

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
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 35min
GGACP Classic: Joe Pantoliano
GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. September 12) of Emmy-winning actor Joe Pantoliano by revisiting this memorable interview from 2016. In this episode, Joe joins Gilbert and Frank for a revealing and entertaining conversation about Italian-American stereotypes, underappreciated film directors, dysfunctional families, onscreen immortality and the secret to playing convincing bad guys. Also, Joe meets Gregory Peck, remembers James Gandolfini, takes advice from Robert Stack and takes the fall for Harrison Ford. PLUS: Eli Wallach! "Midnight Run"! Joe befriends Natalie Wood! Gilbert Gottfried: Teen Idol! And Frank Sinatra welshes on a debt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 22min
Ronnie Schell Encore
To mark September's National Chicken Month, GGACP presents this ENCORE of a 2017 conversation with one of the podcast’s most popular guests, actor and comedian Ronnie Schell. In this episode, Ronnie entertains Gilbert and Frank with classic stories about co-stars and contemporaries Harvey Korman, Don Rickles, Mickey Rooney, Don Knotts, and of course, Pat McCormick. Also: Ol’ Blue Eyes takes a punch, Lee Marvin comes up short, Bob Newhart plays the Sahara and Ronnie writes a check to the mob. PLUS: Jesse White! “The Devil and Max Devlin”! The brilliance of Jack Riley! The madness of Marty Ingels! And Gilbert meets Sid Melton (and his dog)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 15min
GGACP Classic: Bill Persky
GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 9) of Emmy-winning writer-director Bill Persky by revisiting this memorable conversation from 2017. In this episode, Bill weighs in on topics not covered in his previous appearances, including the physicality of Tim Conway, the irritability of Joey Bishop, the professionalism of Don Ameche and the star power of Sandy Koufax. Also, Jack Palance tells a joke, Harvey Korman treads the boards, Joe Namath turns heads and George Carlin takes a powder. PLUS: Burt Mustin! Gene Kelly unmasked! Super Dave goes to Tahiti! Remembering Garry Marshall! And Eva Gabor replaces Sgt. Bilko! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 4, 2023 • 50min
Alan Thicke & Shecky Greene Encore
GGACP marks the 40th anniversary of one of Gilbert's "favorite" gigs, the infamous late-night talk show "Thicke of the Night" (premiered September 5, 1983) with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with actor, writer and producer Alan Thicke. In this episode, Alan reminisces about everything from his short-lived disco career to penning variety specials for Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin and Flip Wilson. Also, Alan and Gilbert swap wives, John Lennon praises commercial jingles, Merv Griffin composes the "Wheel of Fortune" theme and Paul Lynde drives into a ditch. PLUS: A special BONUS EPISODE with legendary funnyman Shecky Greene! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 31, 2023 • 1h 27min
GGACP Classic: Drew Friedman
GGACP celebrates American Artist Appreciation Month by revisiting this hilarious 2017 interview with award-winning illustrator and cartoonist Drew Friedman. In this episode, Drew discusses his latest book, "Drew Friedman's Chosen People" and joins the boys for a rollicking hour of rumors, innuendo, half-truths and outright lies. Also in this episode: Drew puts Groucho to bed, Frank meets a real, live Stooge, Fred McMurray inspires Captain Marvel and Sammy Petrillo takes credit for "The Munsters." PLUS: The Uncle Miltie puppet! The MAD genius of Don Martin! The return of Perfecto Telles! Jerry Lewis "kills" Peter Lorre! And Mr. Warmth plays Felix Ungar! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Dana Gould Part 2 Encore
GGACP celebrates the August birthday of comedian, actor and Emmy-winning comedy writer Dana Gould with this ENCORE of the second installment of a 2-part interview from 2021. In this episode, Dana joins the boys for a highly entertaining conversation about hammy actors, '70s cinema fashion, Famous Monsters of Filmland, the graciousness of George Carlin (and Adam West!) and the mysterious death of Dr. Cyclops. Also, Joey Bishop hassles Jack Benny, Chuck Connors fights a triceratops, Dana runs afoul of Bob Hope and Jonathan Harris (angrily) turns down the "Lost in Space" movie. PLUS: Mr. Moto! "Touch of Evil"! The girl who haunted Bela Lugosi! Dana adapts Rod Serling! Batman tangles with Krusty the Clown! And the return of "Price Comparison"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 3min
GGACP Classic: Dana Gould Part 1
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 24th) of comedian, actor and Emmy-winning writer Dana Gould by revisiting this first installment of a 2-part interview from 2021. In this episode, Dana talks about the "science" of monster movies, the extravagance of Sammy Davis Jr., the generosity of Roddy McDowall (and Charlton Heston!) and the inventive web series, "Hanging with Dr. Z." Also, Dwight Frye checks out, Darren McGavin dons a bathrobe, Orson Welles turns down "Beneath the Planet of the Apes" and Andy Griffith "punches up" "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken." PLUS: Burt Mustin! "King Kong Escapes"! "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine"! Don Knotts meets Mr. Potter! And Dana teams with the one and only Mel Brooks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 21, 2023 • 51min
"Teen Movie Hell" with Mike "McBeardo" McPadden Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 21) of our dearly-missed friend and colleague, Mike "McBeardo" McPadden with this ENCORE of a 2019 interview about Mike's informative and entertaining book "Teen Movie Hell." In this episode, Mike guides the boys through a history of coming-of-age comedies of the 1980s and '90s, including the good ("Risky Business," "Say Anything") the bad ("Playing for Keeps," "Getting Wasted") and the unbearable ("Gorp," "Pink Motel"). Also, "Porky's" starts a trend, John Hughes changes the game, Charles Fox pens the music of "Zapped!" and Mad magazine RESENTS "Up the Academy." PLUS: Eric Von Zipper! “The Last American Virgin”! In praise of "Heaven Help Us"! Christopher Lee goes slumming! And Gilbert looks back at his years on “USA Up All Night”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 17, 2023 • 1h 55min
GGACP Classic: Matthew Modine
GGACP congratulates actor Matthew Modine on the phenomenal success of “Oppenheimer” (yay, movie theaters!) by revisiting this unforgettable and wildly entertaining interview from 2021. In this episode, Matthew talks about the awkwardness of sex scenes, the unpredictability of chimps and the cruel fate of "Cutthroat Island" and looks back on his working relationships with Robert Altman, John Schlesinger and Stanley Kubrick. Also, Bruce Dern bumps off The Duke, Wallace Shawn stars in "12 Angry Men," Oliver Reed shows off a very special tattoo and Matthew and Gilbert co-star in the unforgettable "Funky Monkey." PLUS: Jiminy Glick! Ray Walston! "Jesus Was a Commie"! The cinema of Alan Pakula! The poetry of R. Lee Ermey! And Matthew remembers the legendary Albert Finney! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 2023 • 1h 46min
Jeff Altman Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 13) of comedian, actor and magician Jeff Altman with this ENCORE of a warm and funny conversation from 2021. In this episode, Jeff talks about his family connection to Houdini, his decades-long friendships with Buddy Rich and David Letterman, the early days of the Magic Castle and the Comedy Store and the infamous NBC variety show “Pink Lady & Jeff.” Also, Raymond Burr takes a seat, Sam Kinison sees a ghost, Gilbert watches Rodney Dangerfield eat and Jeff opens for Pia Zadora and The Captain & Tennille. PLUS: Sean Connery! “Legends of the Superheroes”! Jerry Lewis demands credit! The comedy of Jim Varney! And Jeff and Dave kill off the careers of the Starland Vocal Band! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices