Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Gottfried (February 20, 1955 – April 11, 2022) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and voice artist renowned for his distinctive raspy voice, provocative comedic style, and seemingly boundless energy on stage. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gottfried began his comedy career in the late 1970s, quickly developing a reputation for absurdist, stream-of-consciousness humor that defied conventional comedy structures. His stand-up work earned him appearances on major television programs and a devoted cult following among comedy enthusiasts who appreciated his fearless, unpredictable approach. Gottfried achieved mainstream recognition as the voice of Iago, the parrot in Disney's 'Aladdin' (1992), a role that introduced his distinctive voice to audiences worldwide and became his most commercially successful work. Beyond voice acting, he appeared in numerous films and television shows, often playing eccentric or comedic characters. He was also known for his appearances on Howard Stern's radio show and his regular commentary on pop culture and celebrity gossip. A prolific performer, Gottfried maintained an active stand-up schedule throughout his career, recording numerous comedy albums and performing at comedy clubs and festivals internationally. His sudden death in April 2022 shocked the comedy community, which mourned the loss of an original voice who had entertained audiences for decades with his unique sensibility and uncompromising artistic vision.