Gilbert Gottfried, Wickedly Funny Comedian With a Singular Voice, Dead at 67
By Jon Blistein - Rolling Stone
Gilbert Gottfried, the wisecracking comedian with one of the most wonderfully unmistakable voices in Hollywood, has died. He was 67.
Gottfried’s family confirmed his death on social media, writing, “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness. 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.”
An additional statement from Gottfried’s longtime friend and publicist, Glenn Schwartz, said he suffered from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II.
With his raspy, high-pitched voice, Gottfried carved out an impressive career as a stand-up, actor, and voice over performer. He did everything from kids movies like Aladdin to commercials (he was famously voiced the duck mascot for Aflac Insurance), but he also frequently used his talents for brilliantly twisted means, like when he delivered a version of the infamous “Aristocrats” joke at a Hugh Hefner roast just weeks after the September 11 attacks.
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