Comedian Gilbert Gottfried has died at 67. Gottfried's death was originally broken by actor Jason Alexander, who tweeted that he "did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family." A statement from Gottfried's family was posted soon after, confirming the news.
The Gottfried family's post reads:
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after 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 honour.
Love, the Gottfried family.
Gottfried was known for his incredibly distinctive voice and crude comedic instincts. He appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout his career, and is perhaps best known by many as the voice of Iago the parrot in Aladdin.
Since 2014, Gottfried had been hosting Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, which featured discussions of classic movies and celebrity interviews, typically with veteran actors, comedians, musicians and comedy writers.
In 2017, the Neil Berkeley-directed documentary Gilbert — about Gottfried's life and career — was released, winning the Special Jury Prize for Best Documentary at that year's deadCENTER Film Festival.
See some social media tributes to Gottfried, including his family's statement, below.
The Gottfried family's post reads:
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after 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 honour.
Love, the Gottfried family.
Gottfried was known for his incredibly distinctive voice and crude comedic instincts. He appeared in a number of films and television shows throughout his career, and is perhaps best known by many as the voice of Iago the parrot in Aladdin.
Since 2014, Gottfried had been hosting Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, which featured discussions of classic movies and celebrity interviews, typically with veteran actors, comedians, musicians and comedy writers.
In 2017, the Neil Berkeley-directed documentary Gilbert — about Gottfried's life and career — was released, winning the Special Jury Prize for Best Documentary at that year's deadCENTER Film Festival.
See some social media tributes to Gottfried, including his family's statement, below.
Man, losing Norm MacDonald, Bob Saget and Gilbert Gottfried in six months. Feels like a generational loss
— Todd in the Shadows (@ShadowTodd) April 12, 2022