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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In one of the funniest GGACP shows to date, comedian, musician and voice actor Billy West returns to weigh in on a number of topics, including the legend of "Grandpa" Al Lewis, the genius of June Foray, the uselessness of "Curly Joe" DeRita 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 Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: El Brendel! The Mad Russian! The ...
This week: Bob Newhart vs. the mob! Lenny Bruce takes on the church! The radicalization of Richard Pryor! Gilbert channels Jackie Vernon! And Shelley Berman shares the bill with Maya Angelou! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gilbert and Frank track down one of their favorite performers, singer and recording artist Tony Sandler, who looks back on his turbulent childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe, his wild times in mob-run Las Vegas, his glory days as one half of "Sandler & Young" and his friendships with Sid Caesar, Sammy Davis Jr., Vincent Price and Phil Silvers (among others). Also, Louis Prima plays the Sands, Lauren Bacall makes her move, Elvis chases chorus girls and Sonny & Cher "entertain" the royal fami...
This week: "Blame It on Rio"! Alan Arkin's "Fire Sale"! Praise for Gilbert's Peter Lorre! Paul Lynde lusts after Carol Wayne! And Red Buttons parts the Red Sea! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Veteran character actor Ed Begley Jr. joins Gilbert and Frank for a loving look at the glory days of the Troubadour, the timelessness of "The In-Laws," the absurdity of Hollywood urban legends and the career of his Oscar-winning dad, Ed Begley. Also, Forrest Tucker takes a nip, Steve Allen checks into "St. Elsewhere," Harry Belafonte shuts down Rodney Dangerfield and Ed hits the rink with Charlie's Angels. PLUS: Wheeler & Woolsey! "Amazon Women on the Moon"! Mr. Warmth lowers the boom! Ed re...
This week: Discovering Harpo's wig! Sonny Fox turns on the waterworks! Gilbert "rescues" Chevy Chase! The riskiest movie ever made! And the Shecky Greene flaming monkey story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gilbert and Frank welcome "Mrs. C" herself, Emmy-nominated actress Marion Ross, who recalls her early days as a studio contract player, her struggles to find her footing in Hollywood, her curious methods of getting into character and her working relationships with Claudette Colbert, Noel Coward, Kirk Douglas and Charlton Heston. Also, Marion crushes on Clark Gable, confides in Cary Grant, sets sail with Tony Curtis and pays a call on Bogie and Bacall. PLUS: Marlene Dietrich eats lunch! Jose Ferr...
This week: Mantan Moreland! The 1910 Fruitgum Company! John Ritter has a wardrobe malfunction! And Gilbert hangs with Cuba Gooding Jr.! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gilbert and Frank celebrate their 200th (!) episode by welcoming frequent guests (and friends) Drew Friedman, Rupert Holmes and Richard Kind for a loose, laugh-filled (and frequently lewd) discussion of essential topics, including: the cinema of Fred Gwynne, the unpredictability of Jerry Lewis, the long-lost child of Uncle Miltie, and the risks and rewards of meeting one's heroes. Also, Drew puts Groucho to bed, Rupert lunches with Frank Capra, Richard lives up to his name and the panel recalls ...
This week: The life and death of Doug Kenney! "Planet of the Cheap Special Effects"! Randy Quaid subs for Sam Kinison! And Gilbert stars in Foto Funnies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Actor Eddie Deezen ("Grease," "1941," "The Polar Express") joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his memorable roles in iconic '70s and '80s movies, his early days as a stand-up comic and his unforgettable encounters with Andy Griffith, John Belushi, Jerry Lewis and Mickey Rooney. Also, Eddie loses his lunch, Jack Nicholson loses his cool, Morgan Fairchild turns on the charm and Count Dracula shares the screen with "Weezie" Jefferson. PLUS: Remembering Marvin Kaplan! The return of Fake Shem...
This week: Grandpa Munster lays down the law! The Munchkins go to Pittsburgh! Florence Henderson plays Gino's mom! And Sandra Bullock declares her love for Gilbert! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Legendary talent manager and Emmy-winning producer George Shapiro joins Gilbert and Frank to reminisce about the glory days of the Borscht Belt and the golden age of variety television and to discuss his personal and professional relationships with Steve Allen, Jimmy Durante, Carl Reiner and Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Elvis praises Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer inspires Tony Clifton, "Dem Bums" visit "The Martha Raye Show" and George explains his lifelong love affair with comedy (and comedians). PLUS:...
This week: Gilbert does Kierkegaard! Remembering Joe Franklin! Jackie Mason tangles with Rodney Dangerfield! And Pat Cooper weighs in on Marcus Aurelius! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gilbert and Frank check in with one of their favorite performers, actor-writer-director DAVE THOMAS, who talks about his years with Second City (and SCTV), his transition to dramatic series writing, his admiration for Bob Hope and his working relationships with Dan Aykroyd, Eugene Levy, Tom Poston and Martin Short. Also, Richard Harris gets rough, Buck Henry storms out, Gilbert dances with John Travolta and Mel Blanc plays Dave's dad. PLUS: "The New Show"! The origin of Bob and Doug McKenzie! Ya...
This week: Sidney Falco gets snubbed! The return of Sacheen Littlefeather! "The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu"! Oscar winners that stood the test of time! And Gilbert addresses the (alleged) Brando-Pryor affair! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oscar-nominated screenwriter ("The Disaster Artist," "500 Days of Summer") and GGACPsuperfan MICHAEL H. WEBER joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the studio development process, the eccentricities of Marlon Brando (and Tommy Wiseau), the cinema of Richard Curtis and the importance of truth in storytelling. Also, Jane Fonda takes a seat, Bill Murray thanks Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman pursues Hannibal Lecter and the boys list their favorite romantic comedies (and romantic comedy cliches). PLU...
This week: Stanley Myron Handelman! The indestructible Bill Macy! "Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" James Mason hawks Thunderbird! And the return of the Alan Ladd story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tony-nominated actor and singer (and friend of GGACP) Craig Bierko returns to weigh in on a wide range of topics, including: the lost era of "Clubhouse TV," the importance of a showbiz "hook," the generosity of Alan Alda and Carol Burnett and the similarities between Yiddish theatre and "Guys & Dolls." Also, Jack Paar gets intimate, Steve Martin plays to the cheap seats, Richard Dreyfuss "inhabits" Spencer Tracy and Ted Danson borrows from Dick Van Dyke. PLUS: Peter Tork! In praise of Richar...
In this episode, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Michael H. Weber joins Gilbert Gottfried and Frank Santopadre to discuss "movies about movies." They delve into the influences behind Weber's film "The Disaster Artist," including classics like "Sunset Boulevard" and "Ed Wood." The conversation is packed with film history, industry insights, and Gilbert's signature humorous tangents.
Gilbert and Frank reach out to one of their favorite performers, actor Gino Conforti ("Three's Company," "Man of La Mancha") who discusses the life of a "journeyman" actor and looks back on his working relationships with Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Zero Mostel, Debbie Reynolds and Orson Welles. Also, Sophia Loren takes a spill, Jerome Robbins takes a powder, Jonathan Winters comes to dinner and Gilbert and Gino remember the late, great John Ritter. PLUS: "Bungle Abbey"! Uncle Carl Laemmle! In...
Screenwriter Michael H. Weber joins Gilbert and Frank to share insights from his Oscar-nominated work on "The Disaster Artist," detailing the cult phenomenon of "The Room" and the adaptation process. He also recounts his fascinating early career as Robert De Niro's personal archivist, preserving film history and even participating in a memorable birthday prank with Harvey Keitel. Weber further describes his experience writing "Our Souls at Night" for screen legends Jane Fonda and Robert Redford, highlighting their unique personalities and collaboration.
Oscar and Emmy-nominated actress Barbara Barrie ("Barney Miller," "Breaking Away") sits down with Gilbert and Frank for a look back at her early days in live television and shares her recollections of working with everyone from Tony Randall and Jack Klugman to James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. Also, Jack Weston gets fresh, Madeline Kahn toughs it out, Richard Mulligan saves the day and Barbara and Art Carney bomb in Chicago. PLUS: "Shock Corridor"! The original Alice Kramden! The comic genius of ...
Gilbert and Frank dedicate this episode to the late Roger Moore, discussing his self-deprecating humor and overlooked roles, also delving into the historical context of accents in films and the slower pacing of early James Bond movies. The hosts then dive into a listener-submitted segment, comically dissecting a list of famously cheesy action movie one-liners from films starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, among others, even performing some with celebrity impressions. The episode also touches on hilariously bad stunt doubles in action cinema.
Emmy-winning writer-producer-actor Phil Rosenthal chats with Gilbert and Frank about a number of compelling topics, including the "sex appeal" of comedians, the vulgarity of network sitcoms, the ingeniousness of "Tootsie" (and "The Swimmer") and the realism and relatability of "The Honeymooners." Also, Lucy loses a ring, George Burns nabs an Oscar, Robert Mitchum dons an apron and Phil remembers his dear friend Peter Boyle. PLUS: The artistry of Alan Arkin! The wonder of Walter Matthau! Jerry Le...
Gilbert Gottfried and Frank Santopadre delve into the intriguing world of Hollywood's one-time directors, challenging Gilbert to name actors who only directed a single feature film. They discuss diverse examples like Peter Lorre's "The Lost One," Charles Laughton's acclaimed "Night of the Hunter," and the surprising directorial efforts of Jimmy Cagney, Carl Malden, Anthony Quinn, Walter Matthau, and voice acting legend Paul Frees. The episode unearths rare cinematic gems and shares behind-the-scenes stories, including Gilbert's comedic impressions and personal anecdotes.
Writer, producer and showbiz historian Mark Evanier joins Gilbert and Frank for a loose and lively conversation about the lasciviousness of Herve Villechaize, the eccentricities of Paul Winchell, the multiple talents of Howard Morris (and Allan Melvin!) and the artistry of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Also, Red Skelton works blue, Vincent Price disses Danny Kaye, Billy Barty meets the Bay City Rollers and Groucho visits the set of "Welcome Back, Kotter." PLUS: Sergio Aragones! "Who's Mindi...
Gilbert Gottfried and Frank Santopadre pay tribute to music legends lost in 2017, from rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Fats Domino to country star Mel Tillis and pop icon David Cassidy. They also touch on the recurring struggles with substance abuse and legal issues among artists. The episode concludes by remembering non-musician guests of the podcast, reflecting on their contributions and unique stories.
Gilbert and Frank take a loving look back at some of the unforgettable talents who left us in 2017, including Jim Nabors, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Gregory, George Romero and Martin Landau. Also in this episode: Harry Dean Stanton breaks out, Gilbert hangs with Tobe Hooper, John Hurt presides over The Last Supper and Rose Marie inspires a generation of funny women. PLUS: Hymie the Robot! The First Lady of Voice Acting! The artistry of Jonathan Demme! The brilliance of Chuck Barris! And the boys rem...
Gilbert and Frank continue their exploration of infamously bad movie musicals, delving into the disastrous productions of films like "Doctor Dolittle," "Popeye," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Beyond the Sea," and "Lost Horizon." They share behind-the-scenes stories of cast conflicts, technical mishaps, and critical reception, interspersing the discussion with celebrity anecdotes and their signature humor, often veering into crude territory. The episode also touches upon shortest-running Broadway shows and memorable actor impressions.
