GGACP Rewind: Episode #32: Tom Leopold

GGACP Rewind: Episode #32: Tom Leopold

From Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast by Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast

April 23, 2026 · 1h 12m

About this episode

Tom Leopold discusses his career as a comedy writer and actor, sharing stories from his experiences with various legends in the industry.

Veteran comedy writer Tom Leopold started out as an actor, working with James Mason, Robert Preston and Ted Knight before creating comedy material for legends Steve Allen, Bob Hope and Mary Tyler Moore and writing 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 George Jessel phones his mom. PLUS: Stubby Kaye! Gert “Goldfinger” Frobe! Donald O’Connor’s coat! Tom brunches with Jerry Lewis! And the triumphant return of Perfecto Telles! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Gilbert Gottfried, Frank

Guest: Tom Leopold

Topics covered

  • comedy writing
  • television history
  • celebrity anecdotes
  • acting careers
  • friendships in comedy

Keywords

  • Tom Leopold
  • comedy writer
  • Cheers
  • Seinfeld
  • celebrity stories
  • Gilbert Gottfried
  • Frank

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Cheers, Seinfeld, Gunsmoke, Mannix

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