Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

GGACP remembers our beloved and brilliant friend Richard Lewis with this ENCORE of a memorable conversation from 2017. In this episode, Richard discusses the 9th season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and reminisces about his 45 years in comedy, his history of "nightmare gigs" and his relationships with Rodney Dangerfield, Jerry Lewis, Don Rickles and Jonathan Winters. Also, Larry David goes to camp, David Brenner buys a stapler, the Juggalos heckle Lionel Atwill and Richard (sort of) joins the mile-high club. PLUS: John Cassavetes! The legend of Fred de Cordova! "The Island of Dr. Moreau"! Richard plays Carnegie Hall! And Gilbert plays Queen Elizabeth! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of "This Is Spinal Tap"(March 2, 1984) by revisiting this 2016 interview with Emmy-nominated actor-writer and Oscar-nominated musician Michael McKean. 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 amusing origin of Lenny and Squiggy and praises the improvisational 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 the birthday of our late fearless leader, Gilbert (b. February 28, 1955) with an ENCORE of this truly funny mini-episode from 2018, in which the boys play a Gilbert Gottfried-themed version of "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon." Also, Gilbert hangs with Freddy Krueger, Danny Thomas shops at Ethan Allen, Sir Ian McKellen goes slumming and Raybone acquires a strange new affliction. PLUS: Sidney Poitier! Natalie Hershlag! “The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle”! Johnny Carson turns down Martin Scorsese! Lon Chaney Jr. meets the Monkees! And the return of the Scarlett Johansson robot!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP marks the birthday of director, producer and counterculture hero Peter Fonda (b. February 23) by revisiting this fascinating interview (one of GIlbert's favorites) from 2018. In this episode, Peter talks about the making of "Easy Rider," his complex relationship with his legendary dad and his encounters with Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau, John Lennon and Ernest Hemingway (among others). Also, Dennis Hopper holds a grudge, Elvis straps on a helmet, Jack Nicholson steps in for Rip Torn and Victor Mature gives a bravura performance. PLUS: The genius of Terry Southern! In praise of Christopher Plummer! The Monkees foot the bill! The Beatles find inspiration! And Peter names his favorite Henry Fonda movie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of historian, bestselling author and “King of Comedy Lore” Kliph Nesteroff (b. February 20) with this ENCORE of an unforgettable interview from 2019, featuring an all-new assortment of salacious and scandalous showbiz tales. Also in this episode: Hollywood’s flirts with fascism, the strange predilections of Bud Abbott, the mob’s iron grip on the nightclub circuit and the rise and fall of celebrity fast food franchises. PLUS: The Mad Russian! Stu Gilliam goes berserk! Jerry Lewis pulls a gun! Sammy Davis Jr. joins the Church of Satan! And Kliph gets a surprise phone call from Steve Martin! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of rock/pop icon and former Styx frontman Dennis DeYoung (b. February 18) by revisiting this in-depth interview from 2020. In this episode, Dennis talks about the birth of the Beatles, the death of rock n’ roll, opening for Stevie Wonder and Frank Zappa and teaming with Julian Lennon for his new album “26 East, Volume One.” Also, Dean Martin mocks the Stones, Alice Cooper pulls out the stops, Eric Cartman covers “Come Sail Away” and Dennis reveals the biggest downside to being a rock star. PLUS: Dr. Demento! In praise of Antony Newley! Bob Hope wears love beads! Slim Pickens joins a Styx tour! And Dennis serenades the boys with “Babe” and “Lady”! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. February 14) of friend, comedian and former “Howard Stern Show” writer Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling with this ENCORE of a sprawling, no-holds-barred conversation about Hollywood urban myths, Joe E. Ross’ hooker habit, the eccentricities of Tiny Tim and the vindictiveness of Ed Sullivan and Arthur Godfrey. Also, Jackie tells a joke to Sir Paul, Gilbert riffs on Jackie Mason, George Jessel turns down “The Jazz Singer” and Johnny Roselli scams the Friars Club. PLUS: Otto & George! Gilbert “Dice” Gottfried! The legend of Joe Ancis! And the origin of the “Jackie puppet”!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary (!) of the groundbreaking Norman Lear sitcom "Good Times" (premiered February 8, 1974) by revisiting this charming mini-episode interview with star John Amos. Also in this episode: Jack Cassidy! "704 Hauser"! Tom Hanks sings a TV jingle! Gilbert writes a Superboy comic! And John remembers Mary Tyler Moore!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of co-host Frank Santopadre (b. February 7) with this ENCORE of a wildly entertaining mini-episode from 2019, as Frank tries to stump Gilbert (and Raybone) with some oldies but goodies from his collection of 1960s-70s-era 45s. Also in this episode: the poster boys of one-hit wonders, the versatility of Mel Torme, the genius of Jimmy Webb (and P.F. Sloan!) and the musical stylings of David Soul. PLUS: Johnny Rivers! Zager and Evans predict the future! Gilbert opens for Buster Poindexter! And the tragic tale of Badfinger!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates (belatedly) the birthday of Oscar-winning screen legend Gene Hackman (b. Jan 30, 1930) by revisiting this mini-episode from 2016 as Gilbert and Frank analyze Hackman's career and body of work. Also in this episode: Boris Karloff’s revenge! Unwieldy movie titles of the 1960s and ’70s! Jackie Gleason busts a drug ring! And Gilbert obsesses about George Zucco! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday (b. January 30) of a friend of the podcast, veteran character actor Gino Conforti ("Three's Company," "That Girl," "Man of La Mancha") with this ENCORE of an entertaining interview from 2018. In this episode, Gino talks about the life of a "journeyman" actor and looks back on his working relationships with Lucille Ball, Sammy Davis Jr., Zero Mostel, Debbie Reynolds and Orson Welles. Also, Sophia Loren takes a spill, Jerome Robbins takes a powder, Jonathan Winters comes to dinner and Gilbert and Gino remember the late, great John Ritter. PLUS: "Bungle Abbey"! Uncle Carl Laemmle! In praise of Tom Hanks! Gino "befriends" Sally Field! And the Golden Helmet of Mambrino!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 40th anniversary of a movie that inspired the podcast, Woody Allen's "Broadway Danny Rose" (released January 27, 1984) by revisiting this funny and fascinating conversation with one of the film's performers, comedian and director Howard Storm. In this episode, Howard (accompanied by writer Steve Stoliar) talks about the glory days of burlesque, the heyday of Jewish gangsters, the challenges of directing Redd Foxx, Don Rickles and Robin Williams and Howard's entertaining memoir (co-authored by Steve), "The Imperfect Storm." Also, Desi Arnaz saves the day, Raquel Welch acts the diva, Harry Belafonte breaks Jack Rollins' heart and Howard crosses swords with Don Adams, Lucille Ball and George Jessel. PLUS: Wayland Flowers and Madame! Praising Valerie Harper! The genius of Bud Abbott! And the return of "Dueling Grouchos"!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of Emmy-nominated actor Rainn Wilson (b. January 20, 1966) by posting this ENCORE of a memorable 2021 interview with Rainn and writer-producer Aaron Lee. In this episode, Rainn and Aaron talk nerd culture, haunted houses, the many moods of Jerry Lewis, the staying power of "The Office" and the outrageousness of the Comedy Central roasts. Also, Gilbert plays a horse, Aaron pens jokes for Larry Flynt, Rainn wrestles Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Henny Youngman teams with the "Godfather of Gore." PLUS: "Zardoz"! "Clutch Cargo"! The comedy of Foster Brooks! "The Osbourne Family Christmas"! Rainn hangs with Pete Best! And Aaron remembers the late, great Mike McPadden! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 92nd birthday of innovative film director -- and long-sought podcast guest -- Richard Lester (b. January 19, 1932), by revisiting this double topic mini-ep from 2016. In this episode, the boys look back on the American-born expatriate's impressive list of collaborators (Peter Sellers, Sean Connery, the Beatles, Peter Cook & Dudley Moore, et al.) as well as his influence on everyone from Martin Scorsese to Steven Soderbergh. Also: "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"! John Lennon wins the war! Ted Bessell does George Jessel! The enduring appeal of "A Hard Day's Night"! And Gilbert weighs in on the Spice Girls movie! PLUS: The very first discussion of Bob Hope's "Jack Frost"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the 50th anniversary of the classic situation comedy "Happy Days" (premiered January 15, 1974) with this ENCORE of a 2015 conversation with actor-producer-director Henry Winkler. In this episode, Henry talks about struggling with dyslexia, befriending Ron Howard and John Ritter, working with screen legends Gene Kelly and Katherine Hepburn and portraying one of TV's most indelible characters, Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli. Also, Henry helps discover Marlee Matlin, meets John (and Julian) Lennon, recalls the genius of a young Robin Williams and explains the mysterious disappearance of Chuck Cunningham! PLUS: Fonzie parts the Red Sea! Sly Stallone paints his windows black! Henry turns down "Grease"! And Gilbert "sings" the "Lords of Flatbush" theme! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGGACP celebrates the birthday of Grammy-winning singer and recording artist Jack Jones (b. January 14) by revisiting this entertaining interview from 2022. In this episode, Jack joins Gilbert and Frank for a conversation about headlining in the heyday of Vegas, touring Vietnam with Bob Hope, recording the theme from "The Love Boat" and working alongside his dad, actor-singer (and Marx Brothers co-star) Allan Jones. Also: Frank Sinatra plays Charades, Cesar Romero plays matchmaker, Gilbert shares his admiration for Fritz ("pop!") Feld and Jack shares the screen with Jack Benny, Judy Garland and Phil Silvers. PLUS: "Wives and Lovers"! "Playboy After Dark"! The comedy of Joe E. Lewis! The "charisma" of Ed Sullivan! And Jack reflects on his friendships with Tony Bennett, Steve Lawrence and Don Rickles! (Our thanks to Jim Della Croce and Gino Salomone!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP bids farewell to late "Starsky & Hutch" star David Soul with this ENCORE of a 2016 mini-episode about classic cop shows (and TV movies) from the 1970s and 80s, including "Murder Can Hurt You," which included a sendup of Soul and Paul Michael Glaser's popular actioner (and featured two "Amazing Colossal" podcast guests!). Also: Tony Curtis gets paged, David Cassidy goes undercover, Art Carney joins forces with a rabbi and the boys look back at the "NBC Mystery Movie" anthology series. PLUS: "Crazy Like a Fox"! "Tenspeed and Brownshoe"! The dulcet tones of Ernie Anderson! Peter Lorre sells antiques! And Gilbert hangs with Charlie Sheen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actress Dyan Cannon (b. January 4) by revisiting this relevant (and frequently hilarious) mini-episode from 2018, featuring friend, entertainment reporter and talent booker Gino Salomone. In this episode, Gino shares treasured answering machine messages from various celebrities, including Burt Ward, Larry "Bud" Melman and Russell "The Professor" Johnson (among others). PLUS: Ruth Buzzi! “Death to Smoochy”! The legend of Timmie Rogers! Florence Henderson sends up Bogie! Gilbert ticks off Alan King! And Gino turns down a request from the Caped Crusader! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP offers a late-season Christmas/Hanukkah gift to our listeners by presenting this ENCORE of one of the podcast's most beloved mini-episodes, 2019's "The Best of Celebrity Meltdowns," featuring secret recordings of celebrities losing their cool (and then some). This week: Sampling Casey Kasem! Gilbert covers Clarence Carter! Buddy Rich inspires Drew Friedman (and Jerry Seinfeld)! Al Pacino takes a page from Paul Anka! And Charles Foster Kane pitches frozen peas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP continues its celebration of the 2023 holiday season by revisiting this mini-show from 2017 as Gilbert, Frank and Raybone take a longer look at some lesser-known (and deservedly so, in some cases) Christmas flicks, including "Susan Slept Here," "Pocketful of Miracles," "A Carol for Another Christmas," "Santa Claus vs. the Devil" and "The Christmas That Almost Wasn't." Also in this episode: The cinema of Sonny Fox! Grizzly Adams to the rescue! Gilbert dons a Santa suit! Frank Capra cries plagiarism! And the squirrel that saved Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices