Gilbert Gottfried Tributes Pour in From Hollywood: ‘Hilarious & Irreplaceable’ but a ‘Softie on the Inside’
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Gilbert Gottfried’s death on Tuesday was met with a flood of reactions from actors, comedians, and others who had worked with or met the prolific performer over the years. Known for his iconic voice and stand-up delivery, along with voiceover roles in shows and films like “Aladdin,” Gottfried died from complications related to muscular dystrophy.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,” his family wrote in a statement posted on his Twitter account. “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.”
Gottfried’s five-decade comedy career – which began at the ripe age of 15 – ushered him through some of entertainment’s most vaunted venues, from “SNL” and Hollywood backlots to celebrity roasts and game shows. Now, his admirers and colleagues are sharing their memories of Gottfried on social media.
“Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver posted a clip from a segment featuring Gottfried, writing, “Gilbert Gottfried was the best. We once decided to punish UK audiences for their law prohibiting the use of parliamentary footage in comedy programs, by having him read Brexit legalese and Bigfoot erotica. Stick around till he gets to the erotica.”
Gilbert Gottfried was the best. We once decided to punish UK audiences for their law prohibiting the use of parliamentary footage in comedy programs, by having him read Brexit legalese and Bigfoot erotica. Stick around till he gets to the erotica.https://t.co/4Zu0zPNGUi
— Last Week Tonight (@LastWeekTonight) April 12, 2022
Fellow late night host Jon Stewart recalled opening for Gottfried a stand-up show early in his career. “He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…Damn,” 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…Damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 12, 2022
“CODA” star Marlee Matlin shared a picture of herself onstage with Gottfried at an awards show along with a heartfelt message. “I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried,” she tweeted. “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”.
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
TMZ remembered Gottfried with a classic video of the actor pretending to shun the paparazzi. In the clip, he climbs onboard a TMZ tour bus and joking yells at the passengers, “Can’t I have privacy? Just because I happen to be a mega-star, a worldwide international sex symbol and I don’t feel I should be followed around like this!”
Remembering Gilbert Gottfried, the comedy legend and self-proclaimed "international sex symbol" who always had a smile or a joke for us. We'll miss you. #RIP pic.twitter.com/NNGPpvitoY
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 12, 2022
In an email to TheWrap, the National Comedy Center looked back on Gottfried’s extensive accomplishments. “Gilbert Gottfried was brilliantly talented, absolutely fearless and beloved by the comedy community and his loyal fans. There was no line he wouldn’t cross – as long as it was funny,” executive director Journey Gunderson wrote. “From stand-up to television and film, from animated characters to podcast host, Gilbert put an indelible stamp on everything he did. We were thrilled to tour him through the National Comedy Center a few years ago and honored to preserve much of his work here in our museum.”
Read on for more tributes to the celebrated comic.
I don’t think I ever laughed as hard as I did sitting on a flight to LA across from Gilbert once in the early 90’s.He would do something funny and not stop till you stopped laughing. God he was funny. So funny.
Sending love to his family. #RipGilbertGottfreid— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 12, 2022
He was a unique voice in comedy on so many levels. Unpredictable, one-of-a-kind, hilarious & irreplaceable! Thank you for the lifetime of laughs, sir.#RIP_GilbertGottfried
— Mark Hamill (@MarkHamill) April 12, 2022
rest in peace to Gilbert Gottfried who has probably the best sequence in game show history on Hollywood Squares. if you're not an old hag like me who remembers the rules, both contestants needed his square to secure the 5-square win, but he decided to troll both of them pic.twitter.com/Egzyzygudd
— manny (@mannyfidel) April 12, 2022
RIP to one of the greats, Gilbert Gottfried. His impression of Jesus on @Drinkin_Bros was the hardest I’ve ever heard @danhollaway laugh.
— Ross Patterson (@StJamesStJames) April 12, 2022
So sad to hear of Gilbert Gottfried’s passing. He joined me in the booth a few years ago. Saw the strikeout sign in LF with 3 SOs posted. Screamed out, “Why does it say KKK out there? What the heck kind of a joint did you bring me to!” One of the greats. I was a big fan. RIP.
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) April 12, 2022
The world just got a lot quieter… and a lot less funny. Gilbert Gottfried was kindred soul. We made two movies with him, a cartoon tv series & did his podcast whenever possible. Sending love to his wife Dara, his kids, and his good pal Frank Santopadre. “Too soon” indeed. pic.twitter.com/0aKPWN6Org
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) April 12, 2022
This made me very sad. He was a true original. Brilliant too. He will be so missed. https://t.co/bU1JSk8o7U
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) April 12, 2022
Oh!! What a unique and awesome comedian, actor you were! Always captured my attention. Rest well!
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 12, 2022
He brought laughter into homes across generations with his unforgettable comedic style and voice… RIP Gilbert Gottfried. https://t.co/7RbCHKUcYm
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) April 12, 2022
Gilbert was hilarious and was super nice when I had the privilege of interviewing him. Plus, I was able to get him to call me a schmuck. RIP Gilbert Gottfried. pic.twitter.com/y6WDzetn3w
— Grant Random (@GrantRandom) April 12, 2022
The most underrated comedian of all time, a wonderful friend, husband & father. I will miss you. The world just got a lot less funny.#Rip #gilbertgottfried pic.twitter.com/Tu1lLvvGJe
— David Steinberg (@david_steinberg) April 12, 2022
I made Gilbert Gottfried laugh hard once. I've carried that around as a private badge of honor for years.
As a child of the 80s, he was always one of my late night heroes. No matter what thing he did, he was always also the Up All Night guy to me.
He will ABSOLUTELY be missed.— C. Robert Cargill (@Massawyrm) April 12, 2022
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
GILBERT GOTTFRIED YOU MAKE ME LAUGH EVERYTIME I SEE YOU. THE COMEDY WORLD BROKEN BECAUSE YOU CARE SO MUCH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA pic.twitter.com/841H0pTB3I
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 12, 2022
the funniest person I've ever known. There will never be another like him. RIP Gilbert Gottfried pic.twitter.com/pEAL8QR5pH
— Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) 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
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
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
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.
— Joy-Ann (Pro-Democracy) Reid
(@JoyAnnReid) 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
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
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) 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 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
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.— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) 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
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
On the set of Problem Child 2. Dear, sweet, hilarious Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/vqvLHqr7Zj
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) April 12, 2022
Madrid, 1985. We were constantly being mistaken for one another so we developed an idea for a sitcom, starring us, called Thicker Than Water. We would play twin brothers: my character was a surgeon, his an NBC page. Nobody bit but it still makes me laugh.
— Curtis Armstrong (@curtisisbooger) April 12, 2022