Gilbert Gottfried, 67, Passes Away

American comedian and actor, Gilbert Gottfried, has passed away at the age of 67.

In a statement shared on his Twitter page on Tuesday, 12 April, Gottfried’s family confirmed the tragic news.

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

According to the comedian’s rep, Glenn Schwartz, his client died from ventricular tachycardia, a heart anomaly arising from myotonic dystrophy type II.

Known for his shrill, grating voice and his raunchiness, Gottfried began his stand-up comedy career when he was 15. He performed on the New York City comedy circuit for years before appearing on one season of “Saturday Night Live” in 1980.

Thereafter, he appeared in a variety of comedy films such as ‘Beverly Hills Cop II” and “Problem Child”. He is also well-known for playing Iago the sarcastic parrot in Disney’s “Aladdin” franchise.

Gottfried is survived by his wife, Dara, and their two children, Lily and Max.

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