Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

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

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