Comedians Remember Gilbert Gottfried on What Would Be His 70th Birthday

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 28, 2025 — Celebrating what would have been his 70th birthday, the legacy of comedian Gilbert Gottfried echoes through heartfelt tributes from friends and fellow entertainers. Gottfried, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 67 due to Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2, was a unique voice in comedy, known for his outrageous humor and unforgettable characters.

Gottfried gained fame for voicing the parrot Iago in Disney’s animated film Aladdin and created a storied career that included stand-up performances, television roles, and appearances in films like Beverly Hills Cop II and Problem Child. He was a fixture on stages across the country, showcasing a surreal style that intertwined dark humor with poignant social commentary.

Richard Kind, a long-time friend and fellow comedian, shared memories of seeing Gottfried perform at The Improv. “He defied the audience not to laugh, always escalating his humor until people were dying with laughter or leaving the room,” Kind recalled. Kind noted that Gottfried’s excessive defiance was emblematic of his audacious comedy style.

Frank Santopadre, Gottfried’s podcast co-host, reminisced about one of Gilbert’s standout bits. “He would tell this elaborate story about encountering aliens that resonated with audiences who were in on the joke,” Santopadre said. “Gilbert had a unique ability to make odd references that spoke directly to his niche fans.”

Comedian Lewis Black recalled his early experiences with Gottfried, noting his penchant for improvisation. “I saw him at Catch a Rising Star in the 1980s. He would perform with nothing but two carry trays, doing ten minutes of improving! It was funny beyond belief,” Black said.

Tributes poured in from a diverse range of figures in the comedy community. Whoopi Goldberg described Gottfried as “a singular comic with no one like him.” Penn Jillette reminisced about their shared humor. “Gilbert was one of my closest friends and his humor was a reflection of a voice we’ll never hear again,” Jillette remarked.

As the world remembers Gilbert Gottfried, his wife, Dara, has also taken steps to honor his memory. Last year, she released a book that includes personal stories and moments from their life together, with proceeds supporting Myotonic Dystrophy research.

Gottfried’s comic legacy continues to be celebrated, with friends and fans honoring his contributions to comedic art and the indelible mark he left on all who heard his unforgettable voice.