

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

Feb 23, 2023 • 1h 12min
GGACP Classic: Richard Belzer
GGACP salutes the life and career of the late, great actor-comedian Richard Belzer by revisiting this memorable interview from back in 2018. In this episode, Richard is joined by former GGACP guests Tom Leopold and Paul Shaffer for a hilarious round-table discussion of essential topics, including: the glory days of Catch a Rising Star, the Jackie Mason-Ed Sullivan feud, the infamous Chevy Chase roast and the war between Gallagher and “Gallagher Too.” Also, Señor Wences sells the act, Alan King lusts after Topo Gigio, Liza plays the Rhineland and Mick Jagger pays “The Belz” a rare compliment. PLUS: “Al Capone, the Musical”! The return of Dick & Stinky! The ballad of Perfecto Telles! Gilbert “louses” Harry Shearer! And Richard remembers his friend (and hero) Jerry Lewis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 2023 • 1h 22min
Andrew Bergman Encore
"Serpentine!" GGACP celebrates the birthday (February 20) of screenwriter-director Andrew Bergman with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Andrew regales Gilbert and Frank with behind-the-scenes stories from two of cinema's most iconic comedies, "Blazing Saddles" and "The In-Laws," and reminisces about working with legends George Burns, Red Buttons, Maximilian Schell, Jack Warden and (notably) Marlon Brando. Also, Johnny Carson turns down the Waco Kid, Richard Libertini "destroys" Alan Arkin, Nicolas Cage makes like Jimmy Stewart and Andrew's dad pens gags for Victor Borge. PLUS: "Honeymoon in Vegas"! The brilliance of Bob and Ray! Deconstructing "Duck Soup"! Mel Brooks sends up "The Caine Mutiny"! And Bert Parks sings to a Komodo dragon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 16, 2023 • 1h 34min
Peter Riegert Encore
GGACP celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the acclaimed comedy “Local Hero” (released February 17, 1983) by revisiting this 2018 interview with one of Gilbert and Frank’s favorite actors, Peter Riegert. In this episode, Peter discusses the fleeting nature of fame, the contrivances of romantic comedies, the randomness of on-screen chemistry and the profound influence of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and the Marx Brothers. Also, James Garner lays down the law, Burt Lancaster marches on Washington, Maurice Micklewhite becomes Michael Caine and Peter remembers the late, great James Gandolfini. PLUS: The Firesign Theater! “The Million Dollar Movie”! “When You Wish Upon a Weinstein”! Gilbert bonds with Chico’s daughter! And Peter “kisses” Humphrey Bogart and Jimmy Stewart! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 13, 2023 • 1h 27min
Rick Overton Encore
GGACP commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the classic comedy “Groundhog Day” (released February 12, 1993) with an ENCORE presentation of a 2017 interview with comedian, actor and Emmy-winning writer Rick Overton. In this episode, Rick talks about everything from incidental sitcom music to the Beatles’ animated series to the underrated mimicry of Frank Gorshin. Also, Barney Fife screws up his courage, Ian McKellen prank calls Patrick Stewart, Rick hangs with Kurt Vonnegut and Captain Nemo meets the Prince of *$#@* Darkness! PLUS: Burns & Carlin! “Million Dollar Mystery”! Otis the Drunk cleans up! The return of the Lee Marvin story! And Rick remembers his friend Jonathan Winters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 9, 2023 • 1h 24min
GGACP Classic: Tom Scharpling
GGACP celebrates the birthday (February 9th) of comedian, TV writer and host of the popular Internet show/podcast “The Best Show,” Tom Scharpling by revisiting this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Tom weighs in on a wide range of topics, including the comic genius of Martin Short (and Charles Grodin), the self-importance of Jerry Lewis, the body count of “Death Wish 3” and the forgotten history of “Saturday Night Live.” Also: Jimmie Walker breaks out, Harry Shearer holds out, Tom feuds with Chuck Woolery and Hitler puts a hit out on the Three Stooges. PLUS: Gilbert O’Sullivan! “The Day the Clown Cried”! Alex P. Keaton goes to Japan! Tom meets Lisa Simpson! And the creepiest song ever written! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6, 2023 • 1h 41min
Sitcom Writers Roundtable Encore with Dave Hackel, John Markus, Bernie Orenstein and Bill Persky
GGACP celebrates the birthday (February 5th) of legendary comedy writer Bernie Orenstein with an ENCORE of a roundtable discussion featuring an all-star panel of TV comedy writers, including Dave Hackel (“Wings,” “Becker”), John Markus (“The Cosby Show,” “The Larry Sanders Show”) and Bill Persky (“The Dick Van Dyke Show,” “That Girl”). In this episode, the boys discuss failed pilots, troublesome actors, bad network notes, the versatility of Danny Kaye and the volatility of Buddy Hackett. Also, John writes for Bob Hope, Bill disses Joey Bishop, Bernie shows Bing Crosby the ropes and Dave spends a memorable day with Truman Capote. PLUS: “The Cheap Show”! The Jewish Tom Sawyer! The genius of Sheldon Leonard! Garry Shandling breaks in! Redd Foxx holds out! And Bernie remember the late, great Saul Turteltaub! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 2, 2023 • 1h 54min
GGACP Classic: John Schuck
GGACP celebrates the birthday (February 4th) of veteran stage and screen actor John Schuck by revisiting this memorable interview from 2021. In this episode, John looks back at his six-decade career in show business and talks 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 anthem and John pens a love letter to Betty Grable. PLUS: “Holmes and Yoyo’! The Old Philosopher! The magnificent mind of Leonard Stern! In praise of “Dick Tracy”! And John shares memories of Richard Deacon, Jack Gilford, James Karen and Werner Klemperer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30, 2023 • 1h 19min
Joe Dante Encore
GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of the cult comedy “Matinee” (released January 29, 1993) with an ENCORE presentation of a fascinating 2016 interview with director-producer Joe Dante. In this episode, Joe discusses everything from his love of Disney films to apprenticing for Roger Corman to developing the ill-fated “Jaws 3, People 0.” Also, Joe auditions Rod Steiger, ad-libs with Tony Randall, passes on “Orca, Part II” and pays tribute to William Castle. PLUS: Keye Luke! Brother Theodore! “Bride of the Gorilla”! Horrible Herman the Asiatic Insect! And the return of “The Tingler”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 26, 2023 • 1h 29min
GGACP Classic: Phil Rosenthal
GGACP celebrates the birthday (January 27) of a favorite guest of Gilbert and Frank, Emmy-winning writer-producer Phil Rosenthal, by revisiting his first appearance from back in 2018. In this episode, Phil weighs in on a number of compelling topics, including the "sex appeal" of comedians, the ingeniousness of "Tootsie" (and "The Swimmer"!) and the realism and relatability of "The Honeymooners." Also, Lucy loses a ring, George Burns nabs an Oscar, Robert Mitchum straps on an apron and Phil remembers his dear friend Peter Boyle. PLUS: The artistry of Alan Arkin! The wonders of Walter Matthau! Jerry Lewis plays the big room! Phil hangs with Peter O'Toole! And the most politically incorrect movie ever made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 23, 2023 • 1h 9min
Marvin Kaplan Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (January 24) of the late, great character actor Marvin Kaplan with this ENCORE of a wildly entertaining conversation from 2016. In this episode, Marvin looks back on his memorable appearance in "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and recalls working with screen legends Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn, Clark Gable, Jack Lemmon, Paul Newman and Lon Chaney Jr. (just to name a few). Also, Marvin praises Sam Jaffe, props up Broderick Crawford, remembers Zero Mostel and risks his life for Blake Edwards. PLUS: Fritz Feld! The talents of Strother Martin! Arnold Stang takes a fall! Stanley Kramer sacks Jackie Mason! And the return (once again) of Maria Ouspenskaya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices