Comedian Gilbert Gottfried Dead at 67, Family Says He Had “a Long Illness”

Actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried, perhaps best known for his iconic and exaggerated voice, has died at 67, his family confirmed.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,” they said in a 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.”

Per Washington Post, his friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz said he died due to complications from muscular dystrophy.

Prior to the official confirmation of his passing, Seinfeld star and comedian Jason Alexander tweeted his condolences. “Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily,” he wrote. “What a gift. I did not know him well but Loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family.”

Outside of his stand-up work, Gottfried was also known for his voice acting career. Some of his most famous roles include the parrot Iago in Aladdin, Kraang in the 2014 series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Additionally, he voiced Aflaac’s duck mascot until 2011. He was briefly a Saturday Night Live cast member during its sixth season.