Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Kathy Griffin, More Remember Gilbert Gottfried: “A Softie on the Inside”
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Hollywood is sending condolences after Gilbert Gottfried’s family announced Tuesday that the comedian passed away at the age of 67.
In a message posted to social media, the star’s “heartbroken” family praised him as a “wonderful husband, brother friend and father to his two young children.” The post continued, “Although today is a sad day for us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert’s honor.”
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In addition to his stand-up, Gottfried was known for appearing as a castmember on Saturday Night Live and for roles in films such as Problem Child and Dr. Doolittle and for voicing Iago in Disney’s 1992 animated movie Aladdin.
Jason Alexander paid tribute to Gottfried on Twitter just before the comedian’s family shared their message. “Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily,” the Seinfeld star wrote. “What a gift.”
Oscar winner Marlee Matlin tweeted that she had met Gottfried several times and described him as “Funny, politically correct but a softie on the inside.”
Jennifer Tilly, who co-starred with him on the 1999 film Goosed, called Gottfried “a brilliant comedian and just the sweetest guy.”
In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, director David Steinberg said, “The most underrated comedian of all time, a wonderful friend, husband & father. I will miss you. The world just got a lot less funny.”
Additional messages follow from Conan O’Brien, Kathy Griffin, George Takei, Dane Cook, Michael Ian Black and other industry names.
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
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
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
Gilbert, I don’t want to believe this. I loved him. I’m heartbroken for his beautiful family. Say it ain’t so. For almost 40 years his spectacular comedy blew me away.
You can’t be funnier. My God, all who experienced him are crushed. Say it ain’t so.🙏♥️ https://t.co/pO3HW36ta7— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) April 12, 2022
I shall miss you, my friend, my sometimes foil, my always pain in my side, usually from the belly laughs. The heavens are a great deal louder with you out there now, I’m sure. Keep ‘em shaking their heads and smiling, Gilbert. https://t.co/Wv1UGlKCQy
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) April 12, 2022
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
I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside. We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my intepreter @655jack(they're like twins). Sending love to Dara & his children. RIP #gilbertgottfried pic.twitter.com/R4mxWBRsNo
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 12, 2022
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
Rip Gilbert Gottfried, a brilliant comedian and just the sweetest guy. We worked together on “Goosed.” Everybody adored him. https://t.co/r37FeFjxjo
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 12, 2022
Sad to hear of the passing of the groundbreaking and legendary Gilbert Gottfried. Here was the last time I saw you in Miami. My condolences to the family and friends of this genius comic, artist, and provocateur. Comedy mourns tonight. #comedy 🙏 🙏 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F3oIp81lmy
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) April 12, 2022
Take some time today and watch the documentary about Gilbert Gottfried. Gilbert Trailer I Documentary https://t.co/dXDrx6QWSO via @YouTube it’s on @PlutoTV
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 12, 2022
Just a super nice person. With a scathing wit. And I was always honored when he aimed that wit at me. He was both new school & old school at the same time. Rest In Peace Gilbert Gottfried. https://t.co/AcAn8K5l0L
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) April 12, 2022
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gilbert
A great comic and a wonderful guy
RIP https://t.co/u9zJ4FvfiT— Diedrich Bader (@bader_diedrich) April 12, 2022
On the set of Problem Child 2. Dear, sweet, hilarious Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/vqvLHqr7Zj
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) April 12, 2022
Posting this to laugh while I cry. That time I got to Gilbert Gottfried with Gilbert Gottfried at COMICON, back in the #AMJoy days. What a great and funny guy. Rest in peace and deepest condolences to his family. 😔😢 pic.twitter.com/p89vfJnVMO
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid 😷 (@JoyAnnReid) April 12, 2022
The sandwiches are free in heaven. RIP Gilbert.
— Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) April 12, 2022
R.I.P. Gilbert Gottfried. What a funny guy, so many laughs over all these years! https://t.co/Qz3atvYCwF
— robliefeld (@robertliefeld) April 12, 2022
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