Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP celebrates the birthday (October 18th) of legendary talent manager, producer and "Supermensch" Shep Gordon by revisiting this memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Shep joins Gilbert and Frank from his Hawaii home to talk about his 50+ years in rock 'n' roll, the pitfalls of worldwide fame, the importance of "making history," the secret of client-manager relationships and the benefits of "bad" publicity. Also, Janis Joplin packs a punch, Cary Grant adopts a cat, Elton John gets showered in panties and Shep saves Raquel Welch from a wardrobe malfunction. PLUS: Wolfman Jack! The late, great Teddy Pendergrass! Groucho dishes the dirt! Shep hangs with the Dalai Lama! And Alice Cooper gets fired out of a cannon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (October 17th) of Emmy-nominated actor-writer and Oscar-nominated musician Michael McKean with an ENCORE presentation of this frequently hilarious 2016 interview. In this episode, Michael looks back on his days in the sketch troupe The Credibility Gap, recalls his brief stint at "Saturday Night Live," reveals the curious origin of Lenny and Squiggy and praises the oddball cinema of Christopher Guest. Also, Norm Macdonald loses his cool, Spinal Tap meets Joe Franklin, Rod Steiger channels "Il Duce" and Michael and Gilbert compare life mask collections. PLUS: Remembering Zacherle! The genius of Richard Libertini! "Abbott and Costello Go to Mars"! Cannonball Adderley buys the farm! And "The Square, Square World of Dick Conti"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates (and closes out) Hispanic Heritage Month by revisiting this memorable 2020 conversation with Emmy and Tony-winning writer-director-actor John Leguizamo. In this episode, John discusses Latin history, defunct comedy clubs, the freedom of voice acting, the films of Barry Levinson and George Romero and the debacle of "Super Mario Bros." Also, Wesley Snipes plucks his eyebrows, Gilbert envies Raymond Burr, Lorne Michaels disses Steven Seagal and John runs afoul of Al Pacino, F. Murray Abraham and Patrick Swayze. PLUS: "House of Buggin'"! Saluting Mel Blanc (and Al Hirschfeld)! Remembering Tony Scott! Toulouse-Lautrec wows the ladies! And John "kills" Lee Strasberg! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGCAP celebrates the birthday (AND the release of his directorial debut, Marvel's "Werewolf by Night") of Oscar, Emmy and Grammy-winning film & TV composer Michael Giacchino with this ENCORE presentation of a fascinating interview from 2018. In this episode, Michael talks about the birth of film scores, the golden age of "contract musicians” and the influence of Dave Grusin, Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin and Max Steiner. Also, Don Knotts gets tough, Martin Scorsese picks out pop songs, Jerry Goldsmith conducts in an ape mask and Michael teams with the legendary John Williams! PLUS: Ray Harryhausen! Appreciating Randy Newman! The genius of Hoyt Curtin! Paul McCartney grooves to Dr. Strange! And Michael pays tribute to Japanese monster movies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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 a memorable interview from back in 2015, Chuck talks about worshipping (and befriending) Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton and Groucho Marx (among others) and his unlikely journey from obsessed movie buff to screen and stage performer and beloved kiddie show host. Also: Chuck hitches a ride on Hugh Hefner's jet, inspires a young Billy Crystal, shares the screen with Rodney Dangerfield and co-stars in a legendary TV flop. Plus: Hal Roach! Lionel Barrymore! Chuck and Groucho pitch deodorant! Mae West "works" the docks! And Chuck asks Gilbert for a lollipop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

"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