Iconic comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried has died following a long illness, according to a statement released by his family today. Known for his unmistakable exaggerated voice, his often controversial comedy style, and his many TV and film roles, such as the voice of the parrot Iago in Disney’sAladdin, Gottfried was known to multiple generations for his over-the-top style that was his calling card.
The statement by his family read:
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our belovedGilbert Gottfriedafter a long illness. In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children. 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.”
Word of Gottfried’s passing originally came through a Twitter post bySeinfeldactor Jason Alexander, who shared a post commemorating the star. He said:
“Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift. I did not know him well, but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family. RIP Gilbert Gottfried.”
Related:Why the Original Aladdin is Better Than the Remake Even After 30 Years
Brooklyn-born Gottfried started doing amateur stand-up routines in New York at the age of 15 and soon made himself a reputation as “the comedian’s comedian.” His first break in TV came when he was noticed by producers ofSaturday Night Liveand added to their line-up for the sixth season of the show in 1980. However, during his run of 12-episodes, he hardly spoke and was a long way from the brilliant character he would later become.
After reuniting with hisSNLco-star Eddie Murphy inBeverly Hills Cop IIin 1987, his biggest and best-known roles would come a few years later, playing Mr. Peabody in theProblem Childmovies, and as the voice of put-out parrot Iago in Disney’s animated classicAladdin, its two sequels and the subsequent TV series. In the following decades, Gottfried has appeared in over 50 movies and over 100 TV shows, having most recently been seen in the filmsA Wrestling Christmas MiracleandThe Truth about Santa Claus, as well as providing the voice of God for the animatedAdult Swimprogram,Smiling Friendswhich aired at the beginning of the year. Gottfried was also signed up to appear in the movieHassle at the Castle, but it has not been confirmed if his role in that movie was completed prior to his passing.
Despite his illness, Gottfried has been constantly active on his social media and on Cameo, where he provided personal videos to fans around the world in his usual inimitable style. One of his final tweets was to share a photo of himself with Chris Rock when he asked the question, “Which is the worst crime? Chris Rock being physically assaulted or Chris Rock telling a joke?” proving that he was always on the ball right up to the end. He will be a great miss to the industry, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time. RIP.
