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Comedian Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67. Gottfried’s family announced his passing on Twitter, saying, “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 honor. Love, The Gottfried family.” Gottfried was among the many who recently paid tribute to the late Bob Saget.
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried’s Legendary Career
People reports that Gottfried was best known for his over-the-top, exaggerated voice. His voice is certainly iconic and recognizable to many. Gottfried provided voiceover work to some memorable characters, including his long stint voicing the duck in the Aflac commercials. He also provided the voice of Mr. Mxyzptlk in the video game Lego DC Super-Villains, and the voice of Digit in the PBS Kids series Cyberchase. However, his most well-known and beloved voice role is likely that of Iago, the loud-mouthed parrot sidekick to Jafar in Disney’s Aladdin. He reprised this famous role in two sequels, an animated series, and several Disney specials.
Gottfried was also known for his raunchy stand-up routine. He also hosted Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast!, which aired its most recent episode on April 4. He had notable film roles such as Look Who’s Talking Too (1990), Problem Child (1990), and Beverly Hills Cop II (1987). In 2017, he was the subject of the documentary Gilbert which centered on the comedian’s life and career.
Stars Pay Tribute to Gilbert Gottfried
Tributes are pouring in from many stars who knew and respected Gottfried. Jason Alexander (whose TV mother from Seinfeld Estelle Harris recently passed away) tweeted:
https://twitter.com/IJasonAlexander/status/1513957373160955924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1513957373160955924%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fvariety.com%2F2022%2Ffilm%2Fnews%2Fgilbert-gottfried-dead-hollywood-comedians-tributes-1235231394%2F
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin also tweeted her tribute to the comedian:
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
Were you a fan of comedian Gilbert Gottfried? Share some of your favorite moments from the legendary entertainer’s career on The Nerd Stash Facebook page and @TheNerdStash on Twitter.
