Gilbert Gottfried dead: Comedian, actor dies at age 67
Global News
Gilbert Gottfried was a comedian for more than 50 years, having appeared on New York City comedy stages as young as age 15.
Popular comedian Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67, according to a post on social media written by his family.
“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,” it read.
Actor Jason Alexander inadvertently posted his condolences prior to the family announcement, which spread the news across social media.
“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,” said Gottfried’s longtime friend and publicist Glenn Schwartz in a statement.
Myotonic dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy, characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness, which can trigger a dangerously abnormal heartbeat.
Gottfried was born in 1955 in Brooklyn, the son of a hardware store owner and a stay-at-home mom. He performed comedy for more than 50 years, starting standup as young as age 15 in local New York City comedy clubs.
