Culture April 12, 2022

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, voice of Iago in 'Aladdin,' dead at 67

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Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who voiced the parrot Iago in Disney's 1992 animated film "Aladdin," has died. He was 67.

The news was shared on Gottfried's social media through a statement from his family.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness," the statement reads. "In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children."

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The family's statement concludes, "Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert's honor."

Gottfried is survived by his wife, Dara Kravitz, and their two children, his 14-year-old daughter Lily and his 12-year-old son Max.

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Gilbert Gottfried with his wife Dara, and childfren Max and Lily, attends the Bobby Rydell "Teen Idol On The Rocks: A Tale Of Second Chances" book release and birthday party, April 25, 2016, in New York City.

The comedian's longtime friend and publicist, Glenn Schwartz, said in a statement to ABC News that Gottfried died Tuesday afternoon from a heart condition caused by myotonic dystrophy type II, a type of muscular dystrophy.

Known for his gravelly-voiced, near shouting on-stage delivery -- as well as for his unflinching ability to "go there," tackling material that few other comedians would -- Gottfried began his stand-up career in the late 1970s in New York City.

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Gilbert Gottfried as Joseph Richman during the 'Tobacco Growers of America' skit on Saturday Night Live, November 22, 1980.

Gottfried was a "Saturday Night Live" cast member for season 6 of the iconic sketch comedy series and also appeared in 1987's "Beverly Hills Cop II." He was also the voice of the Aflac duck in commercials for the insurance company until 2011.

Social media was quick to start tributes to the comedian, including "Seinfeld" star Jason Alexander," who tweeted, "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."