Gilbert Gottfried dies at age 67: Beloved comedian who voiced Aladdin’s parrot Iago and Aflac duck passed away after a ‘long illness’
- Longtime character actor Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67
- He was best known for voicing the character Iago in the 1992 film Aladdin
- His family announced his passing after quietly battling a ‘long illness’
- His publicist, Glenn Schwartz, revealed he suffered from a form of heart failure, due to myotonic dystrophy type II
- Gilbert is survived by his wife Dara, his daughter Lily, 14, son Max, 12, a sister Karen and nephew Graham
Longtime character actor Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67, it was announced on Tuesday on his Twitter account.
He was best known for voicing the character Iago in the 1992 film Aladdin and for also lending his voice to the Aflac duck, the mascot of Aflac insurance.
His family posted a personal, heartfelt message to announce he passed after a ‘long illness,’ it was shared.
Sad farewell: Longtime character actor Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67, it was announced on Tuesday on his Twitter account
‘We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,’ the note read.
‘In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children,’ it was also shared.
‘Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor.
Heartbreaking news: His family posted a personal, heartfelt message to announce he passed after a ‘long illness,’ it was shared. Seen in 2014 in NYC
Grieving: Gilbert is survived by his wife Dara and their two children Lily, 14, and 12-year-old son Max; pictured in 2017
Gottfried’s longtime friend and publicist, Glenn Schwartz,announced in a statemement that his client and longtime pal suffered from recurrent ventricular tachycardia, a form of heart failure, due to myotonic dystrophy type II.
Gottfried and his wife Dara Kravitz, who he wed back in 2007, share a 14-year-old daughter named Lily and their son Max, 12.
The note was signed: ‘Love, the Gottfried family.’
He gave it his all: The star was also in the movie Problem Child in 1990 and The Aristocrats in 2005. Seen in 2016
A loss to the world: Seinfeld star Jason Alexander paid a tribute: ‘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’
He was best known for voicing the character Iago – Aladdin’s parrot – in the 1992 animated Disney movie Aladdin and subsequent TV series.
The star was also in the movie Problem Child in 1990 and The Aristocrats in 2005.
Seinfeld star Jason Alexander paid a tribute: ‘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.’
Comedian Dane Cook also took to social media to express his grief as he tweeted: ‘Sending love to @RealGilbert ’s wife Dara, his family & fans. Gilbert Gottfried was never not funny. He was a lovely guy, always friendly & made many people happy.’
The star was born in Brooklyn, New York and started pursuing gus career as a stand-up comedy at just 15.
In addition to a 12-episode stint on Saturday Night Live, he appeared in Beverly Hills Cop II with Eddie Murphy and regularly appeared as a guest on Howard Stern’s radio show in the Eighties to impersonate famous people and characters.
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