On Tuesday the family of Gilbert Gottfried announced on Twitter that the famed comedian had lost his battle with type two myotonic dystrophy and had passed away. The family added at the end of the statement, in both appropriate and heartbreaking fashion, that fans should “keep laughing as loud as possible” as a way to honor Gottfried.
Gottfried had quite a wide range of projects as he worked on both live-action and animated comedy films. He also gave voice to the famous Aflac insurance duck, all the while balancing his successful stand-up comedy career which brought him features on Saturday Night Live and numerous comedy specials. All of his work shared one thing in common, his crude sense of humor and iconic voice that filled audiences with laughter.
But most famously Gottfried lent his voice to Disney in the 1992 picture Aladdin. He played Iago, the scarlet macaw who was a devoted follower of Jafar, the film’s antagonist. Due to his inclusion in the film, Gottfried has played a role in the childhood of those who were children in the 90s, but also the kids who are watching the film today.
People tend to remember the things that make them laugh, and because of that people all over the world will be mourning this week as they honor Gottfried. His comedy work will forever be remembered as well as his role in Aladdin that will continue to entertain future generations.
Leave a Comment