EeHH.CO.UK

v

Gilbert Gottfried, comedian and actor, dies aged 67

Provided by The Guardian Photograph: Mike Pont/WireImage

His family announced his death via his Twitter page after a long illness. Gottfried was known for his standup comedy and for roles in films including Aladdin and Problem Child.

“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 statement read. “Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honour.”

A representative for the late star told TMZ that he died of a heart abnormality called ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type 2.

Gottfried was discovered as a young standup and starred in one season of Saturday Night Live in 1980. This led to film roles, including Beverly Hills Cop II and the Problem Child series.

His unmistakeable voice led to a great deal of voice work, most notably playing the parrot Iago in Aladdin, which he later referred to as his “all-time favourite job”. He was also known for the kids show Cyberchase and for voicing the duck in the Aflac commercials.

His screen roles also included Ren and Stimpy, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, Dr Dolittle, A Million Ways to Die in the West and The Marvelous Mrs Maisel.

He was also known for pushing the boundaries, making risky jokes, including a controversial 9/11 joke at the roast of Hugh Hefner. He also recently weighed in on the Chris Rock/Will Smith Oscars story, tweeting a picture of himself with Rock, writing: “Which is the worst crime? Chris Rock being physically assaulted or Chris Rock telling a joke?”

“I can say any bad thing about another person, but if they start making fun of the shirt I’m wearing, I go, ‘Oh come on, that’s just – it’s one thing to joke, but now you’re taking it to a really cruel area,’ he said, laughing, in a 2017 interview. “So I’m as hypocritical as anybody.”

Seinfeld star Jason Alexander has paid tribute on Twitter writing: “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.”

“Gilbert Gottfried was never not funny,” comedian Dane Cook tweeted. “He was a lovely guy, always friendly & made many people happy.”

Gottfried is survived by his wife, Dara Kravitz, and two children. 

Reference:The Guardian:  Benjamin Lee