The Broadway production of dedicated its Tuesday night performance to Gilbert Gottfried yesterday following a lengthy illness.
The comedian, who was 67, was known for his stand-up and voice roles throughout his career, and most famously that of wise-cracking and irate scarlet macaw Iago in ’s 1992 animated classic Aladdin.
Gottfried enjoyed the role so much, that he went on to voice all further animated appearances of Iago up until his death, which included direct-to-video sequels The Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, as well as the TV series.
Taking to the stage following the Aladdin curtain call at the New Amsterdam Theatre, Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago in the musical, told the crowd: ‘Tonight, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the life of a comedy legend. A funny man with an indelible voice. The man who breathed life into Iago for the animated film, Mr Gilbert Gottfried.
‘I along with five other actors worldwide have the distinct privilege to bring Iago to life on stage but I think one of the main reasons this character is who he is, is because of what Gilbert brought to the animated film: his comedy and that voice.’
Rivera went on to share a personal story of meeting Gottfried after a show, taking photos together and getting him to sign his VHS copy of Aladdin.
‘His eyes lit up like it was the magic lamp itself,’ Rivera recalled. ‘He signed it for me and it’s still one of my most treasured possessions.’
The actor went on: ‘Gilbert was really kind, and sweet, and surprisingly soft-spoken, and I know that he will be deeply missed by his friends and his fans. The Gottfried family posted on social media, “Although today is a very sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible to honour Gilbert.”
‘So, on behalf of the entire company here at Aladdin, Mr Gilbert Gottfried: Thank you for the laughs.’
The video of the production’s tribute to Gottfried was shared to the Disney On Broadway YouTube account and captioned: ‘We dedicate tonight’s performance to the incredible Gilbert Gottfried, the original voice of Iago in the 1992 animated film, Aladdin.
‘Thank you for your voice, your talent and your influence in Agrabah. You will be missed.’
Gottfried’s family confirmed his death in a statement released on Twitter, which 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.’
It continued: ‘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.’
The actor and comic, whose work also included Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Look Who’s Talking Too and his popular podacast, was known for his crude humour (away from Disney).
As the news of his death spread, he , including , Seth MacFarlane and Star Wars actor .
‘Gilbert was so sweet. Genuinely kind, a legend,’ said Oscars co-host Schumer in a post on her Instagram story, while Hamill praised him as ‘irreplaceable’.
‘Thank you for the lifetime of laughs, sir,’ he added.
