Gilbert Gottfried has died. He was 67 years old.
The actor and comedian’s family announced the sad news on his official Twitter account Tuesday, alongside a photo of Gottfried.
“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,” they added.
Gottfried’s longtime friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz tells PEOPLE in an official statement, “Beloved and iconic comedian Gilbert Gottfried passed away at 2:35 p.m. ET on April 12, 2022, from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II.”
Known for his work in comedy films and as Iago in Disney’s 1992 classic Aladdin, Gottfried was instantly recognizable for his over-the-top, exaggerated voice.
Among the tributes pouring in to the comedic legend was one from former costar Jason Alexander.
“Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily,” Alexander tweeted Tuesday. “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,” he added.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Dara, 14-year-old daughter Lily, 12-year-old son Max, sister Karen and nephew Graham.
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He was weird but funny and likable, at least to me. God be with him! I’ll bet he got the “Jab of the Beast”! We will be experiencing many, many, many more deaths as the sheeple that were foolish enough to take the NWO depopulation plan!