

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

Jul 20, 2023 • 1h 10min
GGACP Classic: Orson Bean
GGACP celebrates the birthday (July 22, 1928) of the late actor, comedian and raconteur Orson Bean by revisiting this interview from back in 2016. In this episode, Orson recalls his years as a game show and talk show fixture as well as his roles in the popular films "Anatomy of a Murder" and "Being John Malkovich," and shares his memories of working with icons Boris Karloff, Helen Hayes, Jimmy Stewart, Phil Silvers and Dustin Hoffman. Also, Orson discusses his years on the Hollywood blacklist, his friendship with Stan Laurel, his fondness for Ed Sullivan and his personal correspondence with Groucho Marx. PLUS: John McGiver returns! Jack Paar takes a powder! Will Jordan does Sabu! Jack Klugman nails Willy Loman! And Jayne Mansfield upstages Walter Matthau! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 17, 2023 • 1h 16min
Richard Masur Encore
GGACP honors striking SAG-AFTRA members by posting this ENCORE of a 2021 interview with Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actor-director -- and former SAG-AFTRA president -- Richard Masur. In this episode, Richard talks about his years as a union leader, his 6-decade acting career, his numerous collaborations with mentor Norman Lear and his role in United Artists' infamous "Heaven's Gate." Also, Francis Ford Coppola welcomes feedback, Jack Nicholson replaces Mandy Patinkin, John Carpenter remakes "The Thing" and Richard shares drinks (and the screen) with GGACP favorite Pat McCormick. PLUS: "Scavenger Hunt”! “Hot l Baltimore"! Remembering Richard Farnsworth (and Ben Johnson)! The wisdom of Robert Preston! And Richard praises co-stars Gene Hackman, Sidney Poitier and Meryl Streep! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 13, 2023 • 1h 30min
GGACP Classic: Ron Delsener
GGACO celebrates the birthday of legendary concert promoter Ron Delsener (b. July 15) by revisiting this memorable interview from 2018. In this episode, Ron regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about growing up in the era of automats and bowling pin boys, inventing the free concert in Central Park, his early days as a promoter of live events and working with Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Lenny Bruce and the Beatles. Also, Arthur Godfrey lusts after Haleloke, Bruce Springsteen "opens" for Anne Murray, Ol' Blue Eyes boots Jimmy Roselli out of Vegas and Ron presents Groucho at Carnegie Hall. PLUS: Murray the K! The brilliance of David Bowie! The return of Swain's Rats & Cats! "Jimi Hendrix' Eclectic Thanksgiving"! And Ron sees Dean and Jerry's farewell show at the Copa! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 10, 2023 • 1h 17min
Jay Thomas Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of the late comedian, radio personality and Emmy-winning actor Jay Thomas (b. July 12, 1948) with this ENCORE of a hilarious interview from way back in 2014. In this episode, Jay talks about playing doomed hockey star Eddie LeBec on “Cheers” and tabloid talker Jerry Gold on “Murphy Brown” and shares some brutally candid anecdotes about everything from stealing Bill Cosby’s jokes to getting kicked out of a “West Wing” audition to the world's worst cross-country flight. PLUS: Richard Dreyfuss! Cheech & Chong! Joe Piscopo runs afoul of the mob! Jay runs afoul of Rhea Perlman! Gilbert's opening act steals his material! And the Lone Ranger “rides” again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 6, 2023 • 1h 21min
GGACP Classic: Burt Ward
GGACP celebrates the birthday of TV's original Boy Wonder, Burt Ward (b. July 6) by revisiting this 2016 interview to mark the 50th anniversary of ABC's "Batman" series. In this episode, Burt shares fond memories of co-star/mentor Adam West, Frank Gorshin, Vincent Price (and yes, Cesar Romero). Also, Burt spars with Bruce Lee, Adam makes like Moses, Shelley Winters plies her charms and Ol' Blue Eyes lobbies for the role of The Joker. PLUS: Remembering Lesley Gore! The genius of Lorenzo Semple Jr! Hanna-Barbera's "Legends of the Superheroes"! Batman meets "The Ghost of Frankenstein"! And Burt and Adam go to a nudist colony! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 3, 2023 • 1h 37min
Adam Arkin and Alan Arkin Encore
GGACP celebrates the life and career of legendary Oscar-winning actor Alan Arkin with this ENCORE of a 2020 interview with Alan and his son, Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin. In this memorable 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 Dark" and Alan (almost) directs "Blazing Saddles." PLUS: Captain Kangaroo! "Northern Exposure"! The brilliance of "The In-Laws"! Adam "reps" Chuck McCann! Alan records "The Banana Boat Song"! And Adam and Alan choose their favorite Arkin performances!(Special thanks to Marsha McManus, Estelle Lasher, Gino Salomone, Sherman Allen and John Murray) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 29, 2023 • 1h 35min
GGACP Classic: Richard Lewis
GGACP celebrates the birthday of "The Prince of Pain," comedian and actor Richard Lewis (born June 29th) by revisiting his funny and far-ranging interview from 2017. In this episode, Richard discusses the 9th season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and reminisces about his 45 years in comedy, his history of "nightmare gigs" and his relationships with Rodney Dangerfield, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles and Jonathan Winters. Also, Larry David goes to camp, David Brenner buys a stapler, the Juggalos heckle Lionel Atwill and Richard joins the mile-high club (sort of). PLUS: John Cassavetes! The legend of Fred de Cordova! "The Island of Dr. Moreau"! Richard plays Carnegie Hall! And Gilbert plays Queen Elizabeth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 26, 2023 • 1h 50min
Dennis Lambert Encore
GGACP marks the 50th anniversary of the Four Tops hits, "Ain't No Woman (Like the One I've Got)" and "Are You Man Enough?" (from "Shaft In Africa") with this ENCORE of a 2019 interview with Grammy-nominated songwriter Dennis Lambert ("One Tin Soldier," "Nightshift," "Don't Pull Your Love"). In this episode, Dennis discusses working the Catskills as a boy singer, shopping songs in the Brill Building era, producing hit records for the Righteous Brothers and co-creating the oft-maligned Starship hit, "We Built This City." Also, Neil Diamond hawks holiday tunes, Carole King demos "One Fine Day," Gilbert "covers" Glen Campbell (!) and Dennis becomes a superstar in the Philippines. PLUS: Freddie and the Dreamers! The artistry of Levi Stubbs! The versatility of Steve Lawrence! "Billy Jack" gets a message from God! And Dennis breaks down the construction of a Top 10 hit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 22, 2023 • 38min
GGACP Classic: Beach Blanket Movies!
GGACP ushers in the official start of the summer season with this mini-episode celebration of AIP's "Beach Party" movies of the 1960s -- and the legendary and soon-to-be-legendary performers (Boris Karloff, Buster Keaton, Paul Lynde, Don Rickles) who appeared in them (not to mention series star and "Amazing Colossal Podcast" guest Frankie Avalon). Also in this episode: Little Stevie Wonder! Remembering Harvey Lembeck! The expertise of Eddie Deezen! “The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini”! And Annette Funicello exposes her navel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 19, 2023 • 1h 37min
Chris Lemmon and Charlie Matthau Encore
GGACP celebrates dads everywhere with this ENCORE of a special Father's Day show featuring actor-musician Chris Lemmon and producer-director Charlie Matthau. In this episode, Chris and Charlie look back at the lives and careers of one of cinema's legendary comedy teams, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. Also: Jerry Lewis turns down "Some Like it Hot," Red Skelton passes on "The Sunshine Boys," Walter "compliments" Christopher Walken and Jack runs afoul of Virna Lisi's husband. PLUS: "The Fortune Cookie"! The Ukrainian Cary Grant! The music of Neal Hefti! The complexities of Blake Edwards! Walter rescues "The Odd Couple"! And Ving Rhames pays Jack an unforgettable tribute! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


