Sun, Jan 4, 2015
Veteran comedy writer Tom Leopold started out as an actor, working opposite James Mason, Robert Preston, Ted Knight and Wayne Newton before going on to create comedy material for legends Steve Allen, Bob Hope and Mary Tyler Moore and write on hit series like "Cheers" and "Seinfeld" (scripting the memorable "Babu" episode, among others). Tom sat down with Gilbert and Frank to talk about early acting roles on "Gunsmoke" and "Mannix," his days on the "National Lampoon Radio Hour" with Christopher Guest and Bill Murray and his years-long friendships with pals Paul Shaffer, Richard Belzer and Harry Shearer. Also: George Chakiris vs. George Maharis, Chevy Chase hitches a ride with Paul Lynde and 80-year-old Georgie Jessel phones his mom. PLUS: Stubby Kaye. Gert "Goldfinger" Frobe. Donald O'Connor's coat. Tom brunches with Jerry Lewis. And the return of Perfecto Telles.
Sun, Jan 11, 2015
Character actor extraordinaire James Karen has appeared in over 80 movies, over 100 television shows and a staggering 5,000 TV commercials. In a career spanning nearly 7 decades (!), he's worked with Frederic March, Lauren Bacall, James Garner, Gene Hackman, Steven Spielberg, Jane Fonda, Robert Redford and Will Smith, to name but a few. Gilbert and Frank phoned James one recent Saturday night to cover a VERY wide range of topics, including his film debut in the immortal "Frankenstein Meets the Space Monster," his years-long friendship with the legendary Buster Keaton and his experience sharing a townhouse with Marlon Brando, Wally Cox and Maureen Stapleton. Also, James "sells" Craig T. Nelson a haunted house, a Boy Scout uniform leads to an acting career and a controversial "Jeffersons" episode nearly torpedoes a plum TV pitchman gig. PLUS: James parties with Clark Gable and Louis B. Mayer. Gilbert gets a one-cent residual check. Moe Howard recites from "The Tempest". And James teaches a teenaged Michael Douglas to drive.
Sun, Jan 18, 2015
Although Susie Essman is best known to audiences for playing the acid-tongued Susie Greene on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," she began her career as a stand-up comic, opening for people like Jerry Seinfeld, Richard Belzer and a young Gilbert Gottfried. For our first live episode (as part of the annual NYC Podfest) Gilbert and Frank sat down with Susie to talk about her obsession with Turner Classic Movies, her favorite "Curb" moments and how comedy saved her from a life of crime. Plus: Peter Lorre. Margaret Hamilton. Susie roasts Jerry Stiller. Larry David pens a pilot for Gilbert. And the curse of the "Shiksa Goddess".
Sun, Jan 25, 2015
Writer, comedian and producer Bob Zmuda has had a busy career, performing, writing and producing comedy specials, co-creating the charity Comic Relief and collaborating with the late (??) great comedian/performance artist Andy Kaufman. Gilbert and Frank rang up Bob at his house in Lake Tahoe to talk about (among other things) his early days as half of the comedy duo Albrecht and Zmuda, his role in bringing the Kaufman biopic "Man on the Moon" to the screen, his controversial new book about Andy's life, and his theory of how his old friend and collaborator pulled off the greatest hoax in comedy history. Also, Eddie Murphy takes a phone call, Tony Clifton (or was it Jim Carrey?) invades the Playboy mansion and Garth Brooks (almost) portrays Bob on the big screen. PLUS: The ventriloquist team of Dick and Stinky. Andy gets a woody. Larry the Lobster gets a reprieve. Gilbert gets the axe at SNL. And a surprise guest crashes the podcast.
Sun, Feb 1, 2015
Oscar-nominated actor Gary Busey has been in over 150 movies, working alongside everyone from Barbra Streisand to Steven Seagal. On a recent visit to LA, Gilbert sat down with Gary to talk about his near-death experience, his character "process" and channeling the spirit of Buddy Holly. Also, Gary hosts "Saturday Night Live," spoons Mel Gibson, jams with Rick Danko and praises Gene Hackman. PLUS: Jack Elam. Jan-Michael Vincent. Rod Steiger eats a sandwich. And Gary tells Gilbert the meaning of life. Also, we apologize for the first minute or so of audio. It sounds rough but it clears up and get MUCH better. You're not going to want to miss this episode.
Sun, Feb 8, 2015
As a young boy growing up in Queens, New York, Chuck McCann worshipped stars like Stan Laurel, Buster Keaton and Groucho Marx, and within a few years, he would find himself befriending (or working with) all of them. Gilbert and Frank phoned Chuck (one of THEIR childhood heroes) to talk about his unusual and unlikely journey from obsessed fan to celebrated screen, stage and voice performer and beloved kiddie show host. Also: Chuck hitches a ride on Hugh Hefner's jet, inspires Billy Crystal, writes a part for John Carradine and co-stars in a legendary TV flop. Plus: Hal Roach. Tim Conway. Lionel Barrymore. Chuck and Groucho hawk deodorant. Mae West "works" the docks. And Chuck asks Gilbert for a lollipop.
Sun, Feb 15, 2015
Emmy award-winning writer Alan Zweibel started out in show business by peddling jokes to Catskills comics at seven bucks a pop, before a chance meeting with Lorne Michaels led to a staff job on the hottest new show on television, "Saturday Night Live." Alan joined Gilbert and Frank at the George Burns Room at the Friars Club to talk about the earliest days of SNL, co-creating the groundbreaking "It's Garry Shandling's Show" and collaborating with everyone from Gilda Radner to Rob Reiner to Billy Crystal. Also: Alan heckles Larry David's act, "borrows from" Paul Simon, turns down "Hollywood Squares" and inspires a classic "Seinfeld" episode. PLUS: Totie Fields. Christopher Lee. The subversiveness of "Duck Soup". Uncle Miltie gets banned. And Gilbert tries (unsuccessfully) to follow The Beatles.
Sun, Feb 22, 2015
Actor, dancer and singer Ken Berry grew up in a small Midwestern town, admiring the musicals of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly and after winning several local talent contests, he found his way into show business and was soon pulling down an impressive (for the time) $90 a week. Gilbert and Frank caught up with Ken at his Hollywood home to ask about his "two years of recess" on the classic sitcom "F-Troop" and his memories of working alongside comedy greats George Burns, Don Rickles, Carol Burnett and a then (mostly) unknown Steve Martin. Also, Ken reminisces about life as a "day player" and tells us why he had the worst stage act in the history of Vegas. PLUS: "My Mother the Car". "The Ken Berry 'Wow' Show". Helen Hayes eats a cheeseburger. Richard Dreyfuss serenades a goldfish. And Leonard Nimoy covers Harry Belafonte.
Sun, Mar 1, 2015
One of their favorite funny people, comic, writer and Comedy Central host Dave Attell joins Gilbert and Frank this week to talk about everything from Louis CK's cult Blaxploitation spoof "Pootie Tang" (featuring Dave in a small role) to Gilbert's controversial (and costly) tsunami jokes to Danny Kaye's (alleged) love affair with Sir Laurence Olivier. Also: Dave shares his passion for 70's-era porn, tells us why he doesn't consider himself a good actor and helps us dissect classic (and not-so-classic) movies like "Planet of the Apes," "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Tingler." PLUS: Tuesday Weld. Pat Morita. Hymie the Robot. The Three Stooges meet "The Dirty Dozen". And Barbara Hershey becomes Barbara Seagull.
Sun, Mar 8, 2015
To mark the 50th anniversary of the classic adventure series "Lost in Space," Gilbert and Frank dial up Will Robinson himself, actor, musician and voice artist Bill Mumy, who shares childhood memories of working with icons Irwin Allen, Brigitte Bardot and Walt Disney and explains why he turned down the role of Eddie Munster. Also, Bill runs afoul of Alfred Hitchcock, stars in three unforgettable "Twilight Zone" episodes and records the novelty song "Fish Heads." PLUS: "The Great Vegetable Rebellion". Billy meets Keith Richards. Zorro meets Eva Peron. And Gilbert tangles with the Man of Steel.
Sun, Mar 15, 2015
Outspoken and controversial writer-producer Dan Harmon went from performing improv in his hometown of Milwaukee to creating hit television shows like "Community" and Adult Swim's "Rick and Morty." Dan joined Gilbert and Frank for a refreshingly candid and revealing conversation about the perils of celebrity, how his various neuroses fuel his creativity and why he chose to launch his own podcast (the wildly popular "Harmontown") instead of going to therapy. Also: Dan pays "homage" to Bill Cosby, gets canned by Sarah Silverman, creates the never-aired cult show "Heat Vision and Jack" and locks horns with comedy hero-turned-antagonist Chevy Chase. PLUS: "Manimal". "Misfits of Science". "The Streisand Effect". Gilbert hangs with Charlie Sheen. And Dan receives a VERY special delivery.
Sun, Mar 22, 2015
The pride of South Philadelphia, former teen idol Bobby Rydell joins Gilbert and Frank at the Friars Club's George Burns Room to talk about his early days as a drummer, his hit records "Swinging School," "Wild One" and "Volare" and his memorable role as Ann-Margret's lovesick boyfriend Hugo Peabody in the movie musical "Bye Bye Birdie." Also, Bobby opens for Joey Bishop, tours with the Everly Brothers, shares a drink with Ol' Blue Eyes and inspires the Beatles' classic "She Loves You." PLUS: Crazy Guggenheim. Clem Kadiddlehopper. Bobby plays the legendary Copa. John Wayne meets the Son of God. And Guy Marks steals Uncle Miltie's thunder.
Fri, Mar 29, 2019
Emmy-nominated writer, producer and comedian Carol Leifer joins Gilbert and Frank to talk about early comedy influences Mickey Katz, Allan Sherman and Vaughn Meader, her salad days at The Comic Strip and Catch a Rising Star and scripting unforgettable "Seinfeld" episodes like "The Rye," "The Lip Reader" and "The Hamptons" (aka "The Ugly Baby.") Also, Carol dates Paul Reiser, recognizes Ron Perlman, compliments Barry Levinson and opens for the Chairman of the Board. PLUS: Lenny Schultz. "Cool Hand Luke". The return of "Dummy in the Window". Gilbert meets Lorne Michaels. And Carol (sort of) meets Jack Nicholson.
Sun, Apr 5, 2015
Brooklyn-born actor and director Steve Buscemi (pronounced "BOO-SEMI") joins Gilbert and Frank for lunch and laughs at the New York Friars Club and tells us all about his early days as a struggling stand-up, his memories of making modern-day classics like "Reservoir Dogs," "Miller's Crossing" and "Fargo" and his memorable on-screen deaths at the hands of everyone from to Vince Vaughn to Roger Daltrey. Also, Steve shares a cab with Gilbert, shares the stage with Andy Kaufman and shares his appreciation for Harvey Keitel and "The Brady Bunch." PLUS: "Joey Pants". The madness of Lawrence Tierney. Illya Kuryakin ties the knot. Paul Winchell builds an artificial heart. And Woody Allen meets Carrot Top.
Sun, Apr 12, 2015
Filmmakers and film historians Joan Kramer and David Heeley have won five Emmys for their documentaries about Hollywood legends Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda, Katherine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart, just to name just a few. To coincide with the release of their new book, "In the Company of Legends," Joan and David joined Gilbert and Frank to talk about their adventures in writing and directing celebrity bios, their struggles to capture their famous subjects on film and the lasting friendships they forged along the way. Also, Richard Dreyfuss deconstructs "Casablanca," Johnny Carson calls on Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart takes advice from a Stooge and Kate Hepburn clashes with the King of Pop. PLUS: "Uncle Carl" Laemmle gambles away Universal studios. Lily Tomlin walks off "The Dick Cavett Show". And the strange mystery of JFK and "Over the Rainbow".
Sun, Apr 19, 2015
Actor and singer Craig Bierko has appeared in movies ("Cinderella Man," "The Long Kiss Goodnight"), hit TV series ("Damages," "Boston Legal") and Tony-nominated musicals ("The Music Man," "Guys and Dolls") and worked alongside comedy icons like Larry David, Bob Newhart and the Zucker Brothers. Craig stopped by Gilbert's apartment to present Gilbert with a birthday gift, to take a few personal phone calls and to regale Gilbert and Frank with stories and anecdotes featuring everyone from Norman Mailer to Bishop Fulton Sheen. Also, Craig goes toe-to-toe with Russell Crowe, turns down the role of Chandler Bing (!) and takes a bath with John Malkovich. PLUS: Wilford Brimley. David (or Bill) Huddleston. George Harrison sings "Oh. My Pa-Pa". And the strange death of Parkyakarkus.
Sun, Apr 26, 2015
This week, Gilbert and Frank are joined by Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian, writer and actor Lewis Black. In our first live recording at New York City's Carolines comedy club, Lewis recounts some of his most personal showbiz war stories, shares his affection for "Sgt. Bilko" and "Amos 'n' Andy," and looks back on the day the Beatles rocked his young world and changed his life. Also, Lewis auditions for Woody Allen, Gilbert loses a part to Dustin Hoffman (!) and Sir Cedric Hardwicke fails to live up to his name. PLUS: David Copperfield. Huntz Hall. "Terror Train". Gilbert portrays a Spaniard. And Lon Chaney Jr. gets Bela Lugosi's brain.
Sun, May 3, 2015
In a rare two-part episode, Gilbert and Frank are joined by not one, but TWO of the actresses to play Catwoman during the run of the classic 1966 "Batman" series, Lee Meriwether and Julie Newmar. First, Lee looks back on her reign as Miss America, impersonates Ed Wynn and threatens (promises?) to discipline Gilbert. Next up, Julie reminisces about working with everyone from Michael Rennie to Chad and Jeremy and favors us with her favorite Catwoman catchphrase. Also, Julie feuds with Jim Belushi, Lee hops a flight with J. Fred Muggs and Buddy Ebsen runs afoul of Shirley Temple. PLUS: "The Eddie Cantor Story". The return of Billy Barty. Gilbert channels Sydney Greenstreet. And the strange mystery of Cesar Romero and the orange wedges.
Sun, May 10, 2015
Gilbert and Frank head to the 2015 Chiller Convention for a rare interview with musician, songwriter and producer Michael Nesmith, who looks back on everything from his mom's invention of Liquid Paper to his original "Monkees" screen test in October of '65. Also, Michael talks politics with John Lennon, pens a hit for Linda Ronstadt and remembers (sort of) Lon Chaney Jr. PLUS: Dennis Hopper. Tony Franciosa. The Monkees "sell out". Roger McGuinn gets spiritual. And Jack Nicholson kills off the Prefab Four.
Sun, May 17, 2015
Gilbert and Frank ring up one of their favorite character actors, seven-time Emmy winner Ed Asner, to talk about his early days in the business, his seven memorable seasons as the irascible Lou Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and his roles in hugely popular films like "Elf" and Pixar's "Up." Also, Ed meets Elvis, co-stars with Edward G. Robinson, beats up Jack Lemmon and lusts after Cloris Leachman. PLUS: Sam Jaffe. Michael Cole. "The Duke" names names. The comic genius of Ted Knight. And Ed dishes dirt on Santa Claus.
Sun, May 24, 2015
Gilbert and Frank chat with one of Hollywood's busiest character actors and favorite "movie dads," Paul Dooley ("Breaking Away," "Sixteen Candles," "Runaway Bride") who looks back on everything from tackling the role of Wimpy in Robert Altman's "Popeye" to creating characters for PBS' "The Electric Company" to improvising with Alan Arkin and Joan Rivers. Also, Paul performs standup for Jack Paar, understudies for Art Carney and shoots a commercial with Buster Keaton. PLUS: Richard Libertini. Nichols and May. "The Indestructible Man". Paul does Lionel Barrymore. Gilbert does Walter Matthau. And Paul gets "probed" by aliens.
Sun, May 31, 2015
Gilbert and Frank take a day trip to the New Jersey home of comedian, actor and former Howard Stern sideman Artie Lange to bash "Godfather Part III," praise their favorite character actors (paging Philip Baker Hall!) and laud the films of Sidney Lumet. Also, Artie disses Tom Cruise, dissects "Goodfellas" and dismisses "Mystery Men." PLUS: Peter Ustinov. Tom Waits. Black Don Rickles. Charles Nelson Reilly gives batting tips. And Gilbert sings again.
Sun, Jun 7, 2015
To celebrate the podcast's one-year anniversary, Gilbert and Frank round up an all-star cast of their favorite guests - Craig Bierko, Drew Friedman, Tom Leopold, Bill Persky and Paul Shaffer - for a lively, no-holds-barred discussion of a host of essential topics, ranging from George Kirby's drug bust to the rumored love affair between Clark Gable and Andy Devine. Also: Paul plays the "Hogan's Heroes" theme, Tom obssesses over George Maharis, Craig praises Don Knotts, Drew stalks Brando and Bill babysits Orson Welles. PLUS: Troy Donahue. Jack Palance. Mario Lanza takes his revenge. Brian Wilson meets Jay Silverheels. And the return of Rickie Layne and Velvel.
Sun, Jun 14, 2015
This week, the not-to-be-missed Part Two of our one-year anniversary episode as actor Craig Bierko, illustrator Drew Friedman, comedy writer Tom Leopold, writer-producer Bill Persky and musician Paul Shaffer join Gilbert and Frank for a fascinating (true!) and fast-paced (not really) dialogue on topics too trivial to ignore. Also, Craig salutes the comic villainy of Dabney Coleman, Bill tries to keep the Bums in Brooklyn, Drew grills "old Groucho" and Paul and Tom recall the unforgettable "Viva Shaf Vegas". PLUS: The legend of Harry Crane. The balladry of Nipsey Russell. The return of Maria Ouspenskaya. And Gilbert sings "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance".
Sun, Jun 21, 2015
Sitcom and movie actor (and unabashed "Amazing Colossal Podcast" fan) Richard Kind drops by Gilbert's apartment to check out GG's memorabilia collection and to join Gilbert and Frank for a spirited discussion of the evils of censorship, the joy of onscreen female nudity and the twisted genius of Pat McCormick. Also, Richard auditions for "Cruising," duets with Jose Ferrer, gets "punk'd" by George Clooney and pays his respects to Soupy Sales. PLUS: Conrad Veidt. Professor Irwin Corey. Forrest Tucker plays the back "nine". Jack Benny lusts after Gina Lollobrigida. And Tony Curtis dines with Captain Stubing.
Sun, Jun 28, 2015
Standup, novelist and comedy writer Bill Scheft spent 24 years as David Letterman's confidante, right-hand man and head monologue writer, being nominated for 15 Emmys in the process. A few days after Dave's farewell, Bill stopped by Manhattan's Nutmeg Studios to talk about his two-plus decades in late night and to regale Gilbert and Frank with beloved showbiz tales about everyone from Larry David to Redd Foxx. Also, Bill pens jokes for the Oscars, praises the commitment of Martin Short and pays tribute to the British Invasion. PLUS: Slappy White. Larry "Bud" Melman. Bogie goes postal. The infamous "Uma, Oprah" bit. And Jerry Lewis sings The Who.
Sun, Jul 5, 2015
Screenwriter Tracey Jackson and legendary songwriter and actor Paul Williams join Gilbert and Frank at New York's famed Friars Club to talk about the launch of their new podcast and to cover a wide array of topics, including the "musicality" of comedy, the addiction of fame, and the movies that changed Paul and Tracey's lives. Also, Paul auditions for The Monkees, Tracey hangs with Hunter S. Thompson and Gilbert "favors" Paul by performing some of his greatest hits. PLUS: John Byner. The Jewish Elvis. Robert Mitchum's bed. Tracey bootlegs a Paul Williams concert. And the return of Pat McCormick.
Sun, Jul 12, 2015
This week, Gilbert and Frank phone up one of the most visible and popular TV actors of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, former heartthrob and "B.J. and the Bear" and "My Two Dads" star Greg Evigan, who shares memorable anecdotes about everyone from Burt Reynolds to William Shatner to simian TV sidekick Sam (AKA "The Bear"). Also, Greg shares the stage with Ben Vereen AND John Travolta, jams with Paul Shaffer and lends his car to Ringo Starr. PLUS: Don Kirshner. The strange genius of Glen A. Larson. "Pink Lady and Jeff". "The Battle of the Network Stars". And Gilbert sings again.
Sun, Jul 19, 2015
Singer and actor Josh Groban has sold over 25 million records and performed with legends like Sting, Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand, which is why it was so surprising that he allowed Gilbert and Frank into his home to interview him. In an animated and laugh-filled discussion, Josh shares his passion for comedy, his affection for the "Problem Child" movies and his memories of guest-starring on "The Office" and "Ally McBeal." Also, Josh coins a catch phrase, tackles the role of Tevye (at age 17!), mimics Jay Leno and duets with "Adele Dazeem." PLUS: "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.". Gladys Knight and The Pips. "The Beastmaster". Old Groucho returns. And Josh sings "the hits" of Gilbert Gottfried.
Sun, Jul 26, 2015
To mark the 25th anniversary of the release of the cult classic black comedy "Problem Child" (July 27, 1990), Gilbert and Frank reached out to Junior himself, former child star Michael Oliver, to talk about his memories of co-stars John Ritter and Jack Warden, his battles with the film's producers and his struggles to lead a normal life off-screen. Also, Gilbert carries the "Problem Child" torch, PETA protests the movie's ad campaign, and Michael turns his back on showbiz. PLUS: "Drexel's Class". Macaulay Culkin. "The Munsters Today". The Beach Boys get into the act. And Gilbert "plays" Robert Redford.