Comedian Gilbert Gottfried has died aged 67.
The star’s family confirmed he had passed away following a long illness.
Gilbert was well-known and loved for playing the parrot called Lago in Disney’s Aladdin.
The family’s statement 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 possibly in Gilbert’s honour. Love, the Gottfried family.”
(Image: WireImage)
Three of Gilbert’s most prominent roles came consecutively in the years 1990, 1991, and 1992.
The star was cast as the adoption agent Igor Peabody in Problem Child and Problem Child 2 and the parrot Iago in Aladdin.
At the time, when asked how he prepared for the role, he joked: “I did the whole DeNiro thing. I moved to South America! I lived in the trees!”
He also reprised the comical parrot role in Aladdin: The Return of Jafar, Aladdin and the King of Thieves, along with TV series spin-offs.
Gilbert also voiced the character of Berkeley Beetle in 1994’s Thumbelina.
Fans of the comic took to Twitter to share their condolences and sadness about the star’s passing.
One user said: “rest in peace to the one and only king”
Another added: Aw no way! He was certainly a character with his high pitched squeaky voice routine. I think he made a recent appearance on @Svengoolie RIP Gilbert.”
While a third penned: “NOOOOOOO THIS CANT BE REALNOOOOOOO THIS CANT BE REAL”
“Awww no,” shared another with a crying emoji.
Gilbert left behind a loving family and will be missed by them, his friends and his adoring fanbase.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
