Gilbert Gottfried was a comedy legend whose career spanned over four decades. Known for his sharp wit, unmistakable voice, and unforgettable performances, he left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. A beloved figure in stand-up comedy and voice acting, Gottfried passed away at the age of 67 on April 12, 2022, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. His family, including his two cherished children, Lily Aster Gottfried and Max Aaron Gottfried, carry forward his loving memory.
In a heartfelt statement shared across his social media platforms, the Gottfried family announced the sad news. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness," the message read. "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."
The cause of his death was revealed by his longtime friend and publicist, Glenn Schwartz, who explained that Gottfried succumbed to recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, a condition he had battled for years. Despite the challenges, Gottfried never let his health struggles dampen his spirit or hinder his passion for making people laugh.
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A close friend and podcast cohost, Frank Santopadre, fondly remembered Gilbert in a statement, saying, "Gilbert’s brand of humor was brash, shocking, and frequently offensive, but the man behind the jokes was anything but. Those who loved and knew him were fortunate enough to share his orbit and experienced a person who was sweet, sensitive, surprisingly shy, and filled with a childlike sense of playfulness and wonder. He’ll be dearly missed by family, friends, fans, and comedy lovers the world over. To quote Gilbert himself, 'Too soon!' "
Meet Gilbert Gottfried’s Beloved Family
Behind the scenes of his glittering career, Gilbert was a devoted family man. He married his wife, Dara Kravitz, in 2007, and the couple quickly expanded their family. Their daughter, Lily, was born the same year, bringing immense joy to both of them. Two years later, in 2009, they welcomed their son, Max, completing their little family unit. Gilbert often credited his children as a source of inspiration, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, where he collaborated with them on creative projects that kept his fans entertained.
Gilbert’s Daughter Lily: A Source of Pride
If you're a fan of Gilbert's work, you might recall the Gottfried family appearing on an episode of Celebrity Wife Swap in 2013. During the show, Gilbert and Dara shared how they met at a Grammys party in 1997 and later started their family together. In that episode, Lily proudly declared, "My dad is a bird in Aladdin," referring to Gilbert's iconic role as Iago in the 1992 Disney animated film.
Lily wasn't just a fan of her dad's work—she became an active participant in it. During the pandemic, Gilbert joined TBS’ Tournament of Laughs, where he worked alongside Lily and Max to create hilarious skits. Lily even introduced her father to TikTok, a platform that opened up new avenues for their creative collaboration. "My daughter, she’s on TikTok. So, she got me on TikTok, I have no idea what it is," Gilbert joked. "I’m like talking to somebody’s grandmother about TikTok. And she’ll say, 'I want you to do this little dance step,' which, of course, I can never do. So, I was already making stuff with her, and [the video] was like the next step."
Gilbert’s Son Max: A Tribute to Family Legacy
The meaning behind Max’s name was shared by Dara in an interview shortly after his birth. "Max is named after Gilbert’s father Max and my grandmother Mildred," she explained. "Our son was also born on his grandfather Max’s birthday! His middle name is after my grandfather Aaron." It’s clear that Max’s name carries deep significance, honoring both sides of his family.
Max has also formed a special bond with the son of another famous entertainer, Penn Jilette. In July 2019, Gilbert shared a photo of Max hanging out with Zolten, Penn’s son, showcasing the warm connections his children have made within the entertainment community.
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