Gilbert Gottfried has died. He was 67 years old.
His family confirmed the news on Tuesday, April 12.
"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," the family said via a statement on Twitter. "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."
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on Feb. 28, 1955, Gottfried began performing stand-up comedy at 15. In 1980, he appeared on Saturday Night Live for a 12-episode stint during Season 6. He went on to land roles in Look Who's Talking Too, Problem Child, Beverly Hills Cop II and Aladdin as the voice of Iago, Jafar's wisecracking parrot. He reprised the voice role of Iago in The Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves.
His other notable voice work includes, the robotic bird Digit in PBS Kids’ Cyberchase, the Aflac duck in commercials for the insurance company, Kraang Subprime in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mr. Mxyzptlk in Superman: The Animated Series, and Dr. Bender and his son Wendell in Fairly OddParents. He also lent his voice on SpongeBob Squarepants, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Duckman, Disney’s House of Mouse and more.
Most recently, he hosted his own podcast called Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast!
Following the news of his death, tributes were shared on social media.
RIP Gilbert. Opening for Gilbert Gottfried at Carolines and Princeton Catch was one of the great thrills of my early stand up life. He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…Damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 12, 2022
I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside. We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my intepreter @655jack(they're like twins). Sending love to Dara & his children. RIP #gilbertgottfried pic.twitter.com/R4mxWBRsNo
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 12, 2022
I saw Gilbert perform in 1985 and when he entered to applause he said, “Thank you, thank you very much.” He then continued to say “thank you” repeatedly for ten full minutes. It was the nerviest, funniest thing I had seen. So sorry to lose this sweet and delightfully funny man.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) April 12, 2022
💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/XduLfwxLwV
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 12, 2022
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. #ripGilbertGottfried
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 12, 2022
He was a funny guy who’s very memorable in many ways - and for me, he was the voice of my favorite Cyberchase character, Digit. He will be greatly missed, and never forgotten. I want to thank him for the smiles he has spread and memories he has made. 🙏 #RIPGilbertGottfried pic.twitter.com/sb6Qvl0y1H
— Jenna @ NYC 4/13🦄🍭☁️ジェミバニー (@jemibuni) April 12, 2022
In the early the 80s stand up scene, Gilbert would go on stage and imitate Jerry’s vocal cadence before he could do his set. Funniest part about it is no one even knew who Seinfeld was at this point, ppl thought Gilbert was just doing David Brenner. 😂 #ripGilbertGottfried pic.twitter.com/7pEUgtrjdz
— Mahogany woods papi (@_Mocaveli) April 12, 2022
Rest in peace to the legendary Gilbert Gottfried...
— 🕶️🍄Agent ToadToad7, Codename: VTUBER!! (@AgentToad7) April 12, 2022
Guy was always associated with squawky bird characters and always did the part iconically. Major part of our childhoods gone, you will be missed, buddy. #ripGilbertGottfried pic.twitter.com/tMn7yck8eZ
As a kid growing up in the 90's-early 00's, Iago and Digit, both voiced by the late Gilbert Gottfried, were a huge part of my childhood, especially Digit. I used to watch Cyberchase on @PBSKIDS every morning. Thank you for everything, Gilbert. I'll miss you. #RIPGilbertGottfried pic.twitter.com/DnS65pQDv3
— Yoko Higuchi (@theYokoHiguchi) April 12, 2022
One my best memories growing up as a kid was getting to my grandmothers house after school and watching Hollywood Squares with my grandma and her telling me how much she loved Gilbert Gottfried’s voice as I’m sure everyone did. #RIPGilbertGottfried
— Steven Michael Puga (@PUGA20) April 12, 2022
pic.twitter.com/uhJOrOsrXR
This man was inarguably one of the funniest people to roam the Earth. Spreading nothing but the most insane, intelligent, & debaucherously entertaining comedy of our times. Sorely missed, never forgotten, and always enjoyable. #RIPGilbertGottfried pic.twitter.com/btoeV0ITVx
— Jacob Calta (@stagescreen60) April 12, 2022
Lost another one. #ripGilbertGottfried The best to play @DCComics Mr. Mxyzptlk. pic.twitter.com/zbFhcEpMmv
— Seth (@MiddleOKnowhere) April 12, 2022
Gottfried is survived by his wife Dara Kravitz, 14-year-old daughter Lily and 12-year-old son Max.
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