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.
GGACP revisits a memorable mini-episode from 2019 as podcast pal and contributing composer John "Yanni" Fotiadis takes the boys on a guided tour of REAL rock 'n' roll groups that appeared on 1960s TV shows. PLUS: "Far Out Munsters”! Paul Revere & the Raiders! The Peppermint Trolley Company! Mannix meets the Buffalo Springfield! And Chad & Jeremy tangle with Catwoman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates December's Art and Architecture Month with this ENCORE of a 2019 mini-episode with podcast friend, musician (and professional architect!) John "Yanni" Fotiadis, featuring a look back at fictional rock 'n' roll groups of 1960s television. This week: the Fab Four inspire dozens of (fake) knockoffs, the Mosquitoes infest Gilligan's Island, Corporal Agarn manages the Bedbugs and Gilbert reprises his classic Bob Dylan-Floyd the Barber routine. PLUS: Boyce and Hart! The Groovy Guru! Opie Taylor goes electric! Bob Hope sports a hippie wig! And the musical stylings of Bingo, Bango, Bongo...and Irving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday of comedian, writer and star of "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist," Jonathan Katz (born December 1st) by revisiting one of their funniest (and strangest) interviews in the podcast's history. In this episode, Jonathan joins Gilbert and Frank for a chaotic conversation about TV westerns, David Mamet movies, "casual" nudity, Charles Atlas ads and "The Mike Douglas Show" -- among other vital topics. Also, Jon befriends Garry Shandling, pens a pilot for Peter Falk, prank calls a dating service and covers Melanie's "Brand New Key." PLUS: Thelma Todd! Fernando Lamas! Buster Crabbe peddles girdles! Al Pacino comes to dinner! The return of Larry Ragland! And Gilbert sings the theme from "Branded"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the life and career of the late, legendary producer and showman Marty Krofft with this ENCORE presentation of a 2018 interview with Marty and his brother and longtime partner Sid Krofft. In this episode, Sid and Marty discuss their unusual creative process, the origins of “H.R. Pufnstuf” and “Land of the Lost” and the failure of their ambitious indoor theme park, “The World of Sid and Marty Krofft.” Also, Dean Martin drops the axe, Bette Davis drops an F-bomb, Walt Disney doles out advice and Liberace “dates” Sonja Henie. PLUS: "Pink Lady and Jeff"! Live, nude puppets! Sid Caesar to the rescue! Remembering Martha Raye! “The Brady Bunch Variety Hour”! And Sid and Marty sue McDonald’s — and win! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Steven Van Zandt (b. November 22) by revisiting this fun, freewheeling conversation from 2020. In this episode, Steven talks about beloved kiddie show hosts, the glory days of Top 40 radio, the mystique of gangster movies, the Beatles' impact on popular culture and the Rat Pack's "connection" to the E Street Band. Also, Darlene Love mounts a comeback, Little Richard officiates a wedding, Ol' Blue Eyes covers Simon & Garfunkel and Steven remembers his dear friend James Gandolfini. PLUS: The Singing Nun! "Angels with Dirty Faces"! The genius of William Castle! "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine"! And Gilbert and Steven pay tribute to "The Nutty Professor"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary comic, author and talk show host Dick Cavett (b. November 18th) by presenting this ENCORE of a special live episode recorded at the 2016 NYC Podfest. In this episode, Dick weighs in on a host of topics, including World War II propaganda, John Cassavetes’ boozing, the lost “Tonight Show” episodes and the rapier wit of Pat McCormick. Also, Dick chats up Zeppo (and Gummo!), Groucho proposes to Truman Capote, Jack Benny gets the last word and a young Dick meets his idol, Bob Hope. PLUS: Robert Q. Lewis! Claude Rains trivia! Remembering Sig Ruman! Gilbert and Dick share a milkshake! And George Jessel weighs in on Uncle Miltie’s manhood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP continues its salute to November's American Music Month by revisiting producer/engineer's John Murray's compilation of the podcast's best musical moments from 2014-2020. In this episode: live performances by Neil Sedaka, Dennis DeYoung, Kenny Loggins, Tommy James, Mark Hudson and Tony Orlando (among others). Also: Anne Murray covers “Danny’s Song,” Uncle Junior interprets Yip Harburg, Rupert Holmes (almost) pays tribute to Humphrey Bogart, and Charles Fox composes the soundtrack of 1970s television. PLUS: John Davidson looks ahead! The Shondells go psychedelic! The legend of Morris Levy! Goldie Hawn falls for a Hudson Brother! And the Brill Building sound inspires the British Invasion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates November's American Music Month by presenting this ENCORE of a 2017 conversation with singer, songwriter, record producer and man of a thousand talents Rupert Holmes. In this episode, Rupert joins Gilbert and Frank to discuss the lost art of “story songs,” the visual splendor of Hammer films, the mimicry gifts of Peter Bogdanovich and the unsung musicianship of the Wrecking Crew. Also, Rupert breaks bread with Groucho (and Frank Capra!), pens tunes for Barbra Streisand, joins forces with Jerry Lewis and reveals the origin of “The Pina Colada Song.” PLUS: “The Indestructible Man”! The magic of Orson Welles! Gene Pitney makes a note! Darren McGavin takes a steam! And Rupert hangs with the Jackson 5! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP marks Native American Heritage Month by revisiting this interview with historian and New York Times bestselling author Kliph Nesteroff, who discusses his 2021 book about Native Americans and comedy, "We Had a Little Real Estate Problem." In this episode, Kliph talks about banned cartoons, politically incorrect mascots, the pioneering comedy of Charlie Hill and the history of Hollywood stereotypes. Also, Buddy Hackett pulls a knife, Howard Hawks disses Rowan & Martin, Peter Sellers sends up Charlie Chan and Frank Sinatra's goons rough up Shecky Greene. PLUS: Allen & Rossi! "Go Go Gophers"! Alan Hale's Lobster Barrel! Jack Carter feuds with Al Jolson! And "F-Troop" rips off a Redd Foxx routine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (November 5th) of pop singer, radio host and British Invasion icon Peter Noone with this ENCORE of an episode from 2020. In this episode, Peter joins the boys for a loose and laugh-filled conversation about rock and roll excess, the birth of the Beatles, entertaining the Queen Mum and rubbing shoulders with Bob Dylan, Keith Moon and Elvis Presley (among others). Also, Alice Cooper climbs the charts, Keith Richards lays down the law, Imelda Marcos requests a tune and Herman's Hermits perform "If I Were a Rich Man." PLUS: "The Pirates of Penzance"! Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders! Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars! The genius of Mickie Most! And Gilbert "sings" "I'm Into Something Good"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the recent release of Illeana Douglas' book, "Connecticut in the Movies: From Dream Houses to Dark Suburbia" by revisiting this 2016 interview with the actress/film historian. In this episode, Illeana shares entertaining anecdotes about everyone from Marlon Brando to Peter Sellers to former beau Martin Scorsese. Also, Rudy Vallee soaks up applause, Melvyn Douglas dispenses advice, Robert De Niro watches the Three Stooges and Illeana mourns the loss of drive-in theaters. PLUS: Shelley Winters drops names! Buddy Hackett cops a feel! Illeana impersonates Richard Dreyfuss! Richard Dreyfuss impersonates Spencer Tracy! And Joe Pesci roughs up Don Rickles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP officially ushers in Halloween 2023 with this ENCORE of a fascinating panel discussion about the life and career of screen legend Boris Karloff. In this episode, the boys welcome writer-producer Ron MacCloskey, author-historian Gregory Mank and entrepreneur Sara Karloff for a celebration of all things Boris as well as a look at the 2021 documentary, “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster.” Also: Bela Lugosi plays matchmaker, Colin Clive battles demons, James Whale abuses his power and Karloff predicts stardom for Jack Nicholson! PLUS: “The Girl from Uncle”! The shadowy cinema of Val Lewton! Gregory meets The Bride of Frankenstein! Sara shuns “The Black Cat”! And Boris helps found the Screen Actors Guild! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP's celebration of Halloween season continues with a repost of this memorable mini-episode from 2018 as Gilbert, Frank (and Raybone!) drive a stake through the hearts of the most dismal and deplorable Dracula movies to ever sully the silver screen. In this episode: Jose’ Ferrer cashes a check, Cesar Romero dodges a bullet, Hedda Hopper meets the Count and Bela Lugosi meets Sammy Petrillo! PLUS: "The Nude Bomb"! "Get Christie Love"! "The longest kiss never filmed!" And Brother Theodore teams with Yvonne De Carlo! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates spooky season with this ENCORE of an entertaining mini-episode from 2018 as Gilbert and Frank run down (literally) the saddest and sorriest Frankenstein flicks ever to befoul the big screen. Also, Boris Karloff pays the rent, James Karen goes to Puerto Rico, Gilbert meets Samuel Z. Arkoff and James Lipton “interviews” Lon Chaney Jr. PLUS: Zsa Zsa Gabor! William “One Shot” Beaudine! A special appearance by Harold Lloyd Jr! And the mysterious death of Al Adamson! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP ushers in Halloween season by revisiting this frequently hilarious conversation from 2019 as Universal Studios Tour Guide Chris DeRose joins GIlbert, Frank (and Raybone) to compare and contrast two ghoulish 1960s TV series, CBS' "The Munsters" and ABC's "The Addams Family." Also in this episode: Buck Henry cries foul, Mel Blanc voices a raven, Don Rickles guest stars on BOTH series and Gilbert remembers "The Incredible Melting Man"! PLUS: Bobby "Boris" Pickett!"! "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken”! The genius of Nat Perrin! (and Vic Mizzy)! Butch Patrick peddles Woof Woof dolls! And John Astin chooses the name “Gomez”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the release of the new book, "Surely You Can't Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!" by presenting this ENCORE of a 2020 episode with the movie's stars, Julie Hagerty and Robert Hays. In this episode, Julie and Robert talk about the film's 40th anniversary and share backstage stories behind one of the most original and quotable movies of all time. Also, Lloyd Bridges goes for broke, Peter Graves frightens small children, Leslie Nielsen plays pranks on the cast and Robert Stack does John Byner doing Robert Stack. PLUS: "Zero Hour!"! "Lost in America"! Remembering Art Carney! Miss Piggy directs! And Julie and Robert recall their favorite "Airplane!" gags! (Special thanks to Richard Kind, Jonathan Rakower, Gino Salomone and the heroic John Murray!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates October's Italian-American Heritage Month by presenting this ENCORE of a 2016 interview with Johnny Ola and Corrado "Junior" Soprano himself, actor and musician Dominic Chianese. In this episode, Dominic joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about his early career struggles, his love of music, his days as a folk club emcee and working with legends Lee Strasberg, Sophia Loren, Sidney Lumet, and lifelong friend Al Pacino. Also, Dominic gets a break from George C. Scott, a card from Burt Reynolds, a plum role from David Chase and a backstage visit from Paul Newman. PLUS: Sam Jaffe! The genius of Yip Harburg! Dominic does Dickens! Gilbert does Durante! And Dominic remembers his friend James Gandolfini! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The GGACP team celebrates the birthday of a popular guest, comedian and actor Robert Wuhl (b. October 9), with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Robert weighs in on a variety of subjects, including bad biopics, overrated film classics, the REAL story of Ty Cobb and the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton’s “Batman.” Also, Jack Nicholson hatches a plan, Ward Bond tangles with Martin Landau, John Ford takes on Cecil B.DeMille and Robert remembers his friends Joe Bologna, Bruno Kirby and Trey Wilson. PLUS: “The Babe Ruth Story”! The villainy of Frank Fay! The cinema of Michael Ritchie! Neil Simon teams with Peter Sellers! And Robert reprises his Oscar voting rules! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (October 5) of writer, author and "Card King" Gary Gerani by revisiting this 2018 mini-episode about the fascinating, decades-long history of Topps trading cards. In this episode, Gary looks back on developing and writing card series for "Creature Features," "Star Wars," "The Incredible Hulk," "Superman," "Star Trek: the Motion Picture" and "Dinosaurs Attack!" (among many others). Also in this episode: the artistry of Norm Saunders, the birth of action figures, the wit and wisdom of Stan Lee and the golden age of Wacky Packages. PLUS: Gilbert remembers Chick Tracts! Frank pens Bazooka Joe gags! And Gary meets the King of Pop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday of the legendary Groucho Marx (b. October 2) with this ENCORE presentation of a 2022 interview with actor, comedian and director Frank Ferrante. In this episode, Frank joins fellow "Marxists" Gilbert and Frank for a lively conversation about his affection for "A Day at the Races," his friendships with Arthur and Miriam Marx, his PBS special, "Frank Ferrante's Groucho" and portraying his comedy hero for 35 years and in over 500 cities. Also, Uncle Miltie offers spit take lessons, Elaine Stritch does a kid a solid, Gilbert breaks bread with Henny Youngman and Albert Finney makes a play for Frank's girlfriend. PLUS: Gabe Kaplan! Morrie Ryskind! Gallagher & Shean! "Horse Feathers" turns 90! Frank meets George Fenneman! And the boys pick their favorite Marx Brothers scene of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the life and career of the late actor David McCallum by revisiting this interview from 2019. In this episode, David talks about his days as a sex symbol and pop culture sensation, his lesser-known recording career, his star turn in a memorable “Outer Limits” episode and his roles in the film classics “A Night to Remember” and “The Great Escape.” Also, David hosts “Hullabaloo,” sings with Nancy Sinatra, cuts the rug with George Burns and shares a bill with Ray Charles and Ike & Tina Turner. PLUS: “Frankenstein: The True Story”! The durability of “Ducky” Mallard! The secret origin of Illya Kuriyakin! John Huston torments Montgomery Clift! And David remembers his friend and co-star Robert Vaughn! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the 30th anniversary of the cartoon classic "Animaniacs" (premiered September, 1993) with an ENCORE of a 2017 interview with Emmy-winning voice actor Rob Paulsen ("Pinky and the Brain," "The Tick," "Tiny Toon Adventures"). In this episode, Rob joins the boys for a compelling discussion about the generosity of Mel Blanc, the meticulousness of Steven Spielberg, the versatility of Mark Hamill and the professionalism of June Foray. Also, Roddy McDowall holds court, Orson Welles hits the sauce, Sir John Gielgud cuts to the check and Rob stars in a $500,000 "in-joke." PLUS: Lorenzo Music! Robert Ridgely! The man behind The Brain! Gilbert tangles with the Ninja Turtles! And Paul Williams "meets" Michael Caine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 22) of late comedian and actor (and "magician"!) Art Metrano by revisiting this interview from 2017. In this episode, Art looks back on his 50+ year career in film and television, his friendships with performers like Cornel Wilde, Elliott Gould and Robert Mitchum and his miraculous (and inspirational) recovery from a life-threatening injury. Also, Johnny Carson cracks up, Huntz Hall measures up, Buddy Hackett lays even money and Art parties with Lenny Bruce (and Clint Eastwood). PLUS: Jim Brown! "Night of the Hunter"! Raymond Burr goes it alone! The suavity of Dean Martin! The strangeness of Merv Griffin! And Art remembers the late, great Marvin Kaplan! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. September 19) of legendary songwriter and actor Paul Williams with this ENCORE of a memorable 2015 interview with Paul and screenwriter Tracey Jackson. In this episode, Paul and Tracey join the boys at the New York Friars Club to discuss a wide array of topics, including the “musicality” of comedy, the addiction of fame and the movies that changed Paul and Tracey’s lives. Also, Paul auditions for The Monkees, Tracey hangs with Hunter S. Thompson and Gilbert “favors” Paul by performing some of his greatest hits. PLUS: John Byner! The Jewish Elvis! Robert Mitchum’s bed! Tracey bootlegs a Paul Williams concert! And the return of Pat McCormick! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. September 12) of Emmy-winning actor Joe Pantoliano by revisiting this memorable interview from 2016. In this episode, Joe joins Gilbert and Frank for a revealing and entertaining conversation about Italian-American stereotypes, underappreciated film directors, dysfunctional families, onscreen immortality and the secret to playing convincing bad guys. Also, Joe meets Gregory Peck, remembers James Gandolfini, takes advice from Robert Stack and takes the fall for Harrison Ford. PLUS: Eli Wallach! "Midnight Run"! Joe befriends Natalie Wood! Gilbert Gottfried: Teen Idol! And Frank Sinatra welshes on a debt! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To mark September's National Chicken Month, GGACP presents this ENCORE of a 2017 conversation with one of the podcast’s most popular guests, actor and comedian Ronnie Schell. In this episode, Ronnie entertains Gilbert and Frank with classic stories about co-stars and contemporaries Harvey Korman, Don Rickles, Mickey Rooney, Don Knotts, and of course, Pat McCormick. Also: Ol’ Blue Eyes takes a punch, Lee Marvin comes up short, Bob Newhart plays the Sahara and Ronnie writes a check to the mob. PLUS: Jesse White! “The Devil and Max Devlin”! The brilliance of Jack Riley! The madness of Marty Ingels! And Gilbert meets Sid Melton (and his dog)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the birthday (September 9) of Emmy-winning writer-director Bill Persky by revisiting this memorable conversation from 2017. In this episode, Bill weighs in on topics not covered in his previous appearances, including the physicality of Tim Conway, the irritability of Joey Bishop, the professionalism of Don Ameche and the star power of Sandy Koufax. Also, Jack Palance tells a joke, Harvey Korman treads the boards, Joe Namath turns heads and George Carlin takes a powder. PLUS: Burt Mustin! Gene Kelly unmasked! Super Dave goes to Tahiti! Remembering Garry Marshall! And Eva Gabor replaces Sgt. Bilko! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP marks the 40th anniversary of one of Gilbert's "favorite" gigs, the infamous late-night talk show "Thicke of the Night" (premiered September 5, 1983) with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with actor, writer and producer Alan Thicke. In this episode, Alan reminisces about everything from his short-lived disco career to penning variety specials for Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin and Flip Wilson. Also, Alan and Gilbert swap wives, John Lennon praises commercial jingles, Merv Griffin composes the "Wheel of Fortune" theme and Paul Lynde drives into a ditch. PLUS: A special BONUS EPISODE with legendary funnyman Shecky Greene! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates American Artist Appreciation Month by revisiting this hilarious 2017 interview with award-winning illustrator and cartoonist Drew Friedman. In this episode, Drew discusses his latest book, "Drew Friedman's Chosen People" and joins the boys for a rollicking hour of rumors, innuendo, half-truths and outright lies. Also in this episode: Drew puts Groucho to bed, Frank meets a real, live Stooge, Fred McMurray inspires Captain Marvel and Sammy Petrillo takes credit for "The Munsters." PLUS: The Uncle Miltie puppet! The MAD genius of Don Martin! The return of Perfecto Telles! Jerry Lewis "kills" Peter Lorre! And Mr. Warmth plays Felix Ungar! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
GGACP celebrates the August birthday of comedian, actor and Emmy-winning comedy writer Dana Gould with this ENCORE of the second installment of a 2-part interview from 2021. In this episode, Dana joins the boys for a highly entertaining conversation about hammy actors, '70s cinema fashion, Famous Monsters of Filmland, the graciousness of George Carlin (and Adam West!) and the mysterious death of Dr. Cyclops. Also, Joey Bishop hassles Jack Benny, Chuck Connors fights a triceratops, Dana runs afoul of Bob Hope and Jonathan Harris (angrily) turns down the "Lost in Space" movie. PLUS: Mr. Moto! "Touch of Evil"! The girl who haunted Bela Lugosi! Dana adapts Rod Serling! Batman tangles with Krusty the Clown! And the return of "Price Comparison"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
