Today, the family of actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried announced his death at 67 years old due to an undisclosed illness.
In announcing his death, the family also took the time to praise Gottfried for his work in comedy and his efforts as a family man. Gottfried may be best known for his standup and for his voiceover work as Iago in the animated version of Aladdin and the Aflac Duck.
New of Gottfried's death was announced by the comedian's family through his official Twitter account. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness," reads the statement. "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."
Like most well-known comedians from back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Gottfried got his start on Saturday Night Live in 1980, and his work there kickstarted his long-lasting career in show business. Besides his work as a comedian, actor, and voice actor, Gottfried also hosted a podcast titled Gilbert Gottfried's Amazing Colossal Podcast, which featured discussions either on films or celebrity interviews every week that usually featured a different guest. Gottfried was such a popular name in Hollywood that a documentary film about his life, titled Gilbert, was released in 2017.
People will remember Gottfried for his grating voice, which amazingly was not his natural voice, more than anything. However, what may fall under the radar was that, for better or worse, Gottfried was never one to shy away from making a crude joke, no matter how insensitive it came off at times. When it came to comedy, Gottfried was one who stuck to his guns and never conformed no matter what kind of backlash he faced for it. Even if he definitely took it too far at times, not once did it deter how he approached his material. Love him or hate him, that was respectable.
It's that kind of courage that aspiring comedians should take note of. Obviously, in modern days, comedians do have to look out for when they may be crossing a line with their jokes. At the same time, they shouldn't have to censor themselves entirely because their material *might* be seen as offensive to their audience. Gottfried understood that some may not take too kindly to his standup, and he never cared. That's why, up until the day he died, Gottfried still had a significant platform with a committed audience. Rest in peace, Mr. Gottfried.
Aladdin can currently be watched on Disney Plus.
Source: Gilbert Gottfried/Twitter