Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

To celebrate the start of Pride Month, GGACP revisits this memorable 2018 interview with legendary comedy writer-performer Bruce Vilanch. In this episode, Bruce looks back at the “golden age” of TV variety shows and specials, including “Donny & Marie,” “The Brady Bunch Hour,” “The Star Wars Holiday Special” and “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special.” (all written or co-written by Bruce himself). Also, Margaret Hamilton makes her move, Robert Reed channels Carmen Miranda, Jack Benny does “The Match Bit” and Gilbert takes over the new “Hollywood Squares.” PLUS: Jack Palance! Bob Hope’s filing cabinet! “Wayne Newton at SeaWorld”! Bruce hangs with Tallulah Bankhead! And the Oscar joke that never made it to air! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The GGACP team marks May's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with this ENCORE interview with one of the world’s most well-loved pop culture figures, actor-activist George Takei. In this episode, George shares his feelings about Caucasian actors in Asian roles, speaks frankly about Japanese-American internment, expresses his gratitude to Trekkies and fondly remembers old friend Leonard Nimoy. Also, George feuds with William Shatner, chats up Jerry Lewis, runs into Cary Grant and rebukes Arnold Schwarzenegger. PLUS: Frank Gorshin! Celebrating James Hong! George channels Sir John Gielgud! Gilbert does his best Richard Burton! And the last of the Paramount contract players! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Jewish Heritage Month draws to a close, GGACP revisits this memorable interview with Emmy-winning comedy writer, showbiz historian, foodie and raconteur Phil Rosenthal. In this episode, Phil chats about New York-style pizza, “non-ethnic” character actors, the cinema of Stanley Kubrick and the emotional resonance of “The Honeymooners.” Also, Will Ferrell works the men’s room, Peter Boyle turns down “The French Connection,” Brad Garrett salutes The Merchant of Venom and Phil breaks bread with Steve Martin and Carl Reiner. PLUS: Larry Gelbart! Nick Apollo Forte! The brilliance of “Ratatouille”! The timelessness of “Tootsie”! Loving Walter Matthau! Gilbert hangs at Larry David’s place! And “Broadway Danny Rose” inspires the Amazing Colossal Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of the new HBO documentary, "George Carlin's American Dream," GGACP presents an ENCORE of a 2015 episode with the doc's executive producer, writer-performer KELLY CARLIN. In this episode, Kelly discusses her revealing memoir, "A Carlin Home Companion" and shares treasured (and not-so-treasured) memories of growing up with the man who changed and redefined the art of standup comedy. Also, Kelly hangs with Sammy Davis Jr., seduces Leif Garrett, borrows Farrah Fawcett's shampoo and recites the "7 Words You Can Never Say on Television." PLUS: Burns and Carlin! Burns and Schreiber! The "Danny Kaye Plan"! Otto & George! And Gottfried Sings Again! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May's Jewish Heritage Month continues as GGACP revisits one of their funniest interviews out of 400+ with veteran comedy writer Ron Friedman (“Get Smart,” “The Odd Couple,” “All in the Family,” "Barney Miller") who worked with (and wrote for) everyone from Lucille Ball to Milton Berle to Danny Kaye to Orson Welles -- and has the war stories to show for it. Also, Herve Villechaize packs heat, Sammy Davis meets Charlie’s Angels, Ron writes “Murder Can Hurt You!” and Pat McCormick takes a…”dip” in Jonathan Winters’ pool. PLUS: Vaughn Meader! Stump and Stumpy! Christmas carols for Jewish people! Forrest Tucker introduces “the General”! And Ron creates Paul Lynde’s Uncle Arthur! (Special thanks to Gino Salomone!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 60th birthday (May, 14, 1962) of actor-director Danny Huston (“The Aviator,” “Hitchcock,” “Wonder Woman”) with this ENCORE presentation of a 2019 interview. In this episode, Danny regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about meeting Orson Welles, directing Robert Mitchum, getting inside the heads of big-screen bad guys and growing up with (and working alongside) his legendary father, John Huston. Also, Hal Roach cozies up to Mussolini, Katharine Hepburn makes like Eleanor Roosevelt, George Raft turns down the role of a lifetime and Danny reflects on the career of his grandfather, Oscar-winner Walter Huston. PLUS: “The Other Side of the Wind”! Remembering Robert Evans! The mystery of B. Traven! The punk rock cinema of Bernard Rose! And Danny and Gilbert reenact a scene from “Chinatown”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP's celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month continues with this classic interview from 2019 featuring rock ‘n’ roll icon Neil Sedaka, who discusses growing up in Brooklyn, his apprenticeship at the famed Brill Building, his chart-topping collaborations with lyricist Howard Greenfield and his memories of Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Carole King, Richard Rodgers and Paul McCartney (among others). Also, Bob Dylan offers praise, John Lennon provides inspiration, Mick Jagger buys a Sedaka record and Neil remembers his cousin Eydie Gorme. PLUS: "My Yiddishe Momme"! The Captain & Tennille! Elton John to the rescue! The late, great Len Maxwell! Billy Joel “borrows” a melody!"And Neil demonstrates his songwriting process! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 50th anniversary of Woody Allen's film version of "Play it Again, Sam" (and the recent 45th anniversary of "Annie Hall") with an ENCORE presentation of this 2017 interview with veteran stage & screen actor Tony Roberts. In this episode,Tony holds court on a wide range of topics, including the intensity of Al Pacino, the minimalism of Robert Mitchum, the eccentricities of Jerome Robbins and the professionalism of Sidney Lumet. Also: Tony runs lines with Edward G. Robinson, takes flight with Mary Poppins, plays the ponies with Mickey Rooney and treads the boards with Abe Vigoda! PLUS: Everett Sloane! “Amityville 3-D”! Woody hits the beach! Tony’s mom dates Uncle Miltie! And Sydney Greenstreet meets…Sydney Greenstreet!? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates National Jewish Heritage Month with a series of memorable interviews, beginning with author, critic, Hollywood historian and recent recipient of TCM's Robert Osborne Award, Leonard Maltin. In this episode, Leonard shares his expertise on a number of topics, including the death of fanzines, the disappearance of movie theaters, the charm of “The Maltese Falcon” (both versions) and the appeal of New York-set films of the 1970s. Also, Zeppo breaks up the act, Laurel and Hardy bring down the house, Steve Allen portrays Benny Goodman and Gilbert and Leonard remember their dear friend James Karen. PLUS: Keefe Brasselle! “The Buster Keaton Story”! In praise of “Ed Wood”! Al Pacino remembers “Scarecrow”! And Leonard spends a day with Burgess Meredith! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conclusion of a far-ranging 2-part episode, Oscar-nominated actress Brenda Vaccaro joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about the fun of filming comedies, the diva antics of Lauren Bacall (and Faye Dunaway), making a pilot for Lucille Ball, the comedic genius of Peter Cook, the generosity of Quentin Tarantino and sharing the stage and screen with Michael Caine, Gene Hackman, Al Lewis, Vincent Price and Frank Sinatra (among others). Also, Andrea Martin spoofs a Playtex ad, Ron Leibman plays the "bongos," Warren Beatty spots the "funny" in Jack Warden and Brenda tries to wrap her mind around the Cesar Romero rumor. PLUS: "Cactus Flower"! Shooting "Supergirl"! Remembering Laura Nyro! In search of George Hamilton! The talents of Frank Welker! And Brenda weighs in on the dramatic chops of Gilbert Gottfried! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Humor Month draws to a close with this memorable 2017 conversation with comedian, actor, writer and director Bobcat Goldthwait. In this episode, Bobcat discusses his transition from performing to directing, his love of Universal horror films, his delight in making audiences feel "awkward" and his years-long friendship with the legendary Robin Williams. Also: Bobcat wrestles with Arsenio, runs afoul of Nickelback, writes a "Billy Jack" movie and raves about Gilbert's documentary. PLUS: John Lennon doodles! Robert De Niro watches "Problem Child"! In praise of Barry Crimmins! In defense of Ed Wood! And Bobcat and Gilbert remember "Hot to Trot"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first part of a 2-part episode, Emmy-winning and Tony nominated actress Brenda Vaccaro regales Gilbert and Frank with stories from her seven decades in show business and discusses (among other things) avoiding nude scenes, the drug culture of 60s-70s Hollywood, the physical demands of acting in a disaster movie and her memories (both good and bad) of filming the Oscar-winning classic "Midnight Cowboy." Also, Uncle MIltie hogs the spotlight, Michael Douglas drives a hard bargain, Aunt Bee meets Jack Nicholson and Al Pacino takes Brenda on a "magic carpet ride." PLUS: Remembering Ben Gazzara and Harry Guardino! Loving Robert Mitchum! The REAL Ratso Rizzo! Anthony Newley directs! And Gilbert wows Brenda with his John McGiver impression! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Humor Month rolls on as Team GGACP revisits one of their funniest shows to date, featuring comedian and Emmy-winning actor Brad Garrett, who talks about the camaraderie of Golden Age comedians, the strange appeal of "The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts," the genius of Martin Mull and Fred Willard and the challenges of portraying his longtime hero, Jackie Gleason. Also, Sammy Davis buys a soda, Liza Minnelli sheds a tear, Gilbert plays the sitcom neighbor-from-Hell and Brad opens for the Chairman of the Board himself. PLUS: "Fargo"! Remembering Art Fern! In praise of Mr. Warmth! The generosity of...Jack Carter? The comedy stylings of "Greg Barrett"! And Brad remembers the late, great Peter Boyle! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of 1992's "The Player" with this encore presentation of a 2020 interview with Oscar-winning actor, musician and activist Tim Robbins. In this episode, Tim talks about the "New Hollywood" of the '70s, the genius and generosity of Robert Altman, the timeliness of Depression-era screwball comedies and the enduring appeal of "The Shawshank Redemption." Also, Gore Vidal steals the show, Richard Pryor plays The Gaslight Cafe, Orson Welles locks horns with William Randolph Hearst and Tim (fondly) remembers Paul Newman, Don Rickles and Robin Williams. PLUS: "Bobbo Supreme"! "Howard the Duck"! Monty Python comes calling! In praise of "The Hudsucker Proxy"! And Tim weighs in on the future of movie theaters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP's celebration of National Humor Month continues with this classic conversation with comedian, actress and old friend Susie Essman, recorded live at the 2015 NYC Podfest. In this episode, Susie talks about playing acid-tongued Susie Greene on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," recalls opening for comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Belzer -- and a young Gilbert Gottfried -- and reveals on how standup comedy saved her from a life of crime. Also, Susie chooses her favorite "Curb" moments, obsesses over Turner Classic Movies and looks back at the chaotic standup career of Larry David. Plus: Peter Lorre! Margaret Hamilton! "Norman's Corner"! Susie roasts Jerry Stiller! And the curse of the "Shiksa Goddess"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP ushers in the start of the 2022 baseball season with this encore of a 2015 interview with Emmy-winning sportscaster, journalist and Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Costas, recorded at the New York Friars Club. Also in this episode: Bob analyzes “Top Cat," imitates Howard Cosell, “interviews” Jack Palance and recites Babe Ruth’s farewell speech. PLUS: "The Million Dollar Movie"! Crazy Guggenheim returns! Rod Steiger emotes! Shirley MacLaine clams up! Gilbert sings the theme from “Underdog”! And the boys praise the underappreciated genius of Bud Abbott! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates National Humor Month by reposting classic interviews with some favorite comedians, through the entire month of April. First up (from 2017), comedian, writer and actor Steven Wright drops by the studio to talk about his love of surrealism, his admiration for Don Rickles, his childhood obsession with "The Tonight Show" and the absurdity of telling jokes to strangers for a living. Also, Steven discovers Hal Ashby (and Cat Stevens!), Gilbert chats up Norman Fell, Randy Quaid holds a press conference and Brooke Shields visits a podiatrist. PLUS: "Summer of '42"! Humphrey Bogart buys stamps! Steven nabs an Oscar! The return of Jack Frost! And Ben Gazzara enjoys the Ben Gazzara bit! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karina Longworth -- author, film critic, and host of the award-winning Hollywood history podcast, "You Must Remember This" -- joins Gilbert and Frank for a deep dive into a variety of fascinating topics, including: the reclusiveness of Dean Martin, the kinkiness of "The Black Cat," the mysterious deaths of Thomas Ince and William Desmond Taylor, the curious friendship between Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi and the premiere of YMRT's new season, "Erotic 80s." Also, Orson Welles romances Eartha Kitt, Patton Oswalt portrays Boris Karloff, JFK turns his back on Sammy Davis Jr. and William Randolph Hearst "takes a shot" at Charlie Chaplin. PLUS: The genius of Polly Platt! The trials of Fatty Arbuckle! The "secret" life of Errol Flynn! The dark magic of Kenneth Anger! And Gilbert and Karina debate the talents of Lon Chaney Jr! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of his 92nd birthday (March 30, 1930), Gilbert and Frank revisit this (long sought-after!) 2019 interview with actor and director John Astin, who looks back on a 60+ year career in films and television, recalls his collaborations with Doris Day, Cary Grant, Rod Serling and Jonathan Winters and reveals the positive impact that "The Addams Family" has had on his life. Also, John spoofs Hugh Hefner, records an early "rap" single, chews the scenery on "Batman" and meets the one, the only Groucho. PLUS: "Evil Roy Slade"! "I'm Dickens, He's Fenster"! The comedic genius of Nat Perrin! The strange death of Edgar Allan Poe! And John remembers dear friends Jackie Coogan and Carolyn Jones! (Special thanks to Patrick McCarthy, Robb Spewak and Sean and MacKenzie Astin)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanity Fair editor and award-winning journalist Mark Seal, author of the sensational behind-the-scenes book, "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli" joins Gilbert and Frank to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo's 1972 mob masterpiece, "The Godfather." Also in this episode: Burt Lancaster closes in, Vic Damone bows out, Marlon Brando pulls off a shocking transformation and the mafia takes offense at the word "mafia." PLUS: The music of Nino Rota! The genius of Dick Smith! Gilbert roasts Abe Vigoda! Mark climbs into bed with Robert Evans! James Caan's performance is inspired by...Don Rickles!? And Richard Castellano ad-libs one of the greatest lines in movie history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices