Carol Burnett vs Fake News (National Enquirer) - 'March 2nd 1976'.
Carol Burnett is a beloved comedy icon. In 1976 an article about her published by the National Enquirer caused her personal devastation. She took the National Enquirer to court - the first time it had been held to account legally. This is the story of how the entire drama unfolded
Celebrities mentioned - Johnny Carson/Paul Lynde/Ed McMahon/Lucille Ball/Dihanne Carroll/Rory Calhoun/Lee Majors/Elderly Marilyn Monroe/Paul Newman Sandals/Phil Silvers/Clint Eastwood/Tom Selleck.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
29 Aug 2024
Debbie Reynolds vs Elizabeth Taylor - 'September 1958'.
Debbie Reynolds and Elizabeth Taylor are two legends from Hollywoods Golden Age and both stayed culturally relevant all of their lives. Very distinctive personalities who became embroiled in the biggest love scandal in Hollywood. I wanted to find out in detail what actually happened and how their relationship developed over the years - before during and after the event!
Interested to know who people think was in the right or wrong and whether you could have forgiven your friend.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
Larry Hagman was a hugely entertaining actor and personality famed for his roles in 'I Dream of Jeannie' and 'Dallas'. In the early 70s he struggled to control his mood. He found his own way of helping keep himself zen. Here's one way he achieved this and how it once angered a co star.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
23 Aug 2024
Mel Blanc Medical Miracle - '24th January 1961'. Episode 9: SHOWBIZ FEUDS (Mini)
Mel Blanc was and still is one of the most recognisable voices in animation. During his long and accomplished career it nearly ended prematurely during a car crash he wasn't expected to survive. He revealed an astounding reason how he was brought back to consciousness.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
16 Aug 2024
Vaughn Meader vs JFK's Ghost - '22nd November 1963'.
Vaughn Meader was a comedian who skyrocketed to fame with his impression of JFK. Once called the '2nd Most Famous Man in America' when his comedy album was released it sold more copies than anyone in history. After a year he was effectively blackballed due to one of the biggest tragedies in history.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
16 Aug 2024
Joan Rivers vs Johnny Carson - '6th May 1986'.
Joan Rivers was one of standup comedy's most significant trailblazers. Her mentor was fellow pioneer Johnny Carson, the King of Late Night. They had a seemingly close relationship, until a career move by Joan triggered a fallout that was never resolved. I review the myths, contradictions, hypocrisies and possible reasons that led to the end of their collaboration.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
13 Aug 2024
RIP BOB NEWHART - 1929-2024 Showbit
Comedy giant Bob Newhart passed away yesterday aged 94. This is a video talking about my thoughts and favourite moments.
September 5, 1929 – July 18, 2024
Any favourite Newhart moments or opinions please comment below.
24 Jun 2024
Vaughn Meader vs Abbott Meader (Same Guy) - '22nd November 1963'.
Vaughn Meader was a comedian who skyrocketed to fame with his impression of JFK. Once called the '2nd Most Famous Man in America' when his comedy album was released it sold more copies than anyone in history. After a year he was effectively blackballed due to one of the biggest tragedies in history.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
13 Jun 2024
Showbit - Albert S Ruddy 1930 - 2024
He produced the Godfather - the production was piled with shocking obstacles that this guy resolved - I break down some of those issues.
9 Jun 2024
Tony Curtis vs Big Tobacco - 'Airport Arrest 26th April 1970'.
Tony Curtis was an actor and passionate anti smoking advocate. His prominence led to him spearheading an important campaign for the American Cancer Society. An arrest in England was deemed by some as unforgivable hypocrisy and to others not relevant to his public campaign.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran.
26 May 2024
Richard Belzer vs Hulk Hogan/Mr T - 'Hot Properties 1985'
Richard Belzer was a hugely successful cult Comedian and Actor. As host of 'Hot Properties' he interviewed Hulk Hogan and Mr T ahead of the first ever 'Wrestlemania'. It went off the rails leading to one of them being knocked unconscious on Live Television.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran Mullins.
17 May 2024
Mae West vs Mickey Hargitay - 'Casino Royal 1956'
Mae West was the original blonde bombshell. Both on and offstage she enchanted men under her spell. After hiring Mickey Hargitay 'Mr Universe' as one of her musclemen - he refused to be tamed. After he caught the attention of Jayne Mansfield it started an all out war ending in Mickeys unexpected hospitalisation.
Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran Mullins.
10 May 2024
Milton Berle vs Saturday Night Live - 'SNL 1979'
Legendary Comedian Milton Berle was given an opportunity to host the hottest new show on Television - Saturday Night Live. Can they hold hands in comedic harmony or will egos turn the episode into an infamous hellscape? Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran Mullins.
3 May 2024
Frank Sinatra vs Joey Bishop ' Cal Neva Lodge 1964'
Legendary Singer Frank Sinatra and Comedian Joey Bishop were part of the iconic Rat Pack. Frank helped bring Joey into the spotlight and once Joey had 'made it' - he threw it back in Franks face during one of the most traumatic moments of his life. Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran Mullins.
3 May 2024
Uri Geller vs James Randi - 'The Tonight Show 1973'
In the 1970s psychic Uri Geller was at the height of his popularity. In 1973 famed skeptic James Randi attempted exposing him on live Television in front of millions of tense viewers. Narrated, edited and produced by Ciaran Mullins.
Contact Weird Showbiz History
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Weird Showbiz History?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine