Gilbert Gottfried has died. He was 67 years old.
The actor and comedian’s family announced the sad news on his official Twitter account Tuesday, alongside a photo of Gottfried.
“We are heartbroken to announce thepassing 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.
“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,” they added.
Gottfried’s longtime friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz tells PEOPLE in an official statement, “Beloved and iconic comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away at 2:35 p.m. ET on April 12, 2022, from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II.”
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Known for his work in comedy films and as Iago in Disney’s 1992 classicAladdin, Gottfried was instantly recognizable for his over-the-top, exaggerated voice.
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A standup comicwith a podcastcalledGilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast!— thelast new episodeof which aired on April 4 — Gottfried was also known for his work on the popular PBS Kids showCyberchase.
Gilbert Gottfried.Carolyn Cole/Contour/Getty
His notable films includeLook Who’s TalkingToo,Problem ChildandBeverly Hills Cop II. He was also the focus of the 2017 documentary filmGilbert, about his prolific life and career.
Gottfried reprised hisAladdinvoice role of Iago — the villain Jafar’s morally torn, wisecracking parrot sidekick — in the sequelsThe Return of Jafar(1994) andAladdin and the King of Thieves(1996), as well as in various other Disney specials and series.
Gilbert Gottfried.Brad Barket/Getty
Among the tributes pouring in to the comedic legend following his death was one from former costarJason Alexander.
“Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily,“Alexander tweeted Tuesday. “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,” he added.
source: people.com
