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 24, 2020 • 1h 34min
Amazing Colossal 300th Episode!
To celebrate the podcast's 300th episode, Frank, aided by questions from callers and an in-studio audience, interviews Gilbert about his 50-year career in the entertainment business, covering his early stand-up days, his brief stints on "Saturday Night Live" and "Thicke of the Night" and his memorable movie roles, including Iago, Sidney Bernstein, Igor Peabody and the unforgettable "Man on Porch." Also, Lorne Michaels gives props, Larry David clears the room, Ben Gazzara enjoys a laugh and Humphrey Bogart visits the post office. PLUS: "Meet Wally Sparks"! "The Horn Blows at Midnight"! Marty Allen disses Paul Lynde! Lou Costello stars in "Citizen Kane"! And Gilbert shares the screen with Ryan Gosling! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 17, 2020 • 1h 27min
Dick Cavett and Robert Bader
Gilbert and Frank welcome returning guests Dick Cavett and author-producer Robert Bader for a look back at Groucho Marx's memorable appearances on "The Dick Cavett Show" and a look ahead at the new Bader-directed HBO documentary, "Ali & Cavett: The Tale of the Tapes." Also, Johnny Carson disses Jerry Lewis, Zeppo misses Chico's wedding, Cary Grant romances Amelia Earhart and Danny Kaye zings the Duchess of Windsor. PLUS: Orson Welles meets the Fuhrer! The lost novel of Truman Capote! The triumphant return of Richard Loo! James Mason stars in "The Honeymooners"! And Dick reflects on his friendship with "The Greatest"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 10, 2020 • 1h 34min
Eric Roberts and Eliza Roberts
Oscar-nominated actor Eric Roberts and actress/casting director Eliza Roberts regale Gilbert and Frank with tales from their five decades in Hollywood, including stories about Bob Fosse, Tony Curtis, Rod Steiger, Sterling Hayden, Mickey Rourke and Shelly Winters (to name a few). Also, Roger Corman strikes a deal, Eric shares the screen with the King of Pop, Gilbert praises "The Pope of Greenwich Village" and Eliza appears in "National Lampoon's Animal House." PLUS: "Three Days of the Condor"! Saluting Sonny Fox! The legend of Larry Cohen! The Diceman sends up Sly Stallone! And Eric reveals the "shortcomings" of Marlon Brando! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 3, 2020 • 1h 23min
Howard Storm and Steve Stoliar
Gilbert and Frank welcome comedian and director Howard Storm (accompanied by writer Steve Stoliar) for a funny and fascinating conversation about the glory days of burlesque, the heyday of Jewish gangsters, the challenges of directing Redd Foxx, Don Rickles and Robin Williams and Howard's entertaining new memoir (co-authored by Steve), "The Imperfect Storm." Also, Desi Arnaz saves the day, Raquel Welch acts the diva, Harry Belafonte breaks Jack Rollins' heart and Howard crosses swords with Don Adams, Lucille Ball and Georgie Jessel (among others). PLUS: Wayland Flowers and Madame! Praising Valerie Harper! The genius of Bud Abbott! The return of "Dueling Grouchos"! And Howard recalls the making of "Broadway Danny Rose"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 27, 2020 • 1h 35min
In Memoriam 2019
Gilbert and Frank are once again joined by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Michael H. Weber for a fond look back at some of the unforgettable artists who left us in 2019, including Doris Day, Arte Johnson, Valerie Harper, Rene Auberjonois and Carol Channing. Also in this episode: Diahann Carroll takes a stand, Rip Torn takes on Norman Mailer, Albert Finney turns down "Lawrence of Arabia" and Peggy Lipton pens a Frank Sinatra standard. PLUS: "Defending Your Life"! "The Kid Stays in the Picture"! The man behind "The Monkees"! The original Sheriff Truman! The comic genius of Tim Conway! And the boys bid farewell to the last of the Golden Age directors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 20, 2020 • 1h 27min
Paul Reiser
Comedian, writer and Emmy-nominated actor Paul Reiser drops by the studio for a funny and intimate conversation about breaking into standup, shooting a (failed) pilot with Gilbert, working with longtime heroes Peter Falk and Alan Arkin and recreating the glory days of "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Also, Mel Brooks brings wine, George Carlin stays for breakfast, Michael Douglas transforms into Liberace and Jerry Lewis guest-stars on "Mad About You." PLUS: Freddie Roman! The Great Flydini! Tony Danza plays Fred de Cordova! Gilbert and Paul go to the movies! And the boys praise the many talents of Richard Kind! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 13, 2020 • 1h 33min
Ernie Kovacs Centennial Celebration with Josh Mills and Ben Model
To mark the centennial year of TV legend Ernie Kovacs, Gilbert and Frank welcome historian Josh Mills and Kovacs archivist Ben Model for a look back at the pioneering broadcaster's lasting impact and influence on David Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Monty Python and The Kids in the Hall (among others). Also, Billy Wilder comes to dinner, Ernie shoots a pilot with Buster Keaton, Jack Lemmon joins the Nairobi Trio and Josh remembers his mom (and Kovacs' widow), Edie Adams. PLUS: Percy Dovetonsils! "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"! Josh meets Groucho Marx! Edie dates Peter Sellers! And Gilbert "inspires" a silent film score! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jan 6, 2020 • 1h 31min
Marilu Henner
Actress and best-selling author Marilu Henner joins Gilbert and Frank for a laugh-filled conversation about the sex appeal of Danny DeVito, the physical comedy of John Ritter, the star power of Burt Reynolds and the "gift" of her unusual (and uncanny) memory. Also, Larry David pens a love letter, Charles Durning teaches ballroom dancing, Gilbert flirts with Princess Leia and Marilu looks back on the films "L.A. Story," "Johnny Dangerously" and "Cannonball Run II." PLUS: Dom DeLuise! The legend of Andy Kaufman! Bob Costas' "Ed Ames moment"! Shirley MacLaine works the room! Ol' Blue Eyes plays the MDA telethon! And Marilu picks her favorite episodes of "Taxi"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 2019 • 1h 36min
Kenny Loggins
Gilbert and Frank welcome Grammy and Emmy-winning singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins for a revealing conversation about the rewards of collaboration, the mystery of the creative process, the challenges of penning songs for movies like "Top Gun" and "Footloose" and his "accidental" partnership with writer-producer Jim Messina. Also, Kenny auditions for "Hair," mimics Bob Dylan (and Tina Turner!) steers clear of the disco era and teams with Richard Marx, Stevie Nicks and Michael McDonald. PLUS: Stealer's Wheel! The genius of Clive Davis! Rick Cowling sits in! Gilbert auditions for "Caddyshack II"! And Kenny (and Gilbert) guest star on "Family Guy"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2019 • 1h 35min
CHRISTMAS 2019 with MARIO CANTONE
Actor-comedian Mario Cantone returns to help Gilbert and Frank usher in the holiday season with a spirited conversation about misleading movie titles, lecherous cartoon characters, politically correct Christmas carols, the genius of Paul Frees (and Frank Loesser) and the 80th anniversary of "The Wizard of Oz." Also: Jack Cassidy teams with Jim Backus, Judy Garland locks horns with Busby Berkeley, Ricardo Montalban serenades Esther Williams and Gilbert gets accosted by Snow White. PLUS: Jan-Michael Vincent! The musical stylings of Lucille Ball! "Christmas on the Ponderosa"! Tony Curtis tells off Danny Kaye! And "Frosty the Snowman" turns 50! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
