Gilbert Gottfried Has Died At 67
Some of us haven’t even fully gotten over the shock of losing Bob Saget unexpectedly back in January, and yet here we are, facing the unexpected news that an iconic comedian who also knew a thing or two about balancing family-friendly work with absolutely filthy joke-telling has left us far too soon. Gilbert Gottfried’s family has confirmed that after a long battle with a long illness, Gilbert has died at the age of 67.
This afternoon, Gilbert’s family released a statement to his official Twitter account, explaining what Gilbert was going through behind the scenes in his personal life, and that they’re “heartbroken” about his passing. However, they didn’t disclose what Gilbert was fighting against, which they didn’t have to do, because it’s truly no one’s business unless they decide it should be. They end by asking everyone to keep laughing loud in Gilbert’s honor. Consider it done. If anyone needs me, I’ll be alternating between the Comedy Central Roasts of Bob Saget and Joan Rivers.
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
Gilbert leaves behind his wife of fifteen years, Dara Kravitz, and two children Lily and Max.
Gilbert Gottfried has a long career that began in New York City, where he was born, and started when he was about 15 years old as a stand-up comedian. He was recognized by producers for Saturday Night Live, who cast him on the show when he was 25. Goofy-looking, funny, a native New Yorker, and started in stand-up – I guess you could say he was the Pete Davidson of his season. After appearing in 12 episodes, he left to begin a career in TV and film which was extensive, if not always appreciated (Gilbert was a two-time Razzie Award nominee). Almost every generation has an association with Gilbert Gottfried. He showed up in 80s comedies, like Beverly Hills Cop II and Bad Medicine, or the TV series Thicke of the Night. 90s kids knew Gilbert as what is maybe one of his most famous roles, as Iago the screechy, smart-mouthed parrot from Disney’s Aladdin (and literally all subsequent Aladdin-based properties, like the sequels, the animated series, and four Disney video games). And I have to mention that he was the first host of USA Up All Night.
Millennials and elder Gen-Z types also knew Gilbert from his trademark loud, ear-piercing voice, but because of literally the numerous TV voice over roles he performed, and his role as the Aflac life insurance company duck. He voiced the role until he made a joke about the 2011 earthquake disaster in Japan, which caused Aflac to demand he hand over his feathers and flippers and retire immediately (the duck remained, but from then on it was voiced by Daniel McKeague doing a Gilbert Gottfried impression). But Gilbert’s career wasn’t dead – he just wasn’t getting those sweet insurance commercial paychecks anymore. He continued to work, work, work, appearing in movies, on TV, lending his trademark voice to anyone who asked, showing up here and there on The Howard Stern Show, appearing in a documentary about his career called Gilbert, and hosting his own podcast since 2014, called Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast.
As mentioned by his family, Gilbert would want everyone to be laughing right now, but Gilbert himself managed to tweet out what might be one of the sweetest, saddest tributes to a comedy legend lost. Right after Bob Saget was joined in the afterlife by fellow icon of 80s stand-up comedy and TV great Louie Anderson, Gilbert posted the following picture, which will likely throw a lump in someone’s throat:
This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed. pic.twitter.com/DLJ8Ntt7LN
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) January 21, 2022
Rest in peace, Gilbert Gottfried.
Pic: INSTAR