Gilbert Gnarley is the unforgettable alter ego of radio comedian Gary Burbank, best known for his hilarious prank calls that entertained radio listeners for decades. With his quavery old-man voice and absurdly earnest demeanor, Gilbert would call up businesses, government offices, and unsuspecting individuals, delivering outrageous requests and bizarre conversations with a completely straight face.

His classic calls included everything from trying to return a “used” casket to asking about absurdly specific dietary restrictions at restaurants. His charm was in his sincerity—no matter how ridiculous the conversation got, Gilbert always sounded completely convinced of his own logic, leaving his confused victims struggling to respond.

A staple of radio comedy, Gilbert Gnarley’s prank calls became legendary, proving that sometimes the best comedy comes from the unexpected. His antics remain a beloved part of classic radio humor, making audiences laugh long after the calls were made.