Gilbert Gottfried, the iconic comedian and voice actor whose career spanned five decades, died on April 12 at the age of 67, according to his family.
“After a long illness, we are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear Gilbert Gottfried,” said a statement released on Twitter. Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend, and father to his two young children, in addition to having the most legendary voice in comedy.”
“Although it is a terrible day for all of us, please continue to laugh as loudly as possible in Gilbert’s honor,” the family added.
According to his publicist, Glenn Schwartz, Gottfried died on April 12 from recurrent ventricular tachycardia caused by myotonic dystrophy type II. Ventricular Tachycardia is caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart’s lower chambers, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Gottfried began his career in stand-up comedy in New York City in the late 1970s. In 1980, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live and appeared in 12 episodes of the NBC sketch comedy show before going on to star in Beverly Hills Cop II and as a recurrent character on The Simpsons.
Gottfried was a talented actor who voiced several iconic pop culture figures, including Iago in Disney’s Aladdin film series and the Aflac duck. He was best known for his loud, over-the-top voice. Cyberchase, The Ren & Stimpy Show, Superman: The Animated Series, The Fairly OddParents, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are just a few of the shows in which he has voiced characters.
Gottfried also had a successful film career, acting in films like The Comedian’s Guide to Survival himself. Gilbert, a documentary on his life and career in the comedy industry, was published in 2017.
Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast, in which he analyzed films that influenced him as a person, was also hosted by Gottfried. On April 4th, the comic’s most recent new episode was released.
Many comedians have flocked to social media in the wake of Gottfried’s death to express their condolences.
“Gilbert Gottfried helped me laugh when I didn’t feel like laughing. What a wonderful present! “Sad to learn of the passing of the innovative and famous Gilbert Gottfried,” Tom Green tweeted.”
Opening for Gottfried was “one of the big delights of my early stand-up life,” according to Jon Stewart in a tribute. He went on to say of the late comic, “He can leave you panting for air… Just indescribably, unusually funny… Damn.”
Seth MacFarlane, who worked with Gottfried on two Family Guy episodes in 2007, tweeted, “Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh so hard on set that day, I could hardly perform my job.” “Behind the scenes, he’s an equally kind and humble guy. He’ll be sorely missed.”