On Tuesday, April 12, comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away at the age of 67.
His family posted a statement to his Instagram account, which read, “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. Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor. Love, the Gottfried family.”
It was later confirmed that Gilbert Gottfried succumbed to a genetic heart condition. The “Aladdin” voice actor leaves behind his wife, Dara Kravitz, a daughter named Lily, and a son named Max.
Although comedian Bob Saget passed away suddenly in early January after sustaining blunt head trauma, his widow Kelly Rizzo still paid tribute to their close friend in his place.
Kelly Rizzo Reflects On Gilbert Gottfried’s And Bob Saget’s ‘Special Friendship’
Bob loved Gilbert so dearly, they had a special friendship. As he did with everyone in this photo. And sending my love to my wonderful friend Jeff as Gilbert’s loss is beyond painful for him. Thinking of Dara his amazing &strong wife right now. Much love & support to his family. pic.twitter.com/P5QLoK9vjc
— Kelly Rizzo (@EatTravelRock) April 13, 2022
On Wednesday, one day after Gottfried passed away, Kelly Rizzo tweeted, “Bob loved Gilbert so dearly, they had a special friendship. As he did with everyone in this photo. And sending my love to my wonderful friend Jeff as Gilbert’s loss is beyond painful for him. Thinking of Dara his amazing &strong wife right now. Much love & support to his family.”
With Norm MacDonald’s passing in 2021, and Bob Saget and Gilbert Gottfried’s passing this year, many are feeling for Jeff Ross, who has had to say goodbye to too many friends.
— Jeff Ross (@realjeffreyross) April 12, 2022
Jeff Ross paid tribute to his friend after his passing with a simple photo of the two together on Twitter.
More Comedians Pay Tribute To The Late Gilbert Gottfried
Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift. I did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family. #ripGilbertGottfried
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 12, 2022
“Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander tweeted, “Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift. I did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family. #ripGilbertGottfried”
RIP Gilbert. Opening for Gilbert Gottfried at Carolines and Princeton Catch was one of the great thrills of my early stand up life. He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…Damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 12, 2022
Former “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart tweeted, “RIP Gilbert. Opening for Gilbert Gottfried at Carolines and Princeton Catch was one of the great thrills of my early stand up life. He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…D—.”
Rest In Peace Gilbert Gottfried! First time I saw him live he did his Jackie Kennedy bit: “Jackie do you remember where you were…” in front of drunk Bruins fans at Nicks. #RIPGilbertGottfried https://t.co/9w0offZEZG
— Bill Burr (@billburr) April 12, 2022
Comedian Bill Burr tweeted, “Rest In Peace Gilbert Gottfried! First time I saw him live he did his Jackie Kennedy bit: “Jackie do you remember where you were…” in front of drunk Bruins fans at Nicks. #RIPGilbertGottfried”
Gilbert would be the first one to make a joke about this picture today. The first. And he would not hold back. https://t.co/B8hszsDGcI
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) April 12, 2022
Kathy Griffin tweeted, “Gilbert would be the first one to make a joke about this picture today. The first. And he would not hold back.”
Sending love to @RealGilbert’s wife Dara, his family & fans. Gilbert Gottfried was never not funny. He was a lovely guy, always friendly & made many people happy.
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) April 12, 2022
Dane Cook tweeted, “Sending love to @RealGilbert’s wife Dara, his family & fans. Gilbert Gottfried was never not funny. He was a lovely guy, always friendly & made many people happy.”
I saw Gilbert perform in 1985 and when he entered to applause he said, “Thank you, thank you very much.” He then continued to say “thank you” repeatedly for ten full minutes. It was the nerviest, funniest thing I had seen. So sorry to lose this sweet and delightfully funny man.
— Conan O’Brien (@ConanOBrien) April 12, 2022
Conan O’Brien tweeted, “I saw Gilbert perform in 1985 and when he entered to applause he said, ‘Thank you, thank you very much.”’He then continued to say ‘thank you’ repeatedly for ten full minutes. It was the nerviest, funniest thing I had seen. So sorry to lose this sweet and delightfully funny man.”
