Longtime stand-up comedian and voice actor Gilbert Gottfried has passed away at the age of 67, his family has revealed.
The beloved Brooklyn-born comedian, who began pursuing his career in stand-up comedy when he was just 15 years old, reportedly passed away after a “long sickness.”
As his publicist and close friend Glenn Schwartz revealed, Gottfried died of heart failure stemming from muscular dystrophy, a group of incurable diseases that affect the muscles and cause permanent weakness.
In his statement, Schwartz also told NBC News how Gottfried became the “comedian’s comedian because his live performances put aside political correctness while he delivers jokes that know no boundaries.”
Paying a tribute to the actor who gave voice to the talking parrot Iago in the 1992 movie Aladdin was also his family who branded Gottfried as a “wonderful husband, brother, friend, and father.”
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long sickness,” the family expressed.
“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.”
Following the sad news, fellow entertainment figures were quick to pay their respects to the comedian without a hair on his tongue.
“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,” Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander tweeted.
“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),” Marlee Matlin, the first deaf actress to win an Oscar, said.
Star Trek star George Takei added: “I shall miss you, my friend, my sometimes foil, my always pain in my side, usually from the belly laughs. The heavens are a great deal louder with you out there now, I’m sure. Keep ‘em shaking their heads and smiling, Gilbert.”
Gottfriend is survived by his wife, Dara Kravitz, and their two children Lily, 14, and Max, 12.
Our thoughts are with Gilbert’s family and friends during these challenging times.