Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

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

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