Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast - podcast cover

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast
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: Brad Bird and Michael Giacchino Part 1

GGACP celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Pixar masterpiece "Ratatouille" (released June 29, 2007) by revisiting this 2-part interview with Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Also in this episode, the Brad and Michael discuss their various collaborations ("The Incredibles," "Incredibles 2," "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol") complex action plots, "pre-loved" soundtracks, the demise of movie showplaces and the genius of John Barry and Elme...

Jun 30, 20221 hr 7 min

John Byner Encore

GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 28) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite performers, comedian, actor and impressionist John Byner with this ENCORE presentation of a hilarious interview from 2016. In this episode, John recalls his early days in show business, his friendship with the legendary Ed Sullivan, memorable encounters with Groucho and James Cagney and his role in Bob Hope's infamous TV special "Joys." Also, John runs into The Duke, roughs up Woody Allen, collaborates with Friz Frele...

Jun 27, 20221 hr 11 min

GGACP Classic: Peter Asher

GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 22nd) of Grammy-winning producer, British Invasion rocker and former Apple Records exec Peter Asher with this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Peter joins the boys for a fascinating discussion about the genius of James Taylor, the profound influence of the Everly Brothers, the rivalry between the Beach Boys and the Fab Four and the 50th anniversary of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Also, John Lennon meets Yoko Ono, Linda Ronstadt teams...

Jun 23, 20221 hr 18 min

Danny Aiello Encore

GGACP commemorates the birthday of late, great character actor Danny Aiello (June 20th) with this encore presentation of a wildly entertaining interview from 2015. In this episode, Danny joins Gilbert and Frank at the legendary New York Friars Club to talk about his journey from Greyhound bus dispatcher to Oscar nominee and shares his memories of goofing around with Paul Newman, sightseeing with Rodney Dangerfield and singing backup for Bette Midler. PLUS: Remembering "Moonstruck"! Uncle Miltie ...

Jun 20, 20221 hr 18 min

GGACP Classic: Adam Arkin and Alan Arkin

GGACP celebrates Father's Day with this classic interview from 2020, featuring Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin and Oscar-winning actor-director Alan Arkin. In this episode, Adam and Alan talk about portraying villains, directing dark comedies, working with children, the precision of the Coen brothers and the Cold War politics of "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." Also, Pat McCormick hits the hard stuff, Groucho drops in on Second City, Stephen King praises "Wait Until Dar...

Jun 16, 20221 hr 38 min

Dee Wallace Encore

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (June 11, 1982) with veteran actress Dee Wallace. In this episode, Dee joins Gilbert and Frank for an informative (and inspiring!) conversation about the power of intuition, the challenges of sudden fame, the generosity of Harold Prince and the precision of Steven Spielberg. Also, John Carradine soldiers on, Dudley Moore replaces George Segal, Harrison Ford ends up on the cutting room floor and Dee embraces the ...

Jun 13, 20221 hr 35 min

GGACP Classic: Mario Cantone

GGACP's Pride Month celebration continues with this ENCORE of the first podcast appearance (from 2015) by Tony-nominated actor, singer and comedian Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario crushes on Jan-Michael Vincent, tours London with Marty Krofft, treads the boards with Patrick Stewart and regales Gilbert and Frank with inside-showbiz stories about everyone from Lauren Bacall to Robert Redford to Paul Lynde. PLUS: "Danger Island"! Remembering Jack Wild! Monty Clift visits Merv Griffin! Bette D...

Jun 09, 20221 hr 16 min

George Shapiro Encore

GGACP remembers the late, great talent manager and Emmy-winning producer (and all-around mensch!) George Shapiro with this ENCORE of an interview from 2018. In this episode, George reminisces about the glory days of the Borscht Belt and the golden age of variety television and reflects on 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 ...

Jun 06, 20221 hr 30 min

GGACP Classic: Bruce Vilanch

To celebrate the start of Pride Month, GGACP revisits this memorable 2018 interview with legendary comedy writer-performer Bruce Vilanch. In this episode, Bruce looks back at the “golden age” of TV variety shows and specials, including “Donny & Marie,” “The Brady Bunch Hour,” “The Star Wars Holiday Special” and “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.” (all written or co-written by Bruce himself). Also, Margaret Hamilton makes her move, Robert Reed channels Carmen Miranda, Jack Benny does “The Mat...

Jun 02, 20221 hr 48 min

George Takei Encore

The GGACP team marks May's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with this ENCORE interview with one of the world’s most well-loved pop culture figures, actor-activist George Takei. In this episode, George shares his feelings about Caucasian actors in Asian roles, speaks frankly about Japanese-American internment, expresses his gratitude to Trekkies and fondly remembers old friend Leonard Nimoy. Also, George feuds with William Shatner, chats up Jerry Lewis, runs into Cary Grant and ...

May 30, 20221 hr 24 min

GGACP Classic: Phil Rosenthal

As Jewish Heritage Month draws to a close, GGACP revisits this memorable interview with Emmy-winning comedy writer, showbiz historian, foodie and raconteur Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil chats about New York-style pizza, “non-ethnic” character actors, the cinema of Stanley Kubrick and the emotional resonance of “The Honeymooners.” Also, Will Ferrell works the men’s room, Peter Boyle turns down “The French Connection,” Brad Garrett salutes The Merchant of Venom and Phil breaks bread with S...

May 26, 20221 hr 39 min

Kelly Carlin Encore

In celebration of the new HBO documentary, "George Carlin's American Dream," GGACP presents an ENCORE of a 2015 episode with the doc's executive producer, writer-performer KELLY CARLIN. In this episode, Kelly discusses her revealing memoir, "A Carlin Home Companion" and shares treasured (and not-so-treasured) memories of growing up with the man who changed and redefined the art of standup comedy. Also, Kelly hangs with Sammy Davis Jr., seduces Leif Garrett, borrows Farrah Fawcett's shampoo and r...

May 23, 20221 hr 12 min

GGACP Classic: Ron Friedman

May's Jewish Heritage Month continues as GGACP revisits one of their funniest interviews out of 400+ with veteran comedy writer Ron Friedman (“Get Smart,” “The Odd Couple,” “All in the Family,” "Barney Miller") who worked with (and wrote for) everyone from Lucille Ball to Milton Berle to Danny Kaye to Orson Welles -- and has the war stories to show for it. Also, Herve Villechaize packs heat, Sammy Davis meets Charlie’s Angels, Ron writes “Murder Can Hurt You!” and Pat McCormick takes a…”dip” in ...

May 19, 20221 hr 26 min

Danny Huston Encore

GGACP celebrates the 60th birthday (May, 14, 1962) of actor-director Danny Huston (“The Aviator,” “Hitchcock,” “Wonder Woman”) with this ENCORE presentation of a 2019 interview. In this episode, Danny regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about meeting Orson Welles, directing Robert Mitchum, getting inside the heads of big-screen bad guys and growing up with (and working alongside) his legendary father, John Huston. Also, Hal Roach cozies up to Mussolini, Katharine Hepburn makes like Eleanor Ro...

May 16, 20221 hr 27 min

GGACP Classic: Neil Sedaka

GGACP's celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month continues with this classic interview from 2019 featuring rock ‘n’ roll icon Neil Sedaka, who discusses growing up in Brooklyn, his apprenticeship at the famed Brill Building, his chart-topping collaborations with lyricist Howard Greenfield and his memories of Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Carole King, Richard Rodgers and Paul McCartney (among others). Also, Bob Dylan offers praise, John Lennon provides inspiration, Mick Jagger buys a Sedaka re...

May 12, 20221 hr 19 min

Tony Roberts Encore

GGACP marks the 50th anniversary of Woody Allen's film version of "Play it Again, Sam" (and the recent 45th anniversary of "Annie Hall") with an ENCORE presentation of this 2017 interview with veteran stage & screen actor Tony Roberts. In this episode,Tony holds court on a wide range of topics, including the intensity of Al Pacino, the minimalism of Robert Mitchum, the eccentricities of Jerome Robbins and the professionalism of Sidney Lumet. Also: Tony runs lines with Edward G. Robinson, tak...

May 09, 20221 hr 30 min

GGACP Classic: Leonard Maltin Returns

GGACP celebrates National Jewish Heritage Month with a series of memorable interviews, beginning with author, critic, Hollywood historian and recent recipient of TCM's Robert Osborne Award, Leonard Maltin. In this episode, Leonard shares his expertise on a number of topics, including the death of fanzines, the disappearance of movie theaters, the charm of “The Maltese Falcon” (both versions) and the appeal of New York-set films of the 1970s. Also, Zeppo breaks up the act, Laurel and Hardy bring ...

May 05, 20221 hr 36 min

Brenda Vaccaro Part 2

In this conclusion of a far-ranging 2-part episode, Oscar-nominated actress Brenda Vaccaro joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the fun of filming comedies, the diva antics of Lauren Bacall (and Faye Dunaway), making a pilot for Lucille Ball, the comedic genius of Peter Cook, the generosity of Quentin Tarantino and sharing the stage and screen with Michael Caine, Gene Hackman, Al Lewis, Vincent Price and Frank Sinatra (among others). Also, Andrea Martin spoofs a Playtex ad, Ron Leibman plays th...

May 02, 20221 hr 1 min

GGACP Classic: Bobcat Goldthwait

National Humor Month draws to a close with this memorable 2017 conversation with comedian, actor, writer and director Bobcat Goldthwait. In this episode, Bobcat discusses his transition from performing to directing, his love of Universal horror films, his delight in making audiences feel "awkward" and his years-long friendship with the legendary Robin Williams. Also: Bobcat wrestles with Arsenio, runs afoul of Nickelback, writes a "Billy Jack" movie and raves about Gilbert's documentary. PLUS: J...

Apr 28, 20221 hr 17 min

Brenda Vaccaro Part 1

In this first part of a 2-part episode, Emmy-winning and Tony nominated actress Brenda Vaccaro regales Gilbert and Frank with stories from her seven decades in show business and discusses (among other things) avoiding nude scenes, the drug culture of 60s-70s Hollywood, the physical demands of acting in a disaster movie and her memories (both good and bad) of filming the Oscar-winning classic "Midnight Cowboy." Also, Uncle MIltie hogs the spotlight, Michael Douglas drives a hard bargain, Aunt Bee...

Apr 25, 20221 hr 2 min

GGACP Classic: Brad Garrett

National Humor Month rolls on as Team GGACP revisits one of their funniest shows to date, featuring comedian and Emmy-winning actor Brad Garrett, who talks about the camaraderie of Golden Age comedians, the strange appeal of "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts," the genius of Martin Mull and Fred Willard and the challenges of portraying his longtime hero, Jackie Gleason. Also, Sammy Davis buys a soda, Liza Minnelli sheds a tear, Gilbert plays the sitcom neighbor-from-Hell and Brad opens for the Ch...

Apr 21, 20221 hr 46 min

Tim Robbins Encore

GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of 1992's "The Player" with this encore presentation of a 2020 interview with Oscar-winning actor, musician and activist Tim Robbins. In this episode, Tim talks about the "New Hollywood" of the '70s, the genius and generosity of Robert Altman, the timeliness of Depression-era screwball comedies and the enduring appeal of "The Shawshank Redemption." Also, Gore Vidal steals the show, Richard Pryor plays The Gaslight Cafe, Orson Welles locks horns with William Rando...

Apr 18, 20221 hr 47 min

GGACP Classic: Susie Essman

GGACP's celebration of National Humor Month continues with this classic conversation with comedian, actress and old friend Susie Essman, recorded live at the 2015 NYC Podfest. In this episode, Susie talks about playing acid-tongued Susie Greene on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," recalls opening for comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Belzer -- and a young Gilbert Gottfried -- and reveals on how standup comedy saved her from a life of crime. Also, Susie chooses her favorite "Curb" moments, obsesses o...

Apr 14, 20221 hr 2 min

Bob Costas Encore

GGACP ushers in the start of the 2022 baseball season with this encore of a 2015 interview with Emmy-winning sportscaster, journalist and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Costas, recorded at the New York Friars Club. Also in this episode: Bob analyzes “Top Cat," imitates Howard Cosell, “interviews” Jack Palance and recites Babe Ruth’s farewell speech. PLUS: "The Million Dollar Movie"! Crazy Guggenheim returns! Rod Steiger emotes! Shirley MacLaine clams up! Gilbert sings the theme from “Underdog”! And ...

Apr 11, 20221 hr 29 min

GGACP Classic: Steven Wright

GGACP celebrates National Humor Month by reposting classic interviews with some favorite comedians, through the entire month of April. First up (from 2017), comedian, writer and actor Steven Wright drops by the studio to talk about his love of surrealism, his admiration for Don Rickles, his childhood obsession with "The Tonight Show" and the absurdity of telling jokes to strangers for a living. Also, Steven discovers Hal Ashby (and Cat Stevens!), Gilbert chats up Norman Fell, Randy Quaid holds a...

Apr 07, 20221 hr 27 min

Karina Longworth

Karina Longworth -- author, film critic, and host of the award-winning Hollywood history podcast, "You Must Remember This" -- joins Gilbert and Frank for a deep dive into a variety of fascinating topics, including: the reclusiveness of Dean Martin, the kinkiness of "The Black Cat," the mysterious deaths of Thomas Ince and William Desmond Taylor, the curious friendship between Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi and the premiere of YMRT's new season, "Erotic 80s." Also, Orson Welles romances Eartha Kitt, Pat...

Apr 04, 20221 hr 35 min

GGACP Classic: John Astin

In celebration of his 92nd birthday (March 30, 1930), Gilbert and Frank revisit this (long sought-after!) 2019 interview with actor and director John Astin, who looks back on a 60+ year career in films and television, recalls his collaborations with Doris Day, Cary Grant, Rod Serling and Jonathan Winters and reveals the positive impact that "The Addams Family" has had on his life. Also, John spoofs Hugh Hefner, records an early "rap" single, chews the scenery on "Batman" and meets the one, the o...

Mar 31, 20221 hr 45 min

The Godfather's 50th Anniversary with Mark Seal

Vanity Fair editor and award-winning journalist Mark Seal, author of the sensational behind-the-scenes book, "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" joins Gilbert and Frank to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo's 1972 mob masterpiece, "The Godfather." Also in this episode: Burt Lancaster closes in, Vic Damone bows out, Marlon Brando pulls off a shocking transformation and the mafia takes offense at the word "mafia." PLUS: The music of Nino Rota! The genius of Dick Sm...

Mar 28, 20221 hr 15 min

GGACP Classic: Barry Levinson

This week on "Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Classics"... GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the beloved comedy "Diner" (released March, 1982) with this encore presentation of a special live interview (recorded at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival) with Oscar-winning writer-director Barry Levinson. In this episode, Barry recalls his early days as a sketch performer, his collaborations with comedy icons Mel Brooks, Carol Burnett and Tim Conway and the experience of directing Dustin Hoffm...

Mar 24, 20221 hr 23 min

Frank Ferrante

Actor, comedian and director Frank Ferrante joins fellow "Marxists" Gilbert and Frank for a lively conversation about his affection for "A Day at the Races," his decades-long friendships with Arthur and Miriam Marx, his upcoming PBS special, "Frank Ferrante's Groucho" and portraying his comedy hero for three decades and in over 500 cities. Also, Uncle Miltie offers spit take lessons, Elaine Stritch does a kid a solid, Gilbert breaks bread with Henny Youngman and Albert Finney makes a play for Fr...

Mar 21, 20221 hr 43 min
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