Comedian Gilbert Gottfried, voice of Iago in ‘Aladdin,’ dead at 67

Comic Gilbert Gottfried, who voiced the parrot Iago in Disney’s 1992 animated movie “Aladdin,” has died. He was 67.

The information was shared on Gottfried’s social media via a statement from his household.

“We’re heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after an extended sickness,” the assertion reads. “Along with being essentially the most iconic voice in comedy, Gilbert was a beautiful husband, brother, pal and father to his two younger kids.”

The household’s assertion concludes, “Though at present is a tragic day for all of us, please hold laughing as loud as doable in Gilbert’s honor.”

Gottfried is survived by his spouse, Dara Kravitz, and their two kids, his 14-year-old daughter Lily and his 12-year-old son Max.

The comic’s longtime pal and publicist, Glenn Schwartz, stated in a press release to ABC Information that Gottfried died Tuesday afternoon from a coronary heart situation attributable to myotonic dystrophy kind II, a sort of muscular dystrophy.

Identified for his gravelly-voiced, close to shouting on-stage supply — in addition to for his unflinching means to “go there,” tackling materials that few different comedians would — Gottfried started his stand-up profession within the late Seventies in New York Metropolis.

Gottfried was a “Saturday Night time Dwell” solid member for season 6 of the enduring sketch comedy sequence and in addition appeared in 1987’s “Beverly Hills Cop II.” He was additionally the voice of the Aflac duck in commercials for the insurance coverage firm till 2011.

Social media was fast to begin tributes to the comic, together with “Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander,” who tweeted, “Gilbert Gottfried made me giggle at instances when laughter didn’t come simply. What a present. I didn’t know him effectively however I cherished what he shared with me. My greatest needs and sympathy to his household.”