

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 15, 2022 • 1h 48min
GGACP Classic: Brian Levant
GGACP celebrates the release of the new book "My Life and Toys" by revisiting this informative interview with the book's author: screenwriter, director, toy collector and pop culture historian Brian Levant ("The Flintstones," "Beethoven," "Jingle All the Way"). In this episode, Brian joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about staging pie fights, mail-order alligators, failed "Munsters" reboots and the comedic genius of Harvey Korman and Jonathan Winters. Also, Jack Warden forgets his lines, Chuck Jones finds the fountain of youth, Garry Marshall's memorial service brings down the house and Brian directs Gilbert in "Problem Child 2." PLUS: Buffalo Bob Smith! The legend of "Poochinski"! The wonderful world of Hanna-Barbera! Fonzie jumps the shark! The Lone Ranger rides again! And Brian remembers colleagues Phil Hartman and Charles Grodin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2022 • 1h 27min
Bill Macy Encore
GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of Norman Lear's "Maude" (premiered September 12, 1972) with this ENCORE of an unforgettable interview with veteran actor Bill Macy ("The Jerk," "My Favorite Year," "The Producers"). In this episode, Bill looks back at his seven-decade career and his collaborations with everyone from Bea Arthur to Steve Martin to Peter O'Toole. Also, Bill praises Carl Reiner, understudies Walter Matthau, ticks off Tony Curtis and shares the big screen with Art Carney and Lily Tomlin. PLUS: "Oh! Calcutta!" Remembering Joe Bologna! Gilbert plays a Spaniard! William H. Macy changes his name! And Bill convicts Bialystock and Bloom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2022 • 1h 25min
GGACP Classic: Paul Shaffer
To mark the 40th anniversary of the pop/dance hit "It's Raining Men," (September 10, 1982) GGACP revisits this interview from 2014 with the song's co-writer -- musician, conductor and comedian (and friend of the podcast) Paul Shaffer. In this episode, Paul discusses being influenced by the musical and comedy acts he grew up watching on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” so it was only fitting that we interviewed him in the “Ed Sullivan Room” of the famed New York Friars Club. Also, Paul recalls working with icons James Brown, John Belushi, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Brian Wilson AND the infamous Phil Spector. PLUS: Lou Jacobi! Rickie Layne and Velvel! Paul shares the screen with Mickey Rooney! And Gilbert and Paul reveal their obsession with a Cindy Crawford-Valerie Bertinelli infomercial! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2022 • 1h 7min
Ronnie Schell Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday of screen legend Alan Ladd (September 3rd) with an ENCORE of a 2017 interview with comedian and actor Ronnie Schell. In this episode, Ronnie remembers his early days on the club circuit, recalls decades-long friendships with funnymen Bill Dana, Pat McCormick and Harvey Korman and discusses his memorable role as Gomer Pyle's bunkmate, Duke Slater. Also, Ronnie reminisces about sharing the big and small screen with Andy Griffith, Redd Foxx, Rodney Dangerfield, Tony Curtis, Goldie Hawn, George Carlin and even Groucho Marx. PLUS: Billy De Wolfe! The Kingston Trio! The reclusive Jack Burns! Sinatra drops by the Blue Angel! And the prodigious talents of Theodore Bikel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 2022 • 1h 28min
GGACP Classic: Chuck McCann
GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 2) of one of Gilbert and Frank's childhood heroes,actor, comedian and showbiz historian CHUCK McCANN. In this ENCORE presentation of amemorable interview from back in 2015, Chuck talks about worshipping (and befriending) StanLaurel, Buster Keaton and Groucho Marx (among others) and his unlikely journey from obsessedmovie buff to screen and stage performer and beloved kiddie show host. Also: Chuck hitches aride on Hugh Hefner's jet, inspires a young Billy Crystal, shares the screen with RodneyDangerfield and co-stars in a legendary TV flop. Plus: Hal Roach! Lionel Barrymore! Chuck andGroucho pitch deodorant! Mae West "works" the docks! And Chuck asks Gilbert for a lollipop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 29, 2022 • 1h 26min
Lewis Black Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 30) of actor, playwright and Grammy-winning comedian Lewis Black with this ENCORE of an interview from 2020. In this episode, Lewis discusses the inventiveness of Pixar, the cinema of Barry Levinson, the timelessness of “Dr. Strangelove” and the political comedy of Mort Sahl, Dick Gregory, Paul Krassner and the Smothers Brothers. Also, Christopher Walken cracks a joke, Ruth Buzzi meets Michael Corleone, Ed Sullivan chews out Jackie Mason and Lewis tours the Middle East with Robin Williams. PLUS: Topo Gigio! Saluting Joe Grifasi! George Carlin leaves a message! The musical satire of Mark Russell! And Lewis sings the praises of the National Comedy Center! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 2022 • 1h 31min
GGACP Classic: Dana Gould
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 24) of comedian, actor, Emmy-winning writer, podcast host and film buff Dana Gould with a revisit of this hilarious interview from 2016. In this episode, Dana weighs in on everything from Hollywood “fixers” to werewolf transformations and regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about everyone from Dwight Frye to Mark Hamill. Also, Dana meets Merv Griffin, mimics Adam West (and Don Knotts!), befriends Vampira and remembers Roddy McDowall. PLUS: “Mars Attacks!” The genius of Dan Curtis! The sexism of James Bond! Gregory Peck meets Gopher! And the mysterious death of Albert Dekker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2022 • 1h 37min
Mark Hudson Encore
GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 23) of musician, songwriter, bandleader, producer and comedian Mark Hudson with this ENCORE presentation of one of the funniest and wildest interviews in the show's history. In this episode, Mark looks back on a 6-decade career in television and pop music and discusses the many legends he's worked with, from Steven Tyler to Margaret Hamilton to Ringo Starr to Captain Kangaroo. Also, the Hudson Brothers meet the Osmond Brothers, Ed Wynn steps out of character, Elton John takes a dip and Mark remembers old friend Harry Nilsson. PLUS: "The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show"! Tito Jackson! Rod Hull and his Emu! The REAL Fifth Beatle! The Hudsons "pay homage" to Herman's Hermits! And Mr. Green Jeans goes loco! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2022 • 1h 28min
GGACP Classic: Jimmy Webb
GGACP celebrates the recent birthday (August 15th) of legendary songwriter and composer Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman,” “Up, Up and Away,” "By the Time I Get to Phoenix'') by revisiting this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Jimmy shares an entire career’s worth of memories and anecdotes, including meeting Elvis, playing baccarat with Ol’ Blue Eyes, turning down 40K a week to play Las Vegas and and sitting in on a recording session of the Beatles' “White Album.” Also, Jimmy parties with Paul Williams, crosses swords with Harry Nilsson, joins John Lennon on his “lost weekend” and pens megahits for longtime friend and collaborator Glen Campbell. PLUS: Father Guido Sarducci! Gilbert sings again! The Nelson Riddle Orchestra! The musical genius of Johnny Rivers! And Jimmy plays “MacArthur Park” in…MacArthur Park! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 15, 2022 • 1h 34min
Jeffrey Tambor Encore
"Hey now!" GGGACP celebrates the 30th anniversary of the premiere of HBO's "The Larry Sanders Show" (August 15, 1992) with this encore of a 2019 conversation with Emmy-winning actor Jeffrey Tambor. In this hilarious (and heartfelt) episode, Jeffrey talks about finding joy, avoiding dailies, pursuing authenticity, befriending co-star Garry Shandling and breathing life into some of TV's most indelible characters. Also, Ernest Borgnine inspires, James Mason perspires, Jeffrey gets mistaken for Elliott Gould and Rod Steiger holds a grudge against Marlon Brando. PLUS: George C. Scott! "Radioland Murders"! Remembering Rip Torn! The generosity of Al Pacino! And Jeffrey and Gilbert share the screen with a chimp! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices