from the lost art of “ethnic comedy” to the healing powers of stand-up to the caste system of the entertainment business. Also, Jim “opens” for the Pope, treads the boards with Jackie Gleason’s grandson, struggles to capture Manhattan on film and writes ad copy for D...

Jul 08, 20241 hr 21 min

GGACP Classic: Griffin Dunne

GGACP celebrates the recent release of actor-producer Griffin Dunne's book, "The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir" by revisiting this memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Griffin talks about blending horror and comedy, teaming with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the cynical cinema of Billy Wilder and the lives (and work) of Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne. Also, Jerry Lewis adapts Gore Vidal, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Griffin sneaks onto the set of “Gilligan’s Island” a...

Jul 04, 20241 hr 28 min

Jamie Farr Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of veteran character actor Jamie Farr (b. July 1) with this ENCORE presentation of an entertaining interview from 2017. In this episode, Jamie looks back on 60+ years of showbiz memories, including sharing the big and small screen with legends Bob Hope, Doris Day, Sidney Poitier, Danny Kaye and Ed Wynn. Also, Jamie tours with Red Skelton, takes a class with Clint Eastwood, runs afoul of Joey Bishop and borrows a frock from Ginger Rogers. PLUS: “Murder Can Hurt You”!...

Jul 01, 20241 hr 26 min

GGACP Classic: Charles Fox

GGACP celebrates the recent release of the musical documentary "Killing Me Softly with His Songs" (now streaming) by revisiting this memorable interview with Grammy and Emmy winner Charles Fox. In this episode, Charles looks back on a six-decade career of writing top 40 hits as well as themes for TV shows (“Happy Days,” “Wonder Woman,” "The Love Boat"), feature films (“Barbarella,” “9 to 5”) and game shows (“Match Game,” “What’s My Line?”). Also, Charles teams with Barry Manilow, pens a tune for...

Jun 27, 20241 hr 35 min

Michele Lee Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Tony and Emmy-nominated actress-singer Michele Lee (b. June 24) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2021. In this episode, Michele looks back at her seven-decade career in television (“Knots Landing”), movies (“The Comic,” “The Love Bug”) and on the Broadway stage (“How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and remembers the bawdiness of Red Skelton, the naughtiness of Buddy Hackett, the courageousness of Don Rickles and the flirtatiousness of ...

Jun 24, 20241 hr 44 min

GGACP Classic: “Twilight Zone” 60th Anniversary Panel with Gary Gerani, Nick Parisi and Anne Serling

GGACP marks the 60th anniversary of the FINAL episode of CBS' “The Twilight Zone” (aired June 19, 1964) by revisiting this panel discussion from 2019, featuring author-historian Gary Gerani, Rod Serling Memorial Foundation founder Nick Parisi and Rod Serling’s daughter Anne Serling. In this episode, the panel looks back at one of the most groundbreaking and influential programs in television history — and the visionary behind it. Also: Desi Arnaz leads the way, Ray Bradbury lends a hand, Richard...

Jun 20, 20241 hr 32 min

The Last Detail And The Parallax View Encore

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary (released June 14, 1974) of Alan Pakula's classic paranoia thriller "The Parallax View" (also featuring podcast guest Paula Prentiss) with this ENCORE of a conversation and critical analysis from 2015. In this episode: Warren Beatty takes on the Warren Commission! Billy (“you can call me ‘Ray'”) Saluga “joins” the cast of SNL! The enigma of Randy Quaid! And Gilbert sings the praises of "The Last Detail"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a...

Jun 17, 202420 min

Malcolm McDowell Part 2

GGACP continues its celebration of the birthday of actor and raconteur Malcolm McDowell (b. June 13) by revisiting PART TWO of a memorable two-part episode from 2020. In this episode, Malcolm talks about the art and design of "A Clockwork Orange," the troubled history of "Caligula," the awkward truth about H.G. Wells and the lives and careers of screen legends John Gielgud, James Mason, Peter O'Toole and Robert Shaw. Also, Anthony Quinn grunts, Gene Kelly turns a cold shoulder, Albert Finney tur...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 1 min

Malcolm McDowell Part 1

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary actor Malcolm McDowell (b. June 13) with this ENCORE of the first part of an unforgettable 2-part episode from 2020. In this installment, Malcolm weighs in on a number of essential topics, including the birth of the Beatles, the eccentricities of Stanley Kubrick, the intensity of James Cagney and the “friendship” of Danny Kaye and Laurence Olivier. Also, John Lennon has a laugh, Ian Holm holds a grudge, Mick Jagger considers “A Clockwork Orange” and Gil...

Jun 10, 20241 hr 3 min

GGACP Classic: Dick Cavett

GGACP celebrates ten (10!) years since its debut on June 1, 2014 by revisiting the very first episode of the podcast, featuring a memorable interview with comedian, author and talk show legend Dick Cavett. In this episode, Dick shares personal stories about Jack Benny, Johnny Carson, Katharine Hepburn, John Lennon and Groucho Marx (among others) and talks about the time a guest dropped dead on his set (yes, it happened). Also, Dick recalls writing for Jack Paar and Jerry Lewis and favors Gilbert...

Jun 06, 20241 hr 5 min

Mario Cantone Encore

GGACP celebrates the beginning of Pride Month by presenting this ENCORE of a "special quarantine podcast" from 2020, featuring actor, singer, comedian and friend of the show Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario joins Gil and Frank for a highly amusing conversation about teen idols, classic game shows, favorite Hitchcock flicks, the versatility of Jack Lemmon and the difference between impressionists and comedian-impressionists. Also, “Mildred Pierce” turns 75, Julia Child fillets the Little Mer...

Jun 03, 20241 hr 36 min

GGACP Classic: Tales of Hollywood with Sandy Helberg

GGACP celebrates the birthday of veteran character actor and friend of the podcast Sandy Helberg (born May 28) by revisiting this wide-ranging and wildly amusing interview from 2019. In this episode, Sandy regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about Groucho Marx, Freddy Mercury, Laurence Olivier, Frank Sinatra and Ringo Starr and shares memories of appearing in "High Anxiety," "Spaceballs" and "History of the World." Also, Broderick Crawford hits the sauce, Humphrey Bogart patrols the coast, Ar...

May 30, 202449 min

Lee Meriwether & Julie Newmar Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-nominated actress Lee Meriwether (b. May 27) with this ENCORE of a rare two-part installment featuring not one, but TWO of the actresses to play Catwoman during the run of the classic 1966 “Batman” series (along with Julie Newmar). In these episodes: Lee looks back on her reign as Miss America, impersonates Ed Wynn and threatens (promises?) to discipline Gilbert. Next up, Julie reminisces about working with everyone from Michael Rennie to Chad & Jeremy a...

May 27, 20241 hr 33 min

GGACP Classic: Ron Dante

GGACP celebrates the 55th anniversary of one of the most successful pop tunes of all time, the Archies' "Sugar, Sugar" (released May 24, 1969) by revisiting this 2017 interview with vocalist, record producer and Archies lead singer Ron Dante. In this episode, Ron joins Gilbert and Frank for an engaging conversation about the history of the legendary Brill Building, the birth of bubblegum music, the magic touch of Don Kirshner (and Barry Manilow) and the lost art of commercial jingles. Also, Ron ...

May 23, 20241 hr 27 min

Alan Zweibel Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy award-winning writer and friend of the podcast Alan Zweibel (b. May 20) by presenting this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Alan talks about penning jokes for Catskills comics, contributing to the glory days of “Saturday Night Live," co-creating the groundbreaking “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” and collaborating with everyone from Gilda Radner to Rob Reiner to Billy Crystal. Also: Alan heckles Larry David, “borrows from” Paul Simon, turns do...

May 20, 20241 hr 40 min

GGACP Classic: Bob Burns

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, film historian, memorabilia collector and “Monster Kid” Bob Burns by revisiting this wide-ranging interview from 2017. In this episode, Bob regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about meeting Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, Vincent Price, George Pal and William Castle, among others. Also, Bob mentors Rick Baker, tours with Eddie Munster, brings Lon Chaney Jr. to tears and visits the set of “Plan 9 from Outer Space.” PLUS: “Shock Theater”! Ray “Crash” Corrigan...

May 16, 20241 hr 36 min

Roger Corman Encore

GGACP salutes the life and career of the late, legendary producer-director Roger Corman by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable interview from back in 2014. In this episode, Roger recalls meeting longtime friend and collaborator Jack Nicholson, reveals the reason the Hell’s Angels threatened to murder him and explains why “a monster should always be bigger than a leading lady.” Also, Roger works with Robert De Niro, Bruce Dern, Dennis Hopper and Charles Bronson and helps launch the directing ca...

May 13, 20241 hr 3 min
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