Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

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

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic 80's coming-of-age film "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (released August 13, 1982) by revisiting this interview with writer-director Amy Heckerling (“Clueless,” “National Lampoon's European Vacation”). In this episode, Amy weighs in on the double standard of onscreen nudity, the educational benefits of the “Million Dollar Movie,” the blandness of romantic comedies and the genius of Slavko Vorkapich. Also, Amy sparks to James Cagney, salutes Mort Drucker, “studies” with Terry Southern and finds inspiration in “Ed Wood.” PLUS: Ray Walston! “Jaws 2!” Praising Cameron Crowe! The mystery of Martin Brest! And Gilbert cuts the rug with John Travolta!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 8, 1949) of one of their favorite guests, veteran actor and Academy Award-winning musician Keith Carradine with this ENCORE of an interview from 2018. In this episode, Keith looks back at his frequent collaborations with mentor Robert Altman, reminisces about his friendships with Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine and Robert Mitchum, and reflects on the life and career of his dad, horror icon John Carradine. Also, Harvey Keitel loosens up, Jerry Lewis shoots hoops, Rod Steiger pays a surprise visit and Jessica Tandy lights up the stage. PLUS: "Love American Style"! Sam Fuller eats a stogie! Kwai Chang Caine hosts SNL! Deconstructing "The Aristocrats"! And Keith wins an Oscar for Best Original Song! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Marx Brothers' "Horse Feathers" (released August 10, 1932) by revisiting this 2019 interview with a panel of Marx aficionados, including authors Robert S. Bader(“Four of the Three Musketeers”) and Josh Frank (“Giraffes on Horseback Salad”) and Harpo’s son, musician Bill Marx. Also: Chico works blue, Salvador Dali meets Louis B. Mayer, Harpo shares a bill with Allan Sherman and Bill visits the set of “Love Happy.” PLUS: “The Big Store”! Harpo goes to Russia! Groucho livens up the party! Zeppo inspires Cary Grant! And Bill reveals his favorite Marx Brothers movie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP remembers producer, director and Monkees co-creator Bob Rafelson with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with actor and musician Micky Dolenz. In this episode, Micky looks back at “Monkeemania” and his own unlikely journey from 1950’s child star (“Circus Boy”) to 1960’s pop/rock icon. Also, Micky drops in on a “Sgt. Pepper” recording session, makes movies with Jack Nicholson and Frank Zappa (and Bob Rafelson!) and hits the town with fellow “Hollywood Vampires” John Lennon, Keith Moon and Alice Cooper. PLUS: Lon Chaney Jr.! Micky’s mom meets “The Creeper”! The Monkees take on “Faust”! Harry Nilsson quits his day job! And Sgt. Bilko sings “Yesterday”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary producer, showman and puppeteer Sid Krofft (July 30, 1929) by revisiting this classic episode from 2018 featuring Sid and his brother and longtime partner Marty 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 ax, Bette Davis drops an f-bomb, Walt Disney doles out advice and Liberace “dates” Sonja Henie. PLUS: 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 (July 27th) of the late, legendary comedian-impressionist Will Jordan with this ENCORE of an interview from back in 2016. In this episode, Will looks back on his 70 years in showbiz and regales Gilbert and Frank with stories about Charlie Callas, Don Rickles, Lenny Bruce, Sheldon Leonard and David Janssen -- to name a few. Also, Will praises John Byner and Larry Storch, meets Lou Costello, remembers Hanson’s drugstore and impersonates everyone from Ed Sullivan to George S. Patton. PLUS: Sabu! Foghorn Leghorn! “Broadway Danny Rose”! The genius of Bill Dana! And the return of Rickie Layne and Velvel! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of one of Gilbert's favorite comedies, "Zapped!" (released July 23, 1982) with this 2019 interview featuring Grammy and Emmy winning composer Charles Fox. In this episode, Charles looks back on a six-decade career of writing top 40 hits (“Killing Me Softly with His Song,” "Ready to Take a Chance Again") as well as music and themes for TV shows (“Happy Days,” “Wonder Woman”) feature films (“Barbarella,” “9 to 5”) and game shows (“Match Game,” “What’s My Line?”). Also, Charles praises Ernie Kovacs, pens a tune for Burt Reynolds, witnesses the Ed Ames tomahawk incident and remembers friends Neal Hefti, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini. PLUS: "The Green Slime"! “Love, American Style”! The Charles Fox Singers! And the boys pay loving tribute to Paul Williams! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 35th anniversary of the classic action/sci-fi/social satire "RoboCop" (released July 17, 1987) with this ENCORE of an interview with actress Nancy Allen (“Carrie,” “Dressed to Kill,” “Blow Out"). In this episode, Nancy talks about her 40+ year career in movies, her firsthand experience of Hollywood’s “New Wave,” her love of film noir and her memories of working with influential directors Hal Ashby, Brian De Palma, Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. Also, Roger Moore holds court, John Belushi turns on the charm, Gilbert stands in for Sissy Spacek and Nancy sees a (very) rough cut of “Star Wars.” PLUS: Remembering Martin Landau! The chaos of “1941”! Abel Ferrara talks turkey! Michael Caine puts on a dress! And Nancy reveals the horrors of “RoboCop 2”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary animator William Hanna (born July 14) with this salute to Saturday morning cartoons featuring animation historian/author Jerry Beck (“The 50 Greatest Cartoons,” “The Hanna-Barbera Treasury”) and TV host/presenter Bill Leff (Me-TV’s “Toon In with Me”). In this episode, Jerry and Bill (along with Gilbert and Frank) look back on the kiddie show hosts of their youth and deconstruct beloved programs like “Looney Tunes,” “The Flintstones,” “Jonny Quest,” “The Jetsons,” “Underdog” and “Wacky Races." Also, Daffy Duck meets Jack Benny, Gomer Pyle “inspires” Milton the Monster, Jackie Gleason (almost) sues Hanna-Barbera and “Batmania” inspires a wave of super-knockoffs. PLUS: The genius of Jay Ward! The art of Dave and Max Fleischer! The Three Stooges go robonic! Jerry hangs with Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng! And the boys praise the talents of Mel Blanc, Daws Butler, Paul Frees and Paul Winchell! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the summer season (and July's upcoming Shark Week) with this ENCORE of an interview with screenwriter-director Carl Gottlieb, the writer of everyone's favorite summer blockbuster, 1975's “Jaws." In this episode, Carl discusses his work on "Jaws 2" and "Jaws 3-D," the ingenuity of Steven Spielberg, the effectiveness of “unseen horror” and the many challenges of bringing the original “Jaws” to the screen. Also, John Belushi spoofs Richard Dreyfuss, Groucho guest hosts “Music Scene,” Ringo battles the Abominable Snowman and Carl and Steve Martin team up for “The Jerk.” PLUS: “The Absent-Minded Waiter”! “Son of the Invisible Man”! The Smothers Brothers vs. CBS! Sterling Hayden vs. the I.R.S.! And “The Jaws Log: The Musical”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices