Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 27) of “Good Times” and “Roots” star John Amos with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2016. In this episode, John reminisces about everything from his days as a struggling comic to his breakthrough role on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” to working with Eddie Murphy and James Earl Jones in “Coming to America.” Also, John remembers Ted Knight, cuts up with Tim Conway, shares the screen with Lena Horne and moves into Archie Bunker’s old house. PLUS: Yaphet Kotto! Famous Amos! “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”! Praising Ernest Borgnine! And the mystery of the misheard theme song! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates Christmas 2022 with this winter blast from the past (from 2019) with actor-comedian Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario and the boys discuss misleading movie titles, 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! Lucille Ball sings! “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

GGACP ushers in Christmas week with this ENCORE of a VERY candid interview with the director of the holiday classic "Bad Santa," Terry Zwigoff ("Crumb," Ghost World"). In this episode, Terry shares his thoughts on misbehaving movie stars, tacked-on happy endings, the twisted genius of Drew Friedman and the comedy stylings of Margaret Dumont. Also, Cloris Leachman requests a nude scene, Mickey Rooney auditions to play an elf, Woody Allen mistakes Gilbert for a Native American (!) and Terry professes his love for the Amazing Colossal Podcast. PLUS: Joe Cobb! Paulie Walnuts! The art of Basil Wolverton! In praise of John Ritter! And Gilbert reads the greatest film review of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the celebrated comedy "Tootsie" (released December 17, 1982) by revisiting this memorable 2019 episode with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop ("It Might Be You"). In this episode, Stephen talks about secret song origins, Beatles trading cards, the glory days of Top 40, auditioning for Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson and chumming around with Burt Bacharach, John Belushi, Carrie Fisher and Harry Nilsson. Also, Bob Dylan hails a cab, Warren Beatty eats a bowl of chili, Gilbert swipes shampoo from Donald Fagen and Stephen and Linda Ronstadt cover “The Monster Mash.” PLUS: Frank Sinatra Jr! Praising Randy Newman! (and Jimmy Webb)! “Sex Kittens Go to College”! And Stephen cameos in “Animal House,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Kentucky Fried Movie”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite movies, Irwin Allen's all-star disaster epic "The Poseidon Adventure" (released December 13, 1972) with this ENCORE of an "Amazing Colossal Obsessions" episode from 2017. In this episode: Leslie Nielsen plays it straight, Red Buttons feuds with Carol Lynley, Shelley Winters trains with an Olympic swimming coach and the boys discuss "Airport," "Airport '77," "When Time Ran Out" and "The Towering Inferno." PLUS: The films of Martin Landau! Remembering George Romero! The musical genius of John Williams! Charo boards the Concorde! And Gilbert warbles "The Morning After"!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 30th anniversary of the classic courtroom drama "A Few Good Men" by revisiting this interview with comedian and impressionist Kevin Pollak. In this episode, Kevin joins the boys for a frequently hilarious conversation about the legend of Harry Houdini, the cinema of Barry Levinson, playing pranks on Paul Reiser and Alan Arkin, joining the cast of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" and sharing the screen with Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Jack Lemmon and Rod Steiger. Also, Steve Martin packs arenas, Walter Matthau hits on Sophia Loren, Don Rickles runs afoul of Joe Pesci and Kevin attempts to explain France's affection for Jerry Lewis. PLUS: "Morton & Hayes"! In praise of "Avalon"! Riffing with Robin Williams! Remembering J.T. Walsh! And Kevin wows with impressions of Albert Brooks, Peter Falk and Jack Nicholson! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 6) of writer, producer, director and loyal "Amazing Colossal Podcast" fan Judd Apatow with this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Judd shares stories about everyone from Jack Benny to Albert Brooks to Jack Nicholson to legendary character actor Norman Lloyd. Also, Judd writes the Grammys for Garry Shandling, gets a letter from Andy Kaufman, "stalks" Steve Martin and pitches a movie idea to the Rolling Stones. PLUS: Lorenzo Music! The voices of Mel Blanc! The brilliance of "Broadcast News"! Gilbert wishes Lon Chaney, Jr. well! And "The Last Days in Fred Silverman's Bunker"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (December 1st) of writer-director Larry Charles (“Borat,” “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2019. In this episode, Larry joins the boys for an engrossing conversation about humor as a survival tactic, the hazards of guerrilla filmmaking, the persuasive powers of Sacha Baron Cohen and the Netflix show, “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy.” Also, Mel Brooks sends up Bill Cullen, Jerry Lewis inspires Bob Dylan, Gilbert guest stars on “Mad About You” and Larry remembers the late, great Bob Einstein. PLUS: “Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp”! The Zen of Jack Nicholson! The influence of Jackie Mason! Larry hangs with Huntz Hall! And the “Seinfeld” episode that never aired! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of the late, great character actor James Karen (b. November 28, 1923) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2015. In this episode, James talks about spending seven decades on the big and small screen, befriending the legendary Buster Keaton, sharing a house with Marlon Brando and Wally Cox and working with Jane Fonda, James Garner, Gene Hackman, Robert Redford and Steven Spielberg (just to name a few). Also, James "sells" Craig T. Nelson a haunted house, Clark Gable parties with Louis B. Mayer, a Boy Scout uniform leads to an acting career and a controversial "Jeffersons" episode nearly sinks a plum TV pitchman gig. PLUS: "Return of the Living Dead"! "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster"! Gilbert gets a one-cent residual check! Moe Howard recites from "The Tempest"! And James teaches Michael Douglas to drive! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amazing Colossal Podcast fans: join Frank, Dara, Gino, Mario, Richard, Rupert and the rest of the gang for the FINAL GGACP episode, "A Tribute to Gilbert", because we REALLY don't want you to miss fun moments like this one. Remember: you can access/view the entire 2+ hour show ANYTIME, day or night for 7 days -- but ONLY 7 days (Dec. 8th thru 14th) and then it will no longer be available.  Join us for this wild, hilarious farewell party and lovefest and help us support Gil's charity, Myotonic Dystrophy research!  Tix: Moment.co/GGACP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates Thanksgiving 2022 with what else? An entire episode devoted to TV Turkeys (aka terrible and "preposterous" TV programs) including "You're in the Picture," "Hello, Larry," "Misfits of Science" and of course, "Pink Lady and Jeff." In this episode, Jackie Gleason apologizes, "Supertrain" goes off the rails, Fred Silverman invents "Jiggle TV" and Raybone provides actual research. PLUS: Meadowlark Lemon! The World of Sid and Marty Krofft! Paul Lynde hosts a game show! (not really)! Gilbert tries to forget "Thicke of the Night"! And Tim Conway stars in the worst sketch show of all time! (Thanks for the inspiration, Kevin Allman!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (November 22) of 6-time guest and friend of the podcast Richard Kind with this ENCORE of his very first appearance from back in 2015. In this episode, Richard discusses the evils of censorship, the joy of onscreen female nudity, the demented genius of Pat McCormick and the early hits (and misses) of Gilbert's stand-up career. Also, Richard auditions for "Cruising," duets with Jose Ferrer, gets "punk'd" by George Clooney and pays his respects to Soupy Sales. PLUS: Conrad Veidt! "The Island of Dr. Moreau"! The many talents of Charles Nelson Reilly! Forrest Tucker plays the back "nine"! Jack Benny lusts after Gina Lollobrigida! And Tony Curtis shares a snack with Captain Stubing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (November 19th) of a 4-time guest and friend of the podcast, the legendary Dick Cavett, by revisiting this sprawling, fascinating interview from 2019. In this episode, Dick shares delightful (and hilarious) anecdotes about Jack Benny, Stan Laurel, Truman Capote and Walter Winchell (among others) and looks back on his memorable interviews with Orson Welles, John Lennon, Frank Capra, George Harrison and Laurence Olivier. Also in this episode: Peter Lorre fails the audition, Lily Tomlin storms off the set, Bob Hope comes to Lincoln, Nebraska and Jack Paar sabotages "Fat Jack" Leonard. PLUS: Oskar Homolka! "Chuckles Bites the Dust"! The return of Richard Loo! Johnny Carson disses Jerry Lewis! And Dick introduces "An Evening with Groucho"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 45th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's beloved 1977 sci-fi classic "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (released November 16, 1977) with this ENCORE presentation of a memorable interview with Oscar and Emmy-nominated actor-producer-director Bob Balaban. In this episode, Bob talks about his family’s history in the movie theater business, his affection for horror films, his transition from acting to directing and his admiration for colleagues Wes Anderson and Christopher Guest. Also, Orson Welles inspires fear, Robert Altman tackles a whodunit, Bill Murray perfects his short game and Bob “apprentices” for Sidney Lumet. PLUS: “Brewster McCloud’! Remembering Francois Truffaut! The Marx Brothers on stage! The brilliance of Eugene Levy! Uncle Miltie meets an extraterrestrial! And Bob remembers the great Fred Willard! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 30th anniversary of Disney's animated "Aladdin" (released November 11, 1992) by revisiting this interview with Tony, Emmy, Grammy and (8-time) Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken. In this episode, Alan talks about the marriage of music and images, the demise (and resurrection) of movie musicals, the brilliance of the late, great Howard Ashman and the "architecture" of unforgettable songs like "Be Our Guest," "I See the Light," "Part of Your World" and "Somewhere That's Green." Also, Danny DeVito mimics Jimmy Durante, Steve Martin plays a sadistic dentist, Brad Garrett and Jeffrey Tambor perform a "want" song and Alan praises the talents of John Williams, Thomas Newman and Lin-Manuel Miranda. PLUS: "I'll Do Anything"! The influence of "Fantasia"! The comedy of Randy Rainbow! Alan wins a Razzie! And Bob Dylan turns down "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"! (special thanks to Rick Kunis, Leah Levenson and the audio production magic of John Murray) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega

GGACP salutes the recently-released biopic "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" and the upcoming release of the book "The Illustrated Al" with this ENCORE of a 2021 interview with comedian, musician and multiple Grammy winner "Weird Al" Yankovic. In this episode, Al talks about the influence of Mad magazine, the golden age of Top 40, the reclusiveness of Tom Lehrer, the cultural importance of "Word Crimes" and the mystifying longevity of "The Joe Franklin Show." Also, Little Richard buys a vowel, Al and Coolio bury the hatchet, Jerry Lewis tries to take over "Comic Relief" and Charles Nelson Reilly makes "sweet, sweet love" to a manatee. PLUS: Pat Boone! "The Rutles"! Remembering Frank Jacobs! The wit and wisdom of Shel Silverstein! And the rise and fall of Allan Sherman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of talent booker, entertainment reporter to the stars and devoted friend of the podcast Gino Salomone by revisiting this memorable (and hilarious) interview from 2018. In this episode, Gino looks back on his years-long friendship with Gilbert and talks about promoting celebrity autograph shows, his infamous visit (with Gilbert) to Sid Melton's house and Gilbert's bewildering refusal to reach out to Don Rickles and Mel Brooks. Also, Grandpa Munster lays down the law, Paul Lynde meets The Golddiggers, Florence Henderson plays Gino’s mom and Sandra Bullock declares her lust for Gilbert. PLUS: Paging David Doyle! Blowing off Norman Fell! The "dead eyes" of Tommy Lee Jones! The Munchkins go to Pittsburgh! And Dyan Cannon provides a future GGACP soundbite! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates Halloween 2022 with this ENCORE of a 2019 interview with Emmy and Oscar-winning makeup master Rick Baker. In this episode, Rick talks about local horror hosts, gorilla suits, Aurora model kits, "Famous Monsters of Filmland" and the enduring influence of makeup legends Jack Pierce and Dick Smith. Also, Eddie Murphy ups his game, Milicent Patrick gets her due, Rick transforms Martin Landau into Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee dresses up as...Christopher Lee. PLUS: "The Thing with Two Heads"! In praise of Ray Harryhausen! The ingenuity of Lon Chaney! The guerilla cinema of Larry Cohen! And Rick accepts an Oscar from Vincent Price! (Special thanks to our friend Patton Oswalt) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the Halloween season by revisiting this 2017 interview with one of the last remaining TV horror hosts, Rich Koz, AKA “Svengoolie." In this episode, Rich remembers some of his famous predecessors (Ghoulardi, Zacherle, Chilly Billy, Morgus the Magnificent) and praises the stylishness and symbolism of the original Universal horror classics. Also, Fritz Feld gets hitched, Eddie Munster goes wild, Vampira takes Elvira to court and Mister Rogers meets the Wicked Witch of the West. PLUS: Count Floyd! "The Mummy's Curse"! Remembering Raymond J. Johnson Jr! Bela Lugosi gets hypnotized! Gilbert chokes the chicken! And the (arguably) craziest horror film ever made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the classic drama "St. Elsewhere" (premiered October 26, 1982) by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable interview with veteran actor ED BEGLEY JR. In this episode, Ed talks about the glory days of the Troubadour, the timelessness of "The In-Laws," the absurdity of Hollywood urban legends and the career of his Oscar-winning dad, Ed Begley. Also, Forrest Tucker takes a nip, Steve Allen checks into St. Eligius, Harry Belafonte shuts down Rodney Dangerfield and Ed hits the rink with Charlie's Angels. PLUS: Wheeler & Woolsey! "Amazon Women on the Moon"! Mr. Warmth lowers the boom! Ed remembers his friend Peter Falk! And the unsolved death of John "Stumpy" Pepys!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices