Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP looks back at an entertaining (and educational!) episode from Sept 2, 2019 with this ENCORE presentation of an interview with author-historian Jeff Abraham and filmmaker Burt Kearns about their book, "The Show Won't Go On." In this episode, Jeff and Burt share fascinating backstories on the untimely (and unusual) passings of Dick Shawn, Joe E. Ross, Al Kelly, Parkyakarkus and Karl Wallenda (among others). Also, Moe Howard wears a dress, Burt Reynolds gets a paint job, Sid Caesar packs heat and Paul Anka tears down Wayne Newton. PLUS: Carmen Miranda's final bow! The poetry of Buddy Hackett! The history of the "bullet catch"! The strange death of Washington Irving Bishop! And Jeff and Burt attend the Jerry Lewis auction! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Push the button, Frank!” GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 30) of writer, comedian and actor Frank Conniff (“Mystery Science Theater 3000”) by revisiting this funny conversation from 2017. In this episode, Frank shares selections from his new book of MST3K-related essays and gives his take on topics ranging from Superman’s Jewish roots to the outsized cinema of Bert I. Gordon to the meta-comedy of Art Metrano. Also, Jack Webb directs, Pia Zadora meets Kris Kringle, Frank defends Ed Wood and Gilbert hangs with Sid Melton. PLUS: Richard “Jaws” Kiel! The Rip Taylor Trio! “Monster a Go-Go!” Billy Wilder teams with the Marx Brothers!? And the worst musical ever made! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the recent publication of our pal Drew Friedman's new book, "Schtick Figures" by presenting this ENCORE of a memorable 2020 interview with the award-winning illustrator and fan favorite. In this episode, Drew weighs in on well-endowed comedians, the last days of Mad magazine, the durability of “The Odd Couple” and Gilbert's hilarious turn as "The Great Emancipator." Also, Yoko Ono meets the Little Rascals, Uncle Floyd auditions for “Minnie’s Boys" and Frank attends a Stooge funeral. PLUS: “Crazy Joe” Gallo! “The Haunted Strangler”! Praising Al Jaffee (and Mort Drucker)! Mutant Jerry Lewis! And Drew runs afoul of the Merchant of Venom! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 20th) of Emmy-winning TV host (and native New Yorker) Al Roker by revisiting this funny, freewheeling conversation about local kiddie show hosts, the lost art of ventriloquism, the complicated genius of Charles M. Schulz and Al’s book “You Look So Much Better in Person.” Also, Fred Flintstone enjoys a smoke, Red Buttons leads a double life, Willard Scott becomes the original Ronald McDonald and Gilbert and Al co-star in “Sharknado 5: Global Swarming.” PLUS: Willie Tyler & Lester! “The Dick Tracy Show”! “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”! Frank shares his favorite roast joke! And Al and Gilbert cover the hits of Soupy Sales! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP bids a fond farewell to actor, singer and former “Hollywood Squares” host Peter Marshall by presenting this ENCORE presentation of a candid interview from 2016. In this episode, Peter regales Gilbert and Frank with irresistible stories about Redd Foxx, the mob, Glenn Ford, Uncle Miltie’s “apparatus” and Charlie Weaver’s (and Vincent Price’s!) sexual proclivities. Also, Peter croons with Bing, tours with Bob Hope, gets roasted by Orson Welles and runs afoul of John Wayne. PLUS: Al Jolson schmoozes! Phil Silvers does “Who’s on First”! Gilbert ticks off Marlon Brando! Peter and Nanette Fabray hit a nudie bar! And the definitive version of the Paul Lynde-Golddiggers story! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP salutes the absorbing and informative new book by our pal Thom Shubilla, "James Bond and the Sixties Spy Craze," by revisiting this memorable mini-ep from 2016, featuring James Bond fun facts and tantalizing 007 trivia. In this episode: Roger Moore shares the screen with Bernie Schwartz, Johnny Rivers scores a hit with "Secret Agent Man," Gilbert obsesses over Jewish Bond baddies (and Jewish Bond girls) and the boys bid a fond farewell to Napoleon Solo. PLUS: Hank Scorpio! Sammy Davis Jr’s lost cameo! Six Degrees of Yaphet Kotto! Pussy Galore's flying circus! And Gilbert warbles “License to Kill”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP keeps the summer vibe alive with this ENCORE of a 2014 interview with singer-actor and star of the "Beach Party" movie series, Frankie Avalon. In this episode, Frankie talks about breaking into show business as a child prodigy, receiving 12,000 pieces of fan mail per week and working alongside Hollywood greats Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Buster Keaton, Lucille Ball, and Groucho Marx. Also, Frankie looks back at his humble beginnings in South Philly, his years as a teen heartthrob and his decades-long friendship with onscreen love interest Annette Funicello. PLUS: Remembering "Skidoo"! “Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine”! Dueling Draculas! The Duke makes Laurence Harvey cry! And Cesar Romero and Arnold Stang hit a strip joint! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the recent 80th anniversary of the granddaddy of film noirs, Billy Wilder's 1944 masterpiece "Double Indemnity" by revisiting this conversation from 2015. In this episode, Gilbert and Frank sing the praises of James M. Cain and Raymond Chandler, look back at various remakes ("Body Heat," "Big Trouble") and analyze the movie's seldom mentioned love story. Also: The boys pay tribute to the John Huston classic "Treasure of the Sierra Madre." PLUS: Bugs Bunny meets Bogart! Bela Lugosi meets the Marx Brothers! John Cassavetes directs a comedy! And the enduring mystery of B. Traven! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, radio personality and voice artist Larry Kenney (Lion-O, Count Chocula, Sonny the Cuckoo Bird) with this ENCORE of a memorable interview from 2017. In this episode, Larry trots out his array of impressions (Richard Nixon, Paul Lynde, George S. Patton) and remembers some of the industry’s legendary voice talents, including Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Bob McFadden, June Foray and Paul Winchell. Also, Larry hosts “Bowling for Dollars,” Don Imus clashes with Howard Stern, William Conrad cleans up the Old West and Peter Lorre tries to sound like...Peter Lorre. PLUS: Jerry the Bellybutton Elf! The return of Vaughn Meader! “The Great American Dream Machine”! And Lauren Bacall praises Larry’s Bogie!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (August 1) of longtime television writer and podcast pal Ron Friedman (“The Odd Couple,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” “All in the Family,” “Barney Miller”) by revisiting Ron's second sitdown with Gilbert and Frank. In this episode, Ron discusses the structure of storytelling, the importance of escapism and the inspirations for Captain Marvel and the Sub-Mariner and shares all-new stories about Lucille Ball, Tony Randall, Danny Thomas and (of course) Pat McCormick. Also, Jack Benny takes a stand, Carol Wayne dodges a bullet, John Huston tangles with Errol Flynn and Ron remembers the late, great Stan Lee. PLUS: Stump and Stumpy! Herve Villechaize’s doppelgänger! Marilyn Monroe converts! Buster Crabbe teams with Chuck McCann! And Ron kills off a beloved fictional character! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of legendary actress and Gilbert favorite Maria ("The Wolf Man") Ouspenskaya (b. July 29, 1876) with this ENCORE of a funny and informative mini-ep from 2018. In this episode, the boys shoot a silver bullet through the heart of some lesser-known and less successful werewolf flicks, including "Wolf," "She-Wolf of London," "Face of the Screaming Werewolf" and the unforgettable “The Rats Are Coming! The Werewolves Are Here!" PLUS: Remembering Glenn Strange! In praise of Larry Cohen! David Janssen plays a lycanthrope! And George Zucco visits Ed Wood! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics by revisiting Gilbert and Frank's "tribute" to a slightly different (but no less entertaining) athletic competition, ABC's "Battle of the Network Stars." In this episode, Billy Crystal runs an obstacle course, Victor Buono sends up Raymond Burr, Telly Savalas locks horns with Robert Conrad and Gilbert tells one of the funniest jokes of all time. PLUS: "Murder by Death"! "Celebrity Bowling"! Wonder Woman takes a dip! Wayne Newton sings “Rhinestone Cowboy”! And "The Network Battle of the T's & A's"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the 30th anniversary of the 1994 feature film "North" (released July 22, 1994) with this ENCORE of an interview with the much-maligned movie's writer, Emmy-winner and Thurber Prize winner Alan Zweibel. In this episode, Alan discusses (among other topics) the evolution of “Saturday Night Live,” the genius of Larry Gelbart and Neil Simon and the 2018 documentaries about his longtime friends and collaborators, Gilda Radner and Garry Shandling. Also, Jay Leno offers advice, Buck Henry makes a bad investment, Gilbert makes like Willy Loman and Lorne Michaels locks horns with Uncle Miltie. PLUS: Praising Kate McKinnon! Remembering Bruno Kirby (and Herb Sargent)! Mel Brooks comes to dinner! Desi Arnaz invents the sitcom! And Alan writes the Paul “Bridge Over Troubled Water” Simon Special! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of comedian and radio host Jim Norton (b. July 19) by revisiting this LIVE interview (in connection with NY Comic Con) from way back in 2015. In this episode, Jim holds court on topics ranging from his friendship with Sherman (George Jefferson) Hemsley to his love of Jack Klugman to his admiration for “Midnight Cowboy” and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Also, the boys break down celebrity conspiracy theories, sing the praises of character actor Frank McRae and look back at the groundbreaking shows of Norman Lear. PLUS: Moms Mabley! Iron Balls McGinty! Sammy Davis plugs “Skidoo”! Paul Lynde disses KISS! And Gilbert stakes out the Playboy mansion! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (July 15) of one of Gilbert and Frank's favorite guests, legendary cult filmmaker Larry Cohen (“It’s Alive,” “The Stuff,” “Hell Up in Harlem”) with this ENCORE of a highly amusing interview from 2018. In this episode, Larry talks about his early days as a standup, 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 birthday of unpopular Stooge "Curly Joe" DeRita (b. July 12, 1909) by revisiting this hilarious interview with comedian, voice actor and Three Stooges expert Billy West. In this episode, Billy discusses bad sight gags, one-joke comedians, the legend of “Grandpa” Al Lewis, the genius of Frank Welker and the magnificence of the Buddy Rich and Paul Anka rants. Also, Larry Fine plays Stanley Kowalski, Lou Jacobi inspires Dr. Zoidberg, Jay Leno messes with James Mason’s head and Jerry Lewis meets SpongeBob SquarePants. PLUS: The Mad Russian! Peg Leg Bates! Dueling Peter Lorres! Ren & Stimpy turn 30! The brilliance of Larry Storch! And the triumphant return of the Jackie puppet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor and comedian Jim Gaffigan (b. July 7) with this ENCORE of an interview from 2015. In this episode, Jim joins Gilbert and Frank at the famed New York Friar’s Club to weigh in on subjects ranging from the lost art of “ethnic comedy” to the healing powers of stand-up to the caste system of the entertainment business. Also, Jim “opens” for the Pope, treads the boards with Jackie Gleason’s grandson, struggles to capture Manhattan on film and writes ad copy for Downy and Hardee’s. PLUS: Myron Cohen! The hunchback makes out! The comedy of Nat Hiken! The genius of Cloris Leachman! And the “biggest Goy in the world”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the recent release of actor-producer Griffin Dunne's book, "The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir" by revisiting this memorable interview from 2019. In this episode, Griffin talks about blending horror and comedy, teaming with Martin Scorsese and Sidney Lumet, the cynical cinema of Billy Wilder and the lives (and work) of Joan Didion and Dominick Dunne. Also, Jerry Lewis adapts Gore Vidal, Otto Preminger takes a bad trip, Griffin sneaks onto the set of “Gilligan’s Island” and Tim Burton (almost) directs “After Hours.” PLUS: Howdy Doody! “Who’s That Girl”! “The Panic in Needle Park”! The genius of Harry Nilsson! And the artistry of GGACP guest Rick Baker! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of veteran character actor Jamie Farr (b. July 1) with this ENCORE presentation of an entertaining interview from 2017. In this episode, Jamie looks back on 60+ years of showbiz memories, including sharing the big and small screen with legends Bob Hope, Doris Day, Sidney Poitier, Danny Kaye and Ed Wynn. Also, Jamie tours with Red Skelton, takes a class with Clint Eastwood, runs afoul of Joey Bishop and borrows a frock from Ginger Rogers. PLUS: “Murder Can Hurt You”! “Who’s Minding the Mint?”! The mad genius of Chuck Barris! Lenny Bruce inspires Klinger! And the greatest prime-time lineup in TV history!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the recent release of the musical documentary "Killing Me Softly with His Songs" (now streaming) by revisiting this memorable interview with Grammy and Emmy winner Charles Fox. In this episode, Charles looks back on a six-decade career of writing top 40 hits as well as themes for TV shows (“Happy Days,” “Wonder Woman,” "The Love Boat"), feature films (“Barbarella,” “9 to 5”) and game shows (“Match Game,” “What’s My Line?”). Also, Charles teams with Barry Manilow, pens a tune for Burt Reynolds, witnesses the Ed Ames tomahawk incident and remembers friends Neal Hefti, Jerry Goldsmith and Henry Mancini. PLUS: “Love, American Style”! The Charles Fox Singers! The inventiveness of Ernie Kovacs! Gilbert sings the soundtrack from “Zapped!” And the boys pay loving tribute to Paul Williams! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices