Gilbert Gottfried: Hollywood Mourns Loss of Iconic Comedian
By JENNA ANDERSON - April 12, 2022 05:02 pm EDT
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The entertainment industry mourned a tragic loss on Tuesday, when it was revealed that actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried has passed away at the age of 67. The news was originally revealed by fellow actor Jason Alexander, before subsequently being confirmed through a statement from Gottfried's family on the actor's official social media account. Gottfried became an icon in the entertainment world for his unique voice, which he lent to . A prolific comedian, actor, and podcaster, Gottfried charmed generations of with his stand-up comedy, his appearances on shows like Hollywood Squares and the Comedy Central Roast, and animated performances such as Iago in Aladdin, Digit LeBoid in Cyberchase, and the Aflac Duck.
"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness," the family's 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. 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."
In the time since Gottfried's passing was announced, entertainers from all corners of Hollywood have taken to social media to mourn the actor, and to share various stories of their time with him. Here are just a few of those reactions.
Jason Alexander
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
Judd Apatow
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
Tiffany Haddish
This is a sad day.
https://t.co/Ed7VbNPOTX— Tiffany Haddish (@TiffanyHaddish) April 12, 2022
Marlee Matlin
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
Jennifer Tilly
Rip Gilbert Gottfried, a brilliant comedian and just the sweetest guy. We worked together on “Goosed.” Everybody adored him.
https://t.co/r37FeFjxjo— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 12, 2022
Bill Burr
Rest In Peace Gilbert Gottfried! First time I saw him live he did his Jackie Kennedy bit: “Jackie do you remember where you were…” in front of drunk Bruins fans at Nicks. #RIPGilbertGottfried
https://t.co/9w0offZEZG— Bill Burr (@billburr) April 12, 2022
John Stewart
RIP Gilbert. Opening for Gilbert Gottfried at Carolines and Princeton Catch was one of the great thrills of my early stand up life. He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…Damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 12, 2022
Ethan Page
Heartbroken to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried
A legendary voice of my childhood
Thank you @RealGilbert ❤️
Ive watched Aladdin 1,000,000 times pic.twitter.com/WT5yHsswQh
— “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) April 12, 2022
C. Robert Cargill
I made Gilbert Gottfried laugh hard once. I've carried that around as a private badge of honor for years.
As a child of the 80s, he was always one of my late night heroes. No matter what thing he did, he was always also the Up All Night guy to me.
He will ABSOLUTELY be missed.
— C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) April 12, 2022
Joy-Ann Reid
Posting this to laugh while I cry. That time I got to Gilbert Gottfried with Gilbert Gottfried at COMICON, back in the #AMJoy days. What a great and funny guy. Rest in peace and deepest condolences to his family. 😔😢 pic.twitter.com/p89vfJnVMO
