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Gilbert Gottfried, one of the most recognizable voices in show business, has died after a long illness. He was 67.
“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,” the actor and comedian’s verified Twitter account shared on Tuesday in a statement.
“Although today is a sad day for us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor. Love the Gottfried family,” the statement concluded.
The esteemed performer died just after 2:30 pm ET on Tuesday from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II, his longtime friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz told Fox News Digital.
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Gilbert’s friend and podcast co-host Frank Santopadre said of Gilbert, “Gilbert’s brand of humor was brash, shocking and frequently offensive, but the man behind the jokes was anything but. Those who loved and him were fortunate enough to share his orbit knew a person who was sweet, sensitive, surprisingly shy and filled with a childlike sense of playfulness and wonder. He’ll be dearly missed by family, friends, fans and comedy-lovers the world over. To quote Gilbert himself, “Too soon!”
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Gottfried’s work in television soon led to roles in film. Most notable was his scene as business manager Sidney Bernstein in the hit sequel “Beverly Hills Cop II,” for which Gottfried was lauded for stealing the picture “with a single scene.”
Gottfried also did frequent voice work for children’s television and movies, most famously playing the parrot Iago in Disney’s “Aladdin.”
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Gottfried is survived by his wife Dara, daughter Lily, 14, son Max, 12, sister Karen and nephew Graham.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
