Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the classic comedy "My Favorite Year" (released October 8, 1982) by revisiting this memorable interview with the film's director, actor-director Richard Benjamin. In this episode, Richard looks back on his six-decade career in Hollywood and recalls memories of working with Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Clint Eastwood, Mike Nichols and Orson Welles. Also, James Mason pulls a fast one, Walter Matthau plays the ponies, George Burns orders the soup and Johnny Guitar meets Lawrence of Arabia. PLUS: "He & She"! The genius of Michael Crichton! The brilliance of Buck Henry! Richard pursues Albert Finney! And Gilbert sings the theme from “Goodbye Columbus”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 40th anniversary of the cult sci-fi/horror film "Q: The Winged Serpent" (released October 8, 1982) with an encore of this frequently hilarious 2018 interview with maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen (“It’s Alive,” “The Stuff,” “Hell Up in Harlem”). In this episode, Larry talks about his early days as a standup comic, his friendship with Alfred Hitchcock, the risks and rewards of “guerrilla moviemaking” and the documentary about his life and career, “King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen.” Also, Chuck Connors blows the whistle, Robert De Niro dons a yarmulke, Bette Davis stages a “comeback” and John Belushi babysits Broderick Crawford. PLUS: Revisiting “Coronet Blue”! John Wayne throws out the script! The Coen Brothers pay “tribute” to “Branded”! And Larry remembers the legendary Samuel Z. Arkoff! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary (premiered September 30, 1982) of the iconic sitcom "Cheers" by revisiting this 2019 conversation with the show's co-creator, Emmy-winning director James Burrows. In this episode, James talks about the importance of the “straight man,” the influence of his legendary dad Abe Burrows, the societal impact of “Will & Grace” and the winning formulas behind “Taxi,” “Friends” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Also, Andy Kaufman comes to dinner, Woody Harrelson changes the game, Norman Lear writes a fan letter and James meets John Steinbeck, Truman Capote and Groucho Marx. PLUS: Sydney Pollack! Remembering Ruth Gordon! The comedy of Patchett and Tarses! The generosity of Jay Sandrich! And James directs the “All in the Family” reboot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 50th anniversary of the hit single "Baby, Don't Get Hooked On Me" reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (September 23, 1972) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and actor MAC DAVIS. In this episode, Mac talks about 70s-era variety shows, sharing the screen with Jackie Gleason, sharing a bill with George Burns and Henny Youngman and penning hits for Elvis Presley (“Memories,” “In the Ghetto,” “A Little Less Conversation”). Also, Buddy Hackett pulls out a piece, Buddy Holly plays a roller rink, Richard Nixon guest stars on “Laugh-In” and Mac crashes Sam Elliott’s screen test. PLUS: Solomon Burke! The Memphis Mafia! “North Dallas Forty”! Remembering Kenny Rogers! Appreciating James Garner! And Colonel Parker “gifts” Mac with a velvet Elvis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of NBC's "Mad About You" (premiered September 23, 1992) by revisiting this 2020 interview with comedian, writer and Emmy-nominated actor Paul Reiser. In this episode, Paul talks about breaking into standup, shooting a (failed) pilot with Gilbert, working with longtime heroes Alan Arkin, Peter Falk and Carol Burnett and recreating the glory days of "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Also, Jerry Lewis steals the show, Mel Brooks brings a bottle, George Carlin stays for breakfast and Michael Douglas transforms into Liberace. PLUS: "Diner"! The Great Flydini! Tony Danza plays Fred de Cordova! Gilbert and Paul go to the movies! And the boys praise the talents of Richard Kind! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic TV series "M*A*S*H" (premiered September 17, 1972) with this ENCORE of a memorable 2018 interview with Emmy-winning actor-writer-director Alan Alda. In this episode, Alan discusses growing up in Burlesque theaters, working with his father Robert Alda, coping with the pressures of sudden fame and learning to live life “in the moment.” Also, Mickey Rooney "hails a cab," Buster Keaton does a backflip, Sarah Silverman forms an unlikely friendship and Alan remembers M*A*S*H colleagues Harry Morgan, Wayne Rogers and McLean Stevenson. PLUS: The Great Blackstone! “The Beast with Five Fingers”! Revisiting “Crimes and Misdemeanors”! Beetlepuss rescues Bela Lugosi! And Alan shares the stage with Red Buttons, Phil Silvers and Mae West! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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