Gilbert Gottfried

Gilbert Jeremy Gottfried (February 28, 1955 – April 12, 2022) was a singular voice in comedy whose career spanned several decades. His unique style and acerbic wit earned him both acclaim and controversy.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gottfried grew up surrounded by his family’s comedic influences. His mother worked as a dance instructor, and his sister Arlene Gottfried was also a comedian. This environment fostered Gilbert’s early interest in stand-up comedy and joke writing.

After dropping out of high school to pursue comedy full-time, Gottfried quickly gained recognition for his biting humor and unconventional style. He had his first television appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson at the age of 19, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Over the years, he became known for roles in films such as Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) and Saturday Night Fever (1977), alongside his work on television shows like The Gong Show.

Gottfried’s career continued to flourish with memorable performances in movies such as Mr. Deeds (2002) and Scooby-Doo!, where he voiced Daphne Blake’s dog, Scrappy-Doo. He was also recognized for his work on podcasts and as a voice actor, notably voicing the character of Iago in Aladdin.

Gottfried married twice, first to Donna Roberts (1983-1985) and then to Dara Gottfried, with whom he had a son named Max. His personal life was marked by public controversies, including an infamous 2011 incident at the Tribeca Film Festival where he made offensive jokes about victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami.

Despite facing criticism for his controversial statements, Gottfried remained a respected figure in comedy circles due to his talent and enduring influence. His death on April 12, 2022, from ventricular arrhythmia left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy as an irreverent and talented comedian continues.