Gilbert Gottfried, 67, dies after a long illness

His family announced the passing of the actor best known for his voice and stand-up comic talents on Tuesday.

Gilbert Gottfried, the comedian and “Aladdin” star who was one of Hollywood’s most iconic voices, died after a long illness, according to his family. The comedian was 67 years old.

“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,” his family wrote on Twitter.

Gottfried voiced Iago the parrot in Disney’s animated film “Aladdin” in 1992, among many other long-standing film and TV roles. From 1994 to 1995, he also portrayed Iago in the Disney animated series. As a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” for 12 episodes from 1980 to 1981, Gottfried got his first big break.

After appearing regularly on Alan Thicke‘s late-night talk show “Thicke of the Night,” he gave his voice (both in-person and via his memorable and recognizable voice) to a wide range of series such as “Night Court,” “Bonkers,” “Living Single,” “The Ren & Stimpy Show,” “Duckman,” “Wings,” “Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat,” and more. He voiced Digit LeBoid in the animated PBS Kids series “Cyberchase“, as well as Kraang Subprime in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

Through 2011, he was the voice of the Aflac duck for Aflac insurance company. Featuring celebrity interviews, discussions of classic movies and TV, and many of his comic insights from decades in the business, he has hosted the podcast “Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast” since 2014.

Neil Berkeley directed the documentary “Gilbert” in 2017 about his life and work.

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