I am sad to report that Gilbert Gottfried, the comedian, podcaster, Aladdin star, and legendary voice in Hollywood, has passed away. He was 67. Gottfried died after battling a long illness, his family announced on Tuesday.
“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,” his family wrote on Twitter.
Gottfried was an icon of comedy and was known for his crass commentary, penetrating voice, and hyperactive demeanor as he delivered jokes at a rapid pace. In addition to voicing Iago in Disney’s Aladdin, Gottfried voiced Digit in PBS Kids’ Cyberchase and the lovable Aflac duck in commercials for the insurance company. He was also the enthusiastic host of Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast with Frank Santopadre.
Gottfried was born in Brooklyn, New York, on February 28, 1955, and began performing comedy at the age of 15. Some of his career highlights include a brief stay on Saturday Night Live (Season 6), a role in Beverly Hills Cop II, and several guest spots across film and television projects. His most notable animation role was for the parrot Iago from Aladdin. In addition to voicing the character for the classic Disney animated feature, he reprised the role for many years in films, TV shows, and video games.
We here at JoBlo would like to express our condolence to Mr. Gottfried’s family, friends, and fans. Many of us here at the site are big fans of his work and will miss his iconic voice drilling a hole in our skulls with each filthy joke he shared.