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Sad news today for any fans of the 1994 movie Aladdin or the Aladdin character Iago. The iconic comedian Gilbert Gottfried, who voiced Iago, has just passed away at the age of 67.
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried was a well-known comedian, whose distinctive voice made him an excellent voice actor and an instantly recognizable comic. Gottfried’s family shared the news on Twitter, saying the following: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness.” The exact illness was not specified.
The Gottfried family also cited Gilbert’s status as “the most iconic voice in comedy” and his achievements in his personal life as “a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to his two young children”. The family is grieving, but asked that Gottfried’s fans “please keep laughing as loud as possible” in honor of the iconic comedian.
Iago, voiced by GIlbert Gottfried in Aladdin. Credit: Disney
Gilbert Gottfried’s talents as a voice actor and his distinct voice suited the character Iago (a bird in Aladdin and the Disney villain Jafar’s sarcastic sidekick) perfectly, making Gilbert Gottfried a household name among Disney fans despite the adult humor that he focused on when working as a comedian.
Gilbert Gottfried also voiced the Aflac duck until 2011. Journalist Ashley Carter pointed out a poignant Tweet from Gilbert Gottfried that was posted in January, in which he referenced the passing of his friends Bob Saget and Louie Anderson. “This photo is very sad now. RIP Bob Saget and RIP Louie Anderson. Both good friends that will be missed” the post read.
This tweet from January is even sadder now. https://t.co/6eM4vUf7En
— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) April 12, 2022
Comedian Jason Alexander, who is best known for his Seinfeld role as George Castanza, also shared the news about Gilbert Gottfried’s passing on Twitter. “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”, Jason Alexander 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. #ripGilbertGottfried
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 12, 2022
