Actor, comedian Gilbert Gottfried dead at 67
Famed comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away on Tuesday after a battle with an undisclosed illness, his family confirmed in a statement.
Gottfried was 67 years old.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,” his family said. “In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children.”
Advertisement
“Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor. Love, the Gottfried family,” the statement concluded.
Gottfried was widely known for speaking in a loud and grating voice and not his natural speaking voice. He voiced the parrot Iago in Disney’s Aladdin and was a regular Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member for one year.
He also made appearances in various comedy films, including Beverly Hill Cop II, Dr. Doolittle, and Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.
Gilbert, a documentary film on Gottfried’s life and career, was released in 2017.
Fellow comedian and actor Jason Alexander called Gottfried a talent and “a gift.”
Advertisement
“Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift,” Alexander said. “I did not know him well, but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family.”
Gottfried made several appearances on television, including a cameo on Arrested Development and voiced Sal on Spongebob Squarepants.
He hosted a podcast, Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast, which featured new episodes each week featuring discussions of classic movies and celebrity interviews.
Gottfried leaves behind his wife, Dara, and two children, Lily and Max.
