Gilbert Gottfried's family announces heartbreaking news on social media
Actor and comedian Gilbert Gottfried died on Tuesday at the age of 67 after a prolonged illness, according to a statement released by his family.
Best known for voicing the animated character Iago in the hit 1992 film Aladdin and the Aflac Insurance duck mascot, the comedian had a very distinctive and harsh voice.
"We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear Gilbert Gottfried after a prolonged illness," Gottfried's family wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.
The statement continues, "In addition to being the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a wonderful husband, brother, friend and father to their two young children."
"Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as out loud as possible in honor of Gilbert," it adds.
— Gilbert Gottfried (@RealGilbert) April 12, 2022
Gottfried's cause of death was revealed in another statement issued to People magazine by the stand-up comedian's longtime friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz.
"Dear and iconic comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away on April 12, 2022 at 2:35 p.m. ET from recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II," Schwartz said.
The late comedian shares 14-year-old daughter Lily and 12-year-old son Max with wife Dara Kravitz.