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Frank Santopadre and Gilbert Gottfried
For nearly a decade, I have been listening to podcasts, and as of this moment, none of them give me more joy than Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast. Gilbert Gottfried may be known by most for his shrill voice, yet beneath the nebbish facade is not only a prolific comedian with countless spot-on impressions, but an encyclopedic knowledge of film and television. Each week on the podcast, Gilbert is joined by co-host (and fellow native New Yorker) Frank Santopadre, who also possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of obscure trivia – and more importantly, helps keep Gilbert on-track as a host and interviewer.
While the podcast may be the first time many people have heard Frank Santopadre as a performer, readers have undoubtedly heard (and laughed at) material that Frank has written. He has contributed to a lot of award shows (e.g. TV Land Awards, Writer’s Guild Awards, Shine On! Awards) and roasts (e.g. Roseanne, Pamela Anderson, Donald Trump). He has written for talk shows (e.g. The View, The Joy Behar Show, The Howard Stern Show). He has written episodes of cartoons (e.g. Jim Henson’s Muppet Time, CatDog, Angry Beavers). On the print end, as discussed during our Q&A, Frank wrote copy for Topps trading cards for over two decades, in addition to work with The Huffington Post, MAD Magazine and Jest.
Beyond the podcast and credits mentioned, something else that intrigues me about Frank is his ability to juggle so many gigs at once. Frank credited his wife Genevieve for this during our chat, much like how Gilbert often credits his wife Dara for keeping him organized during podcast episodes. For more information on where to find Frank, you can visit him online at his website, or find him on Twitter.
When someone asks what you do for a living, how do you usually answer?
Frank Santopadre: Well, I used to say, “writer.” Now I toss in, “producer, co-host and Gilbert Gottfried wrangler.”
Seeing as how Gilbert Gottfried gives off the impression of being a luddite, how did your podcast with him come together?
F: It grew out of [our] late night phone calls. We would just talk for hours about the most off-the-wall, obscure things and people. It was actually Gilbert’s wife Dara who encouraged us – challenged us, really – to put all the fun we were having talking about My Mother The Car and Ray Milland in X: The Man With The X-Ray Eyes until two in the morning to productive use. And Gilbert’s not really a Luddite — he tweets, he messes around on Facebook. There IS that little thing about not being sure how to use his smartphone, however.
Loyal listeners of the podcast will recognize there to be recurring conversation topics, regardless of who the guest is. There’s the Paul Lynde barn incident, the Danny Thomas coffee table story, the “Dummy In A Window” song, the Milton Berle endowment speculation, and “Chico needed the money,” to name a few. When preparing before an interview, have you ever told Gilbert not to do or say something?
F: Not really. There’s not a lot of censoring that goes on. Just for decorum’s sake, I DID ask him to wait at least 15 to 20 minutes into our interview with Godfather actor Gianni Russo before asking him about two murders he supposedly committed. And Gilbert being Gilbert, he sprung it on the guy within three seconds of him walking into the room and hanging up his coat.
Prior to doing the podcast, did your encyclopedic knowledge of television and movies ever come in handy?
F: Not all that often, surprisingly. In the pre-Internet days, I was like the performing monkey who could answer trivia questions and settle arguments and bar bets for people. Also, I did pass the Jeopardy! test when I was living out in L.A., but the contestant coordinators never called me to be on the show.
In your opinion, what is the funniest show on television right now?
F: I think John Oliver’s HBO show is brilliant and VERY well written. I’m also looking forward to Stephen Colbert’s new Late Show because he’s a genius in my book and never disappoints.
Is there a topic that you’re equally passionate and knowledgeable about besides film and TV shows?
F: I’m a history buff. I’ll get lost in a documentary about the Dust Bowl for six hours. And I happen to know a fair amount about about music and baseball – I used to write/edit baseball cards when I worked for the Topps card company.
Beyond the podcast, you’re a prolific writer and producer for television and live events. What was your first paid gig?
F: I wrote a “grade Z” show for the USA Network called Commander USA’s Groovy Movies – you may have to Google that one — when I was about 25 or so. Also, I wrote roast jokes/material for David Letterman’s old comedy foil, Larry Bud Melman. A very sweet man.
Do you have a professional credit that you are most proud of?
F: Let me think…I was happy with the outcome of a comedy bit I did on The View with Martin Short and also some award show material I wrote for Bill Murray, but I’d have to say building the podcast has given me the greatest feeling of pride and personal accomplishment. We’ve come a long way in one year.
What is your favorite part about your job?
F: There’s a lot about it that’s rewarding. It’s gratifying to realize that a lifetime spent obsessing about pop culture minutiae finally seems to be paying off. Also, getting the chance to spend time in the company of childhood heroes/idols like Paul Williams, Micky Dolenz, Adam West, et al.
Are there any apps or tools you rely on to stay productive and organized?
F: My wife Genevieve keeps me productive, organized AND focused. If any techies are reading this and know how I can turn her into an app, feel free to email me.
When can we next see you perform live?
F: We’ll be doing a live podcast for the New York Comedy Festival in November. Guest TBD.
Finally, Frank, any last words for the kids?
F: Yes, stay in school. Unless it’s film school, in which case you’re probably wasting your time.
Check out the podcast HERE:
And Gilbert’s spot-on impressions HERE:
-by Darren Paltrowitz