
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.
Latest episodes

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 31min
Hal Linden Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy and Tony-winning actor-singer Hal Linden (b. March 20) by revisiting this interview from 2016. In this episode, Hal joins Gilbert and Frank for a look back at his long and varied career (including work in sitcoms, on Broadway and in nightclubs) and reveals why “Barney Miller” was considered the most authentic of all cop shows. Also, Hal covers Benny Goodman, backs up Perry Como, shares the screen with Harry Morgan and cuts the rug with Donald O’Connor. PLUS: Cab Calloway! Eddie “The Old Philosopher” Lawrence! “Godzilla vs. the Sea Monster”! The Chinese Bing Crosby! And Hal salutes the late, great Abe Vigoda! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
GGACP Classic: Sally Struthers Part 2
The celebration of March's Women's History Month continues as GGACP revisits Part 2 of a memorable two-part episode featuring veteran screen and stage actress Sally Struthers. In this episode, Sally regales Gilbert and Frank with entertaining backstage tales from “All in the Family,” “The Gilmore Girls” and the all-female production of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” while sharing personal recollections of Joan Crawford, David Frost, Betty Garrett and idol and personal hero Ruth Gordon. Also, Burgess Meredith philosophizes, Katharine Hepburn paints a birthday card, Sally “gooses” Dennis the Menace and Mel Blanc shows off his vanity license plate. PLUS: Burt Mustin! “Harold and Maude”! “The Great Houdini”! The genius of Rupert Holmes! Colonel Potter goes to Russia! And Sally dates the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and…wait for it…Pat McCormick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 12min
Sally Struthers Part 1 Encore
GGACP continues the celebration of Women's History Month with this ENCORE of the first part of a two-part interview with Emmy-winning actress Sally Struthers. In this episode, Sally joins Gilbert and Frank for a laugh-filled conversation about the aloofness of Rudy Vallee, the eccentricities of Sam Peckinpah, the versatility of Bill Dana, the unexplainable existence of “The Phynx” and the recent 50th anniversary of “All in the Family.” Also, Jack Nicholson shops at Tiffany’s, Steve McQueen romances Ali MacGraw, Rod Steiger gives Sally the heebie-jeebies and Bob Hope visits the “Planet of the Shapes.” PLUS: Jack Benny! Ned Glass! “Five Easy Pieces”! “The Tim Conway Comedy Hour”! The many faces of Sammy Davis Jr! And Sally remembers friends and co-stars Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
GGACP Classic: Marion Ross
GGACP's celebration of Women's History Month continues with this repost of a 2018 interview with Mrs. C herself, Emmy-nominated actress Marion Ross. In this episode, Marion 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 Ferrer makes his move! Ginger Rogers robs the cradle! And Marion remembers colleagues Tom Bosley, Pat Morita and Garry Marshall! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 3, 2025 • 1h 29min
Joyce Van Patten Encore
GGACP celebrates Women's History Month with this ENCORE of a 2017 interview with veteran stage, film and television actress Joyce Van Patten. In this episode, Joyce laughs it up with the boys and shares fond memories of working with Hollywood icons Lucille Ball, Jack Benny, Danny Kaye, Dean Martin and Peter Sellers (to name just a few). Also, Joyce dines with Vincent Price, tours with Tony Randall, treads the boards with Al Shean (!) and remembers the late, great Herb Edelman. PLUS: Mr. Big converts! Rod Serling stops by the set! Joyce praises Martin Balsam! Andy Griffith hates on Jack Lord! And Bob Denver adopts a monkey! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 27, 2025 • 1h 20min
GGACP Classic: Josh Groban
GGACP celebrates the birthday of singer and actor Josh Groban (b. February 27) by revisiting an animated conversation conducted in Josh's Manhattan home way back in 2015. In this episode, Josh shares his passion for comedy, his affection for the “Problem Child” movies and his memories of guest-starring on “The Office” and “Ally McBeal.” Also, Josh coins a catch phrase, tackles the role of Tevye (at age 17!), mimics Jay Leno and performs withSting and Barbra Streisand. PLUS: “The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.”! Gladys Knight & The Pips! “The Beastmaster”! Old Groucho returns! And Josh sings “the hits” of Gilbert Gottfried! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 24, 2025 • 1h 41min
Amazing Colossal Trivia Call-in Show with Rupert Holmes Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of musician, author, playwright and pop culture expert Rupert Holmes (born February 24) with this ENCORE of the first-ever “Amazing Colossal Trivia Call-in Show," as Rupert and the boys attempt to answer tough trivia questions offered up by GGACP listeners. Also in this episode: Cesar Romero meets Sid Melton, Kirk Douglas inspires “Barney Miller,” Jay Leno teams up with Pat Morita and Frank Gorshin passes the torch to Jamie Farr. PLUS: “The Phantom of the Paradise”! “The Return of Doctor X”! James Bond’s greatest nemesis! Rupert hangs with Charles Bronson! The curse of the Spinal Tap drummers! And the secret origin of “Escape (The Pina Colada Song”)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 31min
GGACP Classic: Kliph Nesteroff
GGACP celebrates the birthday of best-selling author and pop culture historian Kliph Nesteroff (b. February 20) by revisiting this classic (and frequently hilarious) interview from 2016. In this episode, Kliph joins Gilbert and Frank (along with recurring guest Drew Friedman) for an informative analysis of topics covering ten decades of popular entertainment, including: the dark secrets of vaudeville, the tragic childhood of Eddie Cantor, the phenomenon of Martin & Lewis and the strange death of “Parkyakarkus.” Also, Jack Benny swipes his stage name, Rodney Dangerfield runs afoul of the feds, Don Knotts sends up Hugh Hefner and the mob releases a comedy album. PLUS: Batman & Rubin! “The Baileys of Balboa”! Aunt Esther goes electric! And the angriest man in showbiz history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 47min
Laraine Newman Encore
GGACP joins "Saturday Night Live"s 50th anniversary celebration with this ENCORE of a 2021 interview with comedian, Emmy-nominated writer, "Amazing Colossal Podcast" fan and original "SNL" cast member Laraine Newman. In this episode, Laraine talks about descending from Jewish cowboys, co-founding The Groundlings, auditioning for Bob Hope (and Robert De Niro) and penning her engrossing memoir, “May You Live in Interesting Times.” Also, Don Ameche mounts a comeback, Chevy Chase tells the “Aristocrats” joke, Laraine crushes on Illya Kuryakin and Walter Matthau turns down the Julia Child sketch. PLUS: Autumn Fizz! “American Hot Wax”! Buck Henry gets kinky! “That’s Not Funny, That’s Sick!” And Laraine recalls working with Bob & Ray, Dudley Moore and Rodney Dangerfield! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13, 2025 • 38min
GGACP Classic: The Cinema of Marlon Brando and Richard Pryor
GGACP celebrates Valentine's Day 2025 by revisiting this classic installment inspired by the ALLEGED dalliance between acting legend Marlon Brando and comedy icon Richard Pryor. Also in this episode: The Nairobi Trio! “Last Tango in Paris”! “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings”! Gilbert impersonates Colonel Kurtz! And Jack Klugman makes a shocking discovery! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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