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.

Episodes

Terry Zwigoff

Gilbert and Frank welcome Oscar-nominated writer-director and devoted GGACP fan Terry Zwigoff ("Crumb," "Ghost World," "Bad Santa") for a funny and candid conversation about clueless focus groups, misbehaving movie stars, tacked-on happy endings, the twisted genius of Drew Friedman and the comedy stylings of Margaret Dumont. Also, Cloris Leachman requests a nude scene, Mickey Rooney auditions to play an elf, Jeanne Moreau buys a ticket to "Crumb" and Woody Allen mistakes Gilbert for a Native Ame...

Dec 13, 20211 hr 48 min

Barry Sonnenfeld

Director-producer-raconteur Barry Sonnenfeld returns to the podcast for an entertaining and informative conversation about the timelessness of "Dr. Strangelove,” the genius of Elmore Leonard, the shortcomings of "Wild Wild West," the technical wizardry of "Raising Arizona" and the 30th anniversary (and new 4K release) of 1991's "The Addams Family." Also, Keenan Wynn plays it straight, Will Smith yuks it up, Christopher Lloyd reimagines Uncle Fester and James Caan moves into the Playboy mansion. ...

Dec 06, 20212 hr 1 min

Max Allan Collins and Dave Thomas

In one of their funniest and most wide-ranging episodes to date, Gilbert and Frank welcome author-mystery writer Max Allan Collins and actor-comedian Dave Thomas for an entertaining conversation about the influence of Mad magazine, the genius of Jack Webb, the strange passions of Raymond Burr, the rise and fall of Bob Hope, the war between Al Capone and Elliot Ness and Max and Dave's new science fiction/crime novel "The Many Lives of Jimmy Leighton." Also, John Cleese demands breakfast, Max impr...

Nov 29, 20211 hr 53 min

Ron Leibman and Jessica Walter Encore

Gilbert and Frank celebrate Thanksgiving by giving thanks for one of their most cherished episodes and two of their favorite guests, the late, great (and greatly missed) actors Ron Leibman ("The Hot Rock," "Where's Poppa?", "Angels in America") and Jessica Walter ("Play Misty for Me," "Arrested Development," "Archer"). Also in this episode: Ron stars in the Mad magazine movie, Jessica wrestles a woman (or two), Gilbert covers Bobby Vinton and Jerry Lewis "borrows" from Harry Ritz. PLUS: "Amy Pre...

Nov 22, 20211 hr 35 min

The "Columbo" 50th Anniversary Show with David Koenig

To mark the 50th anniversary of the series premiere of "Columbo," Gilbert and Frank are joined by author and pop culture historian David Koenig for a loving look at the iconic show, its mercurial star Peter Falk, its impressive lineup of guest killers and character actors and David's new book, "Shooting Columbo: The Lives and Deaths of TV's Rumpled Detective." Also in this episode: Bing Crosby takes a pass, Eddie Albert speaks his mind Steven Spielberg knocks it out of the park and Larry Cohen s...

Nov 15, 20211 hr 43 min

Boris Karloff Tribute Show with Ron MacCloskey, Gregory Mank and Sara Karloff

Gilbert and Frank welcome writer-producer RON MacCLOSKEY, author-historian GREGORY MANK and entrepreneur SARA KARLOFF for a celebration of the life and career of screen legend Boris Karloff as well as a discussion about the recently-released 2021 documentary, "Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster." Also in this episode: Bela Lugosi plays matchmaker, Colin Clive battles demons, James Whale abuses his power and Boris predicts stardom for Jack Nicholson! PLUS: "The Girl from Uncle"! "Arsenic a...

Nov 08, 20211 hr 47 min

Colin Quinn

Comedian, actor, writer and lifelong New Yorker Colin Quinn (finally!) joins Gilbert and Frank for a hilarious conversation about vanishing Manhattan, mobsters with podcasts, awkward celebrity encounters, the gritty cinema of Sidney Lumet and Martin Scorsese and his new one-person show, "Colin Quinn: The Last Best Hope." Also, Rod Steiger holds a grudge, Pat Cooper blows his stack, Kate Winslet shops at a bodega and Colin remembers the late, great Norm MacDonald. PLUS: Michael V. Gazzo! "The Pan...

Nov 01, 20211 hr 41 min

Kirk Hammett Encore

Gilbert and Frank celebrate Halloween week with this classic episode from 2018, featuring Metallica guitarist, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and monster kid Kirk Hammett, who discusses his lifelong love affair with horror films, his priceless collection of movie memorabilia, his sympathy for "misunderstood" monsters and the shared connection between horror fans and metal heads. Also, Boris Karloff goes digital, Kirk meets Robert Crumb, Forrest Ackerman drives a hard bargain and Gilbert pens a fan le...

Oct 25, 20211 hr 44 min

Mark Harris

New York Times bestselling author, journalist and entertainment historian Mark Harris joins Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating and informative conversation about his critically-acclaimed Mike Nichols biography ("Mike Nichols: A Life"), as well as his thoroughly-researched books, "Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War" and "Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood"). Also: Mel Blanc teams with Dr. Seuss, Bob Dylan is considered for "Bonnie ...

Oct 18, 20211 hr 52 min

Dino Stamatopoulos

Emmy-winning writer, producer, musician and monster kid Dino Stamatopoulos (“Mr. Show,” “TV Funhouse,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”) joins Gilbert and Frank for a darkly funny conversation about savage chimps, cross-dressing puppets, bad horror movie tropes, the spectacular failure of "The Dana Carvey Show" and the creation of his wildly original Adult Swim series, "Moral Orel" and "Mary Shelley's Frankenhole." Also: Ken Jeong climbs into a Godzilla suit, Robert Smigel sends up Bozo the Clown...

Oct 11, 20211 hr 42 min

Aaron Lee & Rainn Wilson

Comedy writer-producer Aaron Lee and Emmy-nominated actor Rainn Wilson join Gilbert and Frank to talk about nerd culture, haunted houses, the many moods of Jerry Lewis, the staying power of "The Office," the outrageousness of the Comedy Central roasts and their paranormal podcast "Dark Air with Terry Carnation." Also, Gilbert plays a horse, Aaron writes jokes for Larry Flynt, Rainn wrestles Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Henny Youngman teams with the "Godfather of Gore." PLUS: "Zardoz"! "Clutch Car...

Oct 04, 20211 hr 50 min

Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin Part 2

In this conclusion of a 2-part episode, veteran screen actors Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss talk about sharing the stage with their children, celebrating 60 years of marriage, casting the comedy classic "My Favorite Year" and filming "The Stepford Wives," "Westworld," Diary of a Mad Housewife" and "The Parallax View." Also, Mel Brooks produces "The Elephant Man," Orson Welles intimidates the cast of "Catch-22," Paula's mom chats up William S. Burroughs and Richard lists his favorite Paula ...

Sep 27, 202156 min

Paula Prentiss and Richard Benjamin Part 1

In the first part of a 2-part episode, Gilbert and Frank talk to celebrated actors and longtime Hollywood couple Richard Benjamin and Paula Prentiss about their seven-decade careers in front of (and behind) the camera, co-starring in a groundbreaking sitcom, co-hosting "Saturday Night Live," meeting Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton and working with legendary directors Howard Hawks, Mike Nichols and Billy Wilder. Also, Jack Cassidy plays a superhero, Jack Benny exits "The Sunshine Boys," Paula share...

Sep 20, 20211 hr 10 min

Kevin Pollak

Actor, comedian and impressionist Kevin Pollak joins Gilbert and Frank for a frequently hilarious conversation about the legend of Harry Houdini, the cinema of Barry Levinson, joining the cast of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and sharing the screen with Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Jack Lemmon and Rod Steiger. Also, Steve Martin packs arenas, Walter Matthau hits on Sophia Loren, Don Rickles runs afoul of Joe Pesci and Kevin explains France's affection for Jerry Lewis. PLUS: Anne Bancroft! "Morton &...

Sep 13, 20211 hr 54 min

Michael Nesmith Encore

To celebrate the upcoming Monkees farewell tour, Gilbert and Frank present this classic encore episode from 2015, featuring a rare interview with musician-songwriter-producer Michael Nesmith, who talks about hosting hootenannies, worshipping Bob Dylan, visiting swinging London, nailing his original screen test in October ’65 and his fondness and affection for longtime Monkees fans. Also, Michael pals around with John Lennon, pens a hit for Linda Ronstadt, hits the road with Dennis Hopper and (so...

Sep 06, 20211 hr 20 min

Griffin Dunne Encore

To mark the 40th anniversary of 1981's "An American Werewolf in London," Gilbert and Frank present an encore episode with actor, producer and director Griffin Dunne, who 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” and Tim Burton (almost) dir...

Aug 30, 20211 hr 33 min

Richard Donner Encore

In honoring the life and career of late, great producer-director Richard Donner ("Superman," "The Omen," "Lethal Weapon," "The Goonies") Gilbert and Frank present this ENCORE episode from 2018, featuring a fascinating conversation about the importance of on-set teamwork, the eccentricities of Marlon Brando, the singular talent of Rod Serling and the challenge of (faithfully) adapting the Man of Steel for the big screen. Also, Gregory Peck cashes in, Gene Hackman plays hardball, Jackie Gleason be...

Aug 23, 20211 hr 34 min

Billy West Returns Encore

In this ENCORE presentation of a classic GGACP episode, Gilbert and Frank talk to comedian, voice actor and fan favorite Billy West about bad sight gags, one-joke comedians, post-stroke Stooges, the legend of "Grandpa" Al Lewis, the genius of June Foray and 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 Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: The...

Aug 16, 20211 hr 49 min

John Schuck

Veteran stage and screen actor John Schuck joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his 6-decade career in show business and a lively conversation about turning down movie roles, guesting on game shows, canoodling with Elizabeth Taylor, portraying both Herman Munster and Daddy Warbucks and working alongside icons Robert Altman, Warren Beatty, George Burns, Richard Burton and Rock Hudson. Also, Bud Cort takes flight, James Mason goes bowling, Jack Riley and Pat McCormick whistle the national an...

Aug 09, 20211 hr 57 min

Patreon Members Grill Gilbert & Frank

Gilbert and Frank fly solo and field questions from their loyal Patreon supporters on a wide (and fascinating) variety of topics, including early gigs, career do-overs, elusive guests, forbidden TV shows, bad celebrity marriages and the "musicality" of comedy. Also in this episode: Vincent Price reads "Fifty Shades of Grey," Nostradamus predicts fame for Henry Winkler, Gilbert narrates “The Rocky Horror Show” and Frank writes jokes for Larry "Bud" Melman. PLUS: Commander USA! Kentucky Fried Thea...

Aug 02, 20211 hr 39 min

Brian Levant

Writer, producer, director, toy collector and pop culture historian Brian Levant ("The Flintstones," "Beethoven," "Jingle All the Way") joins Gilbert and Frank for a fun-filled conversation about staging pie fights, mail-order alligators, failed "Munsters" reboots, the comic genius of Harvey Korman and Jonathan Winters and the making of his upcoming memoir/coffee table book, "My Life and Toys." Also, Jack Warden forgets his lines, Chuck Jones finds the fountain of youth, Garry Marshall's memoria...

Jul 26, 20211 hr 51 min

Rick Baker & David J. Skal

It’s Halloween in July as Gilbert and Frank celebrate the 90th anniversaries (1931-2021) of Universal Studios' original "Dracula" and "Frankenstein" by welcoming Oscar-winning makeup creator Rick Baker and author-historian David J. Skal for a fascinating conversation about sympathetic monsters, mad scientists (real and imagined), the origin of horror films, the genius of Jack Pierce and the premature deaths of Colin Clive, Dwight Frye and Lon Chaney. Also, David interviews Carla Laemmle, Rick tu...

Jul 19, 20211 hr 56 min

Gabe Kaplan

Actor, writer and comedian Gabe Kaplan (finally) joins Gilbert and Frank for a truly hilarious conversation about working strip clubs and Burlesque houses, meeting (and portraying) Groucho Marx, the clunkiness of the Dean Martin Roasts and the backstage drama of "Welcome Back Kotter." Also, Jack Carter buys a shirt, Buddy Hackett makes an omelet, Pat McCormick passes out on Jerry Lewis' couch and Gabe crosses paths with Jack Ruby and Golda Meir. PLUS: London Lee! The comedy of Buddy Mantia! "Bat...

Jul 12, 20211 hr 38 min

Dick Van Dyke ENCORE

In an encore of this classic GGACP episode from 2016, Gilbert and Frank are joined by actor, comedian, recent Kennedy Center honoree and national treasure Dick Van Dyke, who looks back on his illustrious eight-decade career, recalls his friendships with Buster Keaton and Stan Laurel and shares his memories (good and bad) of making the classic films "Mary Poppins" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." Also, Dick idolizes Ray Bolger, co-stars with Mickey Rooney, gets a surprise visit from Cary Grant and ...

Jul 05, 20211 hr 24 min

Roger Cook & Henry Gross

British-born singer-songwriter Roger Cook ("Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress") and Brooklyn-born songwriter-recording artist Henry Gross ("Shannon") share tales from their seven decades in the music business and talk about playing mob-owned joints, forming doo-wop groups, opening for the Beatles (and Benny Hill!), being inspired by Jimi Hendrix and hearing their songs on the radio for the first time. Also, Casey Kasem blows his cool, George Martin teams with Peter Sellers, Henry becomes the youn...

Jun 28, 20212 hr 3 min

Weird Al Yankovic

Comedian, musician and multiple Grammy winner "Weird Al" Yankovic returns to the show to talk to Gilbert and Frank about the influence of Mad magazine, the golden age of Top 40 radio, the reclusiveness of Tom Lehrer, the cultural importance of "Word Crimes" and the mystifying longevity of "The Joe Franklin Show." Also, Little Richard buys a vowel, Al and Coolio bury the hatchet, Jerry Lewis tries to take over "Comic Relief" and Charles Nelson Reilly makes "sweet, sweet love" to a manatee. PLUS: ...

Jun 21, 20211 hr 24 min

Brad Bird & Michael Giacchino Part 2

In this conclusion of a 2-part episode, Gilbert and Frank chat with Oscar winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino about James Bond homages, iconic superhero themes, incorporating everyday objects into movie soundtracks and the over-the-top pleasures of the Wachowskis’ "Speed Racer." Also, Bernard Herrmann plays the Theremin, Lily Tomlin (almost) voices Edna Mode, Brad directs a modern-day film classic and Michael reveals the key to his Oscar-winning score f...

Jun 14, 20211 hr 10 min

Brad Bird & Michael Giacchino Part 1

In the first part of a 2-part episode, Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino join Gilbert and Frank for an informative and wildly entertaining conversation about their numerous collaborations ("The Incredibles," "Incredibles 2," "Ratatouille," "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol") complex action plots, "pre-loved" soundtracks, the demise of movie showplaces and the genius of John Barry and Elmer Bernstein. Also, Peter O'Toole clears his throat, Tom...

Jun 07, 20211 hr 10 min

Sonny Fox ENCORE

Gilbert and Frank mark Memorial Day 2021 with this special ENCORE presentation of one of their favorite episodes, featuring producer, broadcaster and World War II veteran Sonny Fox, who discusses his life-changing experience as a prisoner of war, his years as host of the beloved children's show "Wonderama" and his memories of the notorious quiz show scandals of the 1950s. Also in this episode: Sonny hosts "The $64,000 Challenge," gets cut from "The Nutty Professor," takes a stand for Jack Gilfor...

May 31, 20211 hr 35 min

Ruta Lee

Actress, game show hostess and philanthropist Ruta Lee shares stories from her eight decades in Hollywood and her new memoir "Consider Your Ass Kissed" and reminisces about partying with the Rat Pack, dating Shecky Greene, working for directors Stanley Donen and Billy Wilder and forging friendships with Debbie Reynolds, Darren McGavin, Fred Astaire and (yes) Cesar Romero. Also, Liz Taylor orders the chili, Gilbert frames a one-cent check, Lucy tosses Uncle Miltie's salad and Ruta remembers her d...

May 24, 20211 hr 25 min
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