Mon, Jun 2, 2014
Comedian, author and talk show icon Dick Cavett drops by Gilbert's New York City apartment to sip Merlot and share personal memories of Groucho Marx, Johnny Carson and John Lennon, among others. Dick also talks about the time a guest dropped dead on his set (yes, it actually happened) AND favors Gilbert with some dead-on impersonations of his favorite obscure character actors.
Mon, Jun 9, 2014
Actor and alleged wiseguy Gianni Russo, who played the traitorous Carlo Rizzi in the original Godfather, stops by to talk about people he?s bumped off in real life (two, maybe three that he'll admit to), having sex with Liza Minnelli and Marilyn Monroe and taking acting lessons from Marlon Brando. Also, crime boss John Gotti and Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega get mentions. (Did you know that Liza and Noriega briefly toured together in the '80s? Okay, we made that part up).
Mon, Jun 16, 2014
Gilbert visits the Upper West Side neighborhood of of 91-year-old comedy legend Larry Storch, to talk about his days in nightclubs and burlesque, his gift for accents and dialects, his decades-long friendships with Tony Curtis and Don ("Get Smart") Adams and his memories of everyone from Lucille Ball to Orson Welles. Also, Larry shares some of his all-time favorite jokes and joins Gilbert and Frank for an impromptu (and practically on-key) rendition of the "F-Troop" theme.
Mon, Jun 23, 2014
Musician, comedian, actor and composer Paul Shaffer was heavily 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. Not many people can say they worked with James Brown, John Belushi, Sammy Davis, Jr., Jerry Lewis, Brian Wilson, Chevy Chase, Mickey Rooney AND the infamous Phil Spector, but Paul has - and he shares memorable anecdotes about every one of them. Also, Gilbert and Paul discuss their mutual obsession with a certain Cindy Crawford/Valerie Bertinelli infomercial.
Mon, Jun 30, 2014
Throughout the late 1950's and 60's, the comedy duo of Allen and Rossi performed to sold-out Vegas crowds, recorded bestselling comedy albums and made hundreds of TV appearances (44 of them on "The Ed Sullivan Show" show). Sadly, Steve Rossi passed away recently but a few weeks back, we tracked down the other half of the legendary team, 92-year-old (and still performing!) Marty Allen, to talk about his 60+ years in the business, his brushes with Elvis and the Beatles and the origin of the duo's signature catch phrase, "Hello Dere!"
Mon, Jul 7, 2014
Gilbert and Frank head to the Greenwich Village apartment of "Roastmaster General" Jeffrey Ross to talk about some of his favorite roasts and roast jokes (he also couldn't resist the urge to roast his two interviewers). Jeff also recalls his friendships with showbiz icons Buddy Hackett, Bea Arthur, Sid Caesar and Milton Berle, including the time he was treated to a sneak peek of Uncle Miltie's legendarily large appendage. Also, Gilbert chimes in on his infamous performance at the Hugh Hefner roast and the "Aristocrats" joke that spawned a hit movie.
Mon, Jul 14, 2014
Millions of movie buffs know Robert Osborne as the elegant, erudite film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies, but few know that he spent time as a struggling actor, was mentored by comedy legend Lucille Ball, and even appeared in the pilot of "The Beverly Hillbillies" - a show he was certain would "never catch on." A while back, Gilbert sat in as TCM's "Guest Programmer" and now Robert generously returns the favor by traveling to Manhattan's Society of Illustrators on an oppressively hot July evening to dish a little dirt and share anecdotes about Hollywood luminaries Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Natalie Wood and Walt Disney (among others).
Mon, Jul 21, 2014
Child actor Butch Patrick was barely 11 years old when he was asked to screen test for a CBS "family sitcom" and within hours, his life was forever changed. To mark the 50th Anniversary of the debut of one of TV's strangest (and most enduring) shows, "The Munsters," Gilbert rings up Eddie Munster himself to find out how he first landed the part way back in 1964, why the original Marilyn was replaced and if he still has his old "Woof Woof" doll. Also, Butch speaks with surprising candor about overcoming his various demons of booze, drugs and typecasting and tells us where "Lidsville" creators Sid and Marty Krofft found their own "inspiration." All this, plus memories of Chuck Jones, Mel Blanc, Charles Nelson Reilly, Paul Lynde and more.
Mon, Jul 28, 2014
Before Paar, Carson, Letterman, Leno and Fallon there was Joe Franklin. The talk show legend and showbiz historian is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the host of the longest running talk show in history (43 years and 300,000 guests, give or take) and often credited with inventing the format itself. Gilbert and Frank dropped in on Joe's infamously cluttered (an understatement!) Times Square office to nosh on chicken salad, dodge falling stacks of collectibles and ask the "King of Nostalgia" about his memories of Charlie Chaplin, Woody Allen, Buster Keaton, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand and John Lennon (to name but a few).
Mon, Aug 4, 2014
Gilbert and Frank return to the famed New York Friars Club to sit down with Gilbert's old pal, magician-illusionist-comedian-provocateur Penn Jillette of Penn and Teller fame. In an amusing (and highly informative) hour, Penn shares some fond memories of Johnny Carson, George Carlin and Jerry Lewis, explains how his love of jazz inspired the hit 2005 documentary "The Aristocrats" (a movie he co-conceived and co-produced) and reveals the real, no-"Bullshit" story behind the death of legendary showman Harry Houdini. Also - the story behind the near-death of Gilbert Gottfried.
Mon, Aug 11, 2014
"Man of a Thousand Voices" Billy West has lent his unique talents to projects such as "Ren and Stimpy," Matt Groening's "Futurama," "Looney Tunes" cartoons and of course, "The Howard Stern Show," where he won over longtime listeners with his savagely funny impressions of Larry Fine, former Stern show writer Jackie Martling and late Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. Gilbert and Frank rang up Billy at his home in Hollywood to compare notes on some of their favorite essential topics, including Bud Abbott, Gale Gordon, Peter Lorre, Al "Grandpa" Lewis, and the racism of Dick Tracy cartoons. PLUS: the true story behind the voice of Dr. Zoidberg. Billy jams with The Beach Boys. Jewish Frankenstein. Angry Munchkins. And Gilbert sings the theme song from "Problem Child".
Mon, Aug 18, 2014
With an epic marathon of 552 (!) episodes of "The Simpsons" launching this week (on cable channel FXX), Gilbert and Frank decided to sit down with someone who's been there from the very beginning (way back in 1988), writer, producer and former show runner, Mike Reiss. Mike joined the boys in Gilbert's Chelsea apartment to share a few "dark secrets" behind TV's longest-running prime time series, including the true story behind Itchy and Scratchy, how Groundskeeper Willie became a national hero, and why Marge's bouffant is so tall (bet you don't know the story behind that one.) Also, Mike recalls writing fake "letters to Santa" for Johnny Carson and working on one of our all-time favorite sitcoms, "It's Garry Shandling's Show." You want more? How about Michael Jackson's sound-alike, hookers in helicopters and Raymond Burr does Tiny Tim?
Mon, Aug 25, 2014
To kick off the launch of his new book, "Heroes of the Comics," Gilbert and Frank are joined by their favorite illustrator, the incomparable DREW FRIEDMAN. While sitting and admiring Drew's work adorning the walls of Manhattan's Society of Illustrators, we managed to cover everything from Drew and Gilbert's days at "National Lampoon" to Gilbert's Lon Chaney, Jr. obsession to the time a 15-year-old Drew paid a visit to the home of the legendary Groucho Marx. ALSO: why Drew is Howard Stern's favorite artist..."The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant"...Jerry Lewis kvells over Drew's portrait...and the triumphant return of Milton Berle's schlong.
Mon, Sep 1, 2014
Five-time Emmy winner Bill Persky has led a charmed life in show business. Handpicked by comedy legend Carl Reiner to write (and eventually produce) "The Dick Van Dyke Show," Bill and partner Sam Denoff scripted many of the series' most memorable episodes, including "Coast to Coast Big Mouth" and "That's My Boy." Later, the duo would create the groundbreaking sitcom "That Girl" and write comedy specials for Bill Cosby and Mary Tyler Moore and Bill (now flying solo) would go on to produce and direct hit shows like "Kate and Allie" "Welcome Back, Kotter" and "Who's the Boss?". Bill sat down with Gilbert and Frank to talk about his journey through the golden age of TV comedy and working with EVERYONE - including Steve Allen, Bob Hope, Tim Conway, Julie Andrews, Gene Kelly, Peter Sellers, and Orson Welles (to name but a few!).
Mon, Sep 8, 2014
Showtime recently aired "Quality Balls," a documentary about the life and surprisingly controversial career of legendary comedian, director and host of Showtime's "Inside Comedy" series, David Steinberg. Lifelong Steinberg fans Gilbert and Frank rang David up to talk about his friendships with Jack Benny and George Burns, his 140+ appearances on Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show" and how his stand-up act landed him on Richard Nixon's infamous enemies list. Also: the Smothers Brothers get hate mail. David directs Gilbert in an episode of "Mad About You". John Candy does Doc Severinsen. David saves Tony Randall's life. And the Mount Rushmore of Jewish comedians.
Mon, Sep 15, 2014
Gilbert and Frank return to the legendary New York Friars Club to talk to the candid and colorful Danny Aiello about his uphill journey from Greyhound bus dispatcher to Oscar nominee. Also, Danny shares his memories of goofing around with Paul Newman, sightseeing with Rodney Dangerfield and singing backup for Bette Midler, and tells us why he's embarrassed by his role in the classic rom-com "Moonstruck." PLUS: Uncle Miltie meets Jack Ruby. Danny jokes about his notoriously fiery temper. Robert De Niro learns to throw a baseball. And the Pete Best of "The Godfather".
Mon, Sep 22, 2014
"Agent 99" herself, the funny and utterly charming Barbara Feldon invites Gilbert and Frank to her Manhattan townhouse to share warm memories of "Get Smart" co-stars Don Adams, Ed Platt and Bernie Kopell and gives us her take on the Steve Carell feature film version. Also, Barbara looks back on working with everyone from Dean Martin to Bruce Dern and tells us how she managed to win $64,000 on a quiz show. Plus: Gilbert channels John McGiver. A live rendition of the "99" song. Barbara auditions to be a stripper. And the worst TV movie ever made.
Mon, Sep 29, 2014
Emmy-winning actor JAY THOMAS is best known to audiences as doomed hockey star Eddie LeBec on "Cheers" and tabloid talker Jerry Gold on "Murphy Brown," but he's also a show business renaissance man, having worked as a stand-up comic, disc jockey, sportscaster and reality show host. Jay stopped by Gilbert's apartment on a late summer evening to share some hilariously candid anecdotes about everything from stealing Bill Cosby's jokes to getting kicked out of a "West Wing" audition. Also: Jay looks back on the infamous "Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?". Joe Piscopo runs afoul of the mob. Jay runs afoul of Rhea Perlman. And The Lone Ranger "rides" again.
Mon, Oct 6, 2014
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Bob Kane and Bill Finger's Batman (and to coincide with this week's New York Comic Con) Gilbert and Frank tracked down the caped crusader of their childhoods, the legendary ADAM WEST, who shared memories of everyone from Gary Cooper to Jackie Gleason and joked about some of his more "challenging" gigs ("Voodoo Island" anyone?). Also, Adam duets with Dino, makes history with William Shatner and pays Gilbert one of the greatest compliments of his career. PLUS: The origin of the Batusi. Liberace gets tough. Adam turns down the part of James Bond. And the Riddler goes to an orgy.
Mon, Oct 13, 2014
The man with the #1 album in America, the wildly inventive Weird Al Yankovic joins us to talk about everything from the history of novelty records to why he's forbidden to make eye contact with Prince. Also, Gilbert flashes Marge Simpson, prays to a statue of Red Buttons and loses a part to 3' 9" Billy Barty. PLUS: Dueling Crazy Guggenheims. Irving Berlin vs. Mad magazine. "Disco" Art Fleming. And Weird Al's "Mount Rushmore of Comedy".
Mon, Oct 20, 2014
This week on "Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast," Gilbert's old boss ALAN THICKE joins us for a look back at the late, lamented talkfest "Thicke of the Night" and reminisces about everything from his short-lived disco career to scripting variety specials for Johnny Cash, Bobby Darin and Flip Wilson. Also, Alan and Gilbert swap wives, John Lennon praises commercial jingles and Paul Lynde drives into a ditch. Next up, comedy titans clash as we extend a peace offering to legendary funnyman SHECKY GREENE in the wake of the much-publicized Gilbert-Shecky Friars Club feud. (it was just like the Begin-Sadat summit)
Mon, Oct 27, 2014
Next, we get into the Halloween spirit by celebrating the lives of two of the screen's greatest horror icons, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. First, "Frankenstein's Daughter" SARA KARLOFF looks back on her father's most indelible and unforgettable roles, from The Monster to The Mummy to The Grinch, and tells us why her father always referred to this time of year as his "busy season."
Mon, Nov 3, 2014
This week, music producer-turned-filmmaker BRIAN KOPPELMAN ("Rounders," "Runaway Jury," "Oceans 13") joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about everything from signing Tracy Chapman and Eddie Murphy to their very first record deals to working with celebrated actors John Turturro, Martin Landau and John Malkovich. Also, Brian trots out a Gilbert impression, names all four "Sweathogs" and heaps praise on "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." PLUS: Al Pacino channels Paul Anka. The "Death Wish" muggers make it big. And Ol' Blue Eyes demands a slice of pie.
Mon, Nov 10, 2014
Gilbert and Frank phoned Roger in his Hollywood home to learn more about his life and fabled career, including where/how he first met longtime friend and collaborator Jack Nicholson, why the Hell's Angels threatened to murder him AND take him to court, and why "a monster should always be bigger than a leading lady." Plus: "The Beast with (not quite) a Million Eyes". Roger experiments with LSD. Peter Lorre messes with Boris Karloff's head. The "acceptable level of insanity". And the enduring mystery of "The Terror".
Mon, Nov 17, 2014
In one of our more...er..."free-spirited" episodes, Gilbert's old pal BOB SAGET drops by the historic Friars Club to plug his New York Times bestseller "Dirty Daddy" and to look back on his early days in the biz, his 8-year gig as a wholesome sitcom patriarch and his friendships with Rodney Dangerfield and Don Rickles. Also, Bob starts his own hate society, dreams about Buddy Hackett and Buddy Ebsen and grills Gilbert about his most memorable "casting couch" experiences. PLUS: Sam Kinison as the Messiah. Gilbert as "Weezie" Jefferson. Asian Elvis. Perfecto Telles. And the first joke Bob ever wrote.
Mon, Nov 24, 2014
Former teen idol Frankie Avalon broke into show business as a child prodigy and was soon receiving 12,000 pieces of fan mail per week and working alongside Hollywood greats Jack Benny, Jackie Gleason, Lucille Ball, Groucho Marx and John Wayne. Frankie joined Gilbert and Frank for a look 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: The Duke makes Laurence Harvey cry. Buster Keaton meets Houdini. "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine". Dueling Draculas. And Cesar Romero and Arnold Stang hit a strip joint.
Mon, Dec 1, 2014
Writer, journalist and pop culture expert STEVE COX is the author of more than twenty books on film and television, including books about Johnny Carson, The Three Stooges, The Addams Family, I Dream of Jeannie, The Munsters, It's a Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz. This week, Steve joins Gibert and Frank for a lively (and then some) conversation about Larry Fine's lady-killing, the unappreciated comic timing of Fred Gwynne and "Grandpa" Al Lewis, and Abbott and Costello's influence on Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David. PLUS: A Munchkin suicide hoax. Mayor McCheese cleans up. Buddy Hackett enjoys a strawberry malted. And Frank goes to a Stooge funeral.
Mon, Dec 8, 2014
Gilbert and Frank visit the George Burns Room at the historic New York Friars Club, where they're joined by actor, singer and musician MICKY DOLENZ for a fun and fascinating look 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 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".
Mon, Dec 15, 2014
Manhattan-born Henry Winkler overcame a difficult childhood to carve out a memorable acting career that would see him work with everyone from Gene Kelly to Katherine Hepburn and portray one of TV's most indelible characters, Arthur "The Fonz" Fonzarelli. Gilbert and Frank dialed up Henry at his L.A. home to talk about his struggles with dyslexia, the genius of a young Robin Williams and Henry's enduring friendships with Ron Howard and John Ritter. Also: Henry helps discover Marlee Matlin, meets John (and Julian) Lennon 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.
Mon, Dec 22, 2014
Screenwriter/Producers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski have written some of the most offbeat and imaginative movies of the last three decades, including Ed Wood, The People vs. Larry Flynt, Man on the Moon and the new Big Eyes (opening this week). Gilbert and Frank dropped by Scott and Larry's hotel as the boys prepped for their MOMA premiere to talk about everything from the success of their critically reviled debut film, Problem Child (featuring a certain shrill-voiced comedian) to their attempts at a Marx Brothers biopic and an It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World sequel. PLUS: Margaret Keane's existential crisis. Kelton the Cop demands a cameo. Gallagher vs. Gallagher II. "Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi: A Love Story". And Scott and Larry meet the King of Pop.
Mon, Dec 29, 2014
Actor, comedian and radio host Danny Bonaduce started in show business at age four and achieved fame at age ten as smart-alecky Danny Partridge on the hit sitcom "The Partridge Family." But within a year of the show's cancellation, he was homeless, battling substance abuse and piling up arrests. Gilbert and Frank dialed up Danny at his home in Seattle to ask him about his early roles on shows like "Bewitched" and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir," his four years as a Partridge and his long, VERY strange trip from tabloid celebrity to reality show "train wreck" to top-rated shock jock and radio show host. Also: Danny meets a young Richard Pryor, bangs up Sonny Bono's Porsche, runs afoul of an angry chimp and dukes it out with Donny Osmond and Greg Brady. PLUS: Ray Bolger. Mick Jagger. Whit Bissell. Shirley Jones sends Danny to his room. And David Cassidy displays his hidden "talent!"