Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

In this conclusion of a 2-part episode from 2021, Gilbert and Frank chat with Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino about James Bond homages, iconic superhero themes, incorporating everyday objects into movie soundtracks and the over-the-top pleasures of the Wachowskis' "Speed Racer." Also, Bernard Herrmann plays the Theremin, Lily Tomlin (almost) voices Edna Mode, Brad directs a modern-day film classic and Michael reveals the key to his Oscar-winning score for "Up." PLUS: "Tomorrowland"! The brilliance of Jerry Goldsmith! Al Hirt meets the Green Hornet! Milton Bradley's Fireball Island! And Michael recalls his time on "Lost"! (Thanks again to audio producer extraordinaire John Murray!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 25th anniversary of the original "Men in Black" (released July 2, 1997) with this ENCORE of a hilarious, uncensored 2020 conversation with award-winning director and producer BARRY SONNENFELD. In this episode, Barry talks about directing temperamental actors, distrusting optimism, respecting movie audiences, helming "The Addams Family" and "Get Shorty" and writing his bestselling memoir, "Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother." Also, George C. Scott pushes the envelope, Gene Hackman grows a goatee, Barry and Larry David compare neuroses and Michael Jackson cameos in "Men in Black II." PLUS: "Throw Momma from the Train"! In praise of Dennis Farina! The obsessiveness of Stanley Kubrick! The many conquests of James Caan! And Barry shares his rules for staging comedy scenes! (Special thanks to Alan Zweibel and John Murray!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 15th anniversary of the Pixar masterpiece "Ratatouille" (released June 29, 2007) by revisiting this 2-part interview with Oscar-winning writer-director Brad Bird and Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino. Also in this episode, the Brad and Michael discuss their various collaborations ("The Incredibles," "Incredibles 2," "Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol") complex action plots, "pre-loved" soundtracks, the demise of movie showplaces and the genius of John Barry and Elmer Bernstein. Also, Peter O'Toole clears his throat, Tom Cruise scales a high-rise, Burt Lancaster swims in an imaginary river and Michael Keaton pokes fun at comic book fanatics. PLUS: "The Big Sleep"! "Never Say Never Again"! The lost James L. Brooks musical! Brad co-hosts TCM's "The Essentials"! And Michael composes a love letter to Henry Mancini, Lalo Schifrin and John Williams! Special thanks to audio producer John Murray and Curtis Green Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 28) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite performers, comedian, actor and impressionist John Byner with this ENCORE presentation of a hilarious interview from 2016. In this episode, John recalls his early days in show business, his friendship with the legendary Ed Sullivan, memorable encounters with Groucho and James Cagney and his role in Bob Hope's infamous TV special "Joys." Also, John runs into The Duke, roughs up Woody Allen, collaborates with Friz Freleng and consoles Rodney Dangerfield. PLUS: Roger Miller! "Merv Griffin's Talent Scouts"! "Murder Can Hurt You!" Paul Williams in stereo! And the rise and fall of Vaughn Meader! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (June 22nd) of Grammy-winning producer, British Invasion rocker and former Apple Records exec Peter Asher with this memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Peter joins the boys for a fascinating discussion about the genius of James Taylor, the profound influence of the Everly Brothers, the rivalry between the Beach Boys and the Fab Four and the 50th anniversary of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Also, John Lennon meets Yoko Ono, Linda Ronstadt teams with Nelson Riddle, Peter and Gordon play the '64 World’s Fair and Peter becomes the first person to hear "I Want to Hold Your Hand." PLUS: The genius of Spike Milligan! Gilbert sings! Jackie Gleason acts out! Peter “inspires” Austin Powers! Chad & Jeremy meet the Caped Crusaders! And a “rejected” Beatles tune lands Peter at the top of the charts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP commemorates the birthday of late, great character actor Danny Aiello (June 20th) with this encore presentation of a wildly entertaining interview from 2015. In this episode, Danny joins Gilbert and Frank at the legendary New York Friars Club to talk about his journey from Greyhound bus dispatcher to Oscar nominee and shares his memories of goofing around with Paul Newman, sightseeing with Rodney Dangerfield and singing backup for Bette Midler. PLUS: Remembering "Moonstruck"! Uncle Miltie meets Jack Ruby! Robert De Niro learns to play baseball! And the "Pete Best" of "The Godfather"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates Father's Day with this classic interview from 2020, featuring Emmy-winning actor-director Adam Arkin and Oscar-winning actor-director Alan Arkin. In this episode, Adam and Alan talk about portraying villains, directing dark comedies, working with children, the precision of the Coen brothers and the Cold War politics of "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming." Also, Pat McCormick hits the hard stuff, Groucho drops in on Second City, Stephen King praises "Wait Until Dark" and Alan (almost) directs "Blazing Saddles." PLUS: Captain Kangaroo! "Northern Exposure"! The brilliance of "The In-Laws"! Adam "reps" Chuck McCann! Alan records "The Banana Boat Song"! And Adam and Alan choose their favorite Arkin performances! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (June 11, 1982) with veteran actress Dee Wallace. In this episode, Dee joins Gilbert and Frank for an informative (and inspiring!) conversation about the power of intuition, the challenges of sudden fame, the generosity of Harold Prince and the precision of Steven Spielberg. Also, John Carradine soldiers on, Dudley Moore replaces George Segal, Harrison Ford ends up on the cutting room floor and Dee embraces the term "scream queen." PLUS: "The Frighteners"! The cinema of Blake Edwards! Dee praises Cloris Leachman! Slim Pickens holds court! And Gilbert and Larry David go to the movies!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP's Pride Month celebration continues with this ENCORE of the first podcast appearance (from 2015) by Tony-nominated actor, singer and comedian Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario crushes on Jan-Michael Vincent, tours London with Marty Krofft, treads the boards with Patrick Stewart and regales Gilbert and Frank with inside-showbiz stories about everyone from Lauren Bacall to Robert Redford to Paul Lynde. PLUS: "Danger Island"! Remembering Jack Wild! Monty Clift visits Merv Griffin! Bette Davis trashes Faye Dunaway! Richard Simmons kidnaps Famous Amos! Mario searches for Sammy Davis’ eye! And Gilbert (and Mario) sing the theme from “The Sterile Cuckoo”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP remembers the late, great talent manager and Emmy-winning producer (and all-around mensch!) George Shapiro with this ENCORE of an interview from 2018. In this episode, George reminisces about the glory days of the Borscht Belt and the golden age of variety television and reflects on his personal and professional relationships with Steve Allen, Jimmy Durante, Carl Reiner and Jerry Seinfeld. Also, Elvis praises Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer inspires Tony Clifton, "Dem Bums" visit "The Martha Raye Show" and George explains his lifelong love affair with comedy (and comedians). PLUS: Marty Feldman! Buddy Holly and the Crickets! Nichols and May bring down the house! Richard Pryor plays God! And Danny DeVito plays...George Shapiro? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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