Gilbert Gottfried Dies at 67
Gilbert Gottfried, the iconic stand-up comedian and actor with one of entertainment’s most recognizable voices, has died. He was 67.
Gottfried’s death was confirmed in a statement from his family via his Twitter account. The statement 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 honor.”
Per NBC News, “Gottfried died at 2:35 p.m. ET on Tuesday from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II, according to Glenn Schwartz, his longtime friend and publicist.”
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
IMDb states Gottfried’s lengthy stand-up career began when he was just 15 “…doing stand-up at open mike nights in New York City and, after a few short years, became known around town as ‘the comedian’s comedian.'”
Gottfried’s list of acting credits was as long as his trademark voice was unique. He famously voiced Iago is Disney’s Aladdin and was the voice of the duck mascot for Aflac Insurance. Other notable credits include a one season stint on Saturday Night Live during its sixth season in 1980-81, Beverly Hills Cop II, Problem Child, Look Who’s Talking Too, Problem Child 2, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Duckman, SpongeBob Squarepants, The Fairly OddParents and more.
Gottfried was also a popular personality on the reboot of Hollywood Squares that ran from 1998-2004. He was also a mainstay on Comedy Central Roast specials.
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