Actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried has died at age 67.
In a statement released by his publicist and longtime friend Glenn Schwartz, Gottfried died from recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, a disorder that affects the heart.
News of the comedian’s passing prompted a wave of tributes online from the show business world, with many remembering him fondly for his love of the comedy craft.
Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin called him “politically incorrect but a softie on the inside”, while director Judd Apatow said there was “nobody funnier”.
Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander called Gottfried “a gift”, while actor Seth MacFarlane said he was “equally kind and humble”.
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). Sending love to Dara & his children. RIP #gilbertgottfried pic.twitter.com/R4mxWBRsNo
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 12, 2022
Nobody was funnier than @RealGilbert on a roll. He could put you into convulsive hysterics. He was also the sweetest man. His podcast is a comedy treasure. What a terrible loss. Sending my condolences and love to Dara and his family. https://t.co/qdZQV1A6sC
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 12, 2022
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
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh so hard that day on set, I could barely do my job. A wholly original comic, and an equally kind and humble guy behind the scenes. He will be missed. https://t.co/93cKB6KEg8
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried first rose to national notoriety with frequent appearances on MTV in its early days and with a brief stint in the cast of Saturday Night Live in the 1980s.
Gottfried also did frequent voice work for children’s television and movies, most famously playing the parrot Iago in Disney’s 1992 film Aladdin.
In a moving moment of tribute, the New York cast of Broadway’s Aladdin the Musical production paid tribute to the man who brought so much joy to the original film.
Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago, stepped forward, still in costume, saying, “We’d like to take a moment to salute a comedy legend. A funny man with an indelible voice. The man who breathed life into Iago for the animated film, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried.”
Rivera continued, “I along with five other actors worldwide have the distinct privilege to bring Iago to life on stage and I think one of the main reasons this character is who he is, is because of what Gilbert brought to the animated film: his comedy and that voice.”
“Mr. Gottfried, thank you for the laughs.”
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.