The comedy community remembers Gilbert Gottfried
April 13, 2022 Andrew Buss Features, Gilbert Gottfried, News
In 2017, we interviewed Gilbert Gottfried about his documentary, Gilbert. At the end of the conversation, we asked him the question “What do you want your legacy to be?”. He took a beat, and then he had this to say.
“I hate [when someone asks ‘What do you want your legacy to be?’] because reporters and interviewers always ask this, and it goes right into the obituary. So I want my legacy to be ‘Oh my God. It’s 1,000 years later, and he’s STILL not dead.”
Sadly, he was just shy of his goal, as we all learned the sad news that Gilbert Gottfried passed away yesterday at the age of 67.
Gilbert Gottfried was one of the most unique and fresh voices to come out of the 80’s comedy boom. His voice, of course, was his main identifier, as was the fact that he never opened his eyes onstage. But it was matched with this manic, relentless energy that is best compared to a kid you tell not to touch the stove. No matter how many times you tell the kid not to touch the stove, it will just make the kid want to touch it more. And that was Gilbert.
But beyond that, there was a sweetness to him that can be seen in that documentary. Beyond what you saw onstage, at home he was a loving father and husband, with two kids and a wife who all adored him. The documentary showed the softer and more tender side to Gilbert. And for the first time, fans of the comedian got to see him without the persona, and talking in his naturally soft-spoken voice.
As news of his passing broke yesterday, the comedy and film community came out in droves to remember the legend for both things. As a sweet, gentle soul and also one of the most daring and funniest comedians of his time.
So sorry to hear about Gilbert Gottfried’s passing. Truly a funny, funny guy. So unique. He will be sorely missed.
— Mel Brooks (@MelBrooks) April 12, 2022
I saw Gilbert perform in 1985 and when he entered to applause he said, “Thank you, thank you very much.” He then continued to say “thank you” repeatedly for ten full minutes. It was the nerviest, funniest thing I had seen. So sorry to lose this sweet and delightfully funny man.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) April 12, 2022
Rest In Peace Gilbert Gottfried! First time I saw him live he did his Jackie Kennedy bit: “Jackie do you remember where you were…” in front of drunk Bruins fans at Nicks. #RIPGilbertGottfried https://t.co/9w0offZEZG
— Bill Burr (@billburr) April 12, 2022
Gilbert, I don’t want to believe this. I loved him. I’m heartbroken for his beautiful family. Say it ain’t so. For almost 40 years his spectacular comedy blew me away.
You can’t be funnier. My God, all who experienced him are crushed. Say it ain’t so.🙏♥️ https://t.co/pO3HW36ta7— Richard Lewis (@TheRichardLewis) April 12, 2022
RIP Gilbert. Opening for Gilbert Gottfried at Carolines and Princeton Catch was one of the great thrills of my early stand up life. He could leave you gasping for breath…just indescribably unusually hilarious…Damn.
— Jon Stewart (@jonstewart) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh so hard that day on set, I could barely do my job. A wholly original comic, and an equally kind and humble guy behind the scenes. He will be missed. https://t.co/93cKB6KEg8
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) April 12, 2022
Nobody was funnier than @RealGilbert on a roll. He could put you into convulsive hysterics. He was also the sweetest man. His podcast is a comedy treasure. What a terrible loss. Sending my condolences and love to Dara and his family. https://t.co/qdZQV1A6sC
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh at times when laughter did not come easily. What a gift. I did not know him well but I loved what he shared with me. My best wishes and sympathy to his family. #ripGilbertGottfried
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) April 12, 2022
Love to Dara, Lily and Max. I just got the terrible news about Gilbert Gottfried. We started out together. Before the comedy boom. If there was one single mean cell in his body, it was never made known to me. He is a golden soul. I don’t use past tense for the ones I love still.
— Rick Overton (@rickoverton) April 12, 2022
The first comedian I saw who would go on and all the other comics would go in the room to watch. “Boris Karloff being sarcastic” “Humphrey bogart at the post office” etc. @RealGilbert
— Colin Quinn (@iamcolinquinn) April 12, 2022
Even though Gilbert Gottfried was the funniest, he was the easiest "yes". He wasn't shameless, just the least pretentious person. Had a huge heart without a hint of sanctimony. This was special – Gilbert w/ a kid who learned to talk by imitating Iago. 4:15 https://t.co/fNIqjlE2iJ
— Triumph® ᴛʜᴇ ɪɴsᴜʟᴛ ᴄᴏᴍɪᴄ ᴅᴏɢ™ Headquarters💩 (@TriumphICDHQ) April 12, 2022
✨R.I.P. Gilbert Gottfried✨ #GilbertGottfried #RichardPryor #GeneWilder @RealGilbert pic.twitter.com/MLJPo6Duxl
— Richard Pryor (@richardpryor) April 12, 2022
On the set of Problem Child 2. Dear, sweet, hilarious Gilbert. pic.twitter.com/vqvLHqr7Zj
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) April 12, 2022
Fuck you, death. https://t.co/Fc4zXrlPw8
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) April 12, 2022
The world just got a lot quieter… and a lot less funny. Gilbert Gottfried was kindred soul. We made two movies with him, a cartoon tv series & did his podcast whenever possible. Sending love to his wife Dara, his kids, and his good pal Frank Santopadre. “Too soon” indeed. pic.twitter.com/0aKPWN6Org
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) April 12, 2022
I don’t think I ever laughed as hard as I did sitting on a flight to LA across from Gilbert once in the early 90’s.He would do something funny and not stop till you stopped laughing. God he was funny. So funny.
Sending love to his family. #RipGilbertGottfreid
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) April 12, 2022
RIP Gilbert Gottfried
I’m so sorry we did not have that last dinner
You were delightful— Treat Williams (@Rtreatwilliams) April 12, 2022
It was my honor to have met and interviewed and done bits with one of the greats. Rest In Peace, Gilbert Gottfried. #hardblackwax pic.twitter.com/6rgFQnt8aO
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) April 13, 2022
RIP GILBERT GOTTFRIED MAKE GOD UNCOMFORTABLE
— Doug Benson (@DougBenson) April 12, 2022
I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside. We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my intepreter @655jack(they're like twins). Sending love to Dara & his children. RIP #gilbertgottfried pic.twitter.com/R4mxWBRsNo
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried. A great comic. An entire human. #RIP
— Jackie Kashian (@jackiekashian) April 12, 2022
Rip Gilbert Gottfried, a brilliant comedian and just the sweetest guy. We worked together on “Goosed.” Everybody adored him. https://t.co/r37FeFjxjo
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 12, 2022
No one was funnier. No one was kinder. The news of Gilbert Gottfried’s passing leaves me at a loss for words, something Gilbert never had. All my love goes out to his wife Dara, their two children and all of Gilbert’s family and many, many friends. This was the first time we met. pic.twitter.com/uYNP3wD3XT
— Jake Fogelnest (@jakefogelnest) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried was the best. We once decided to punish UK audiences for their law prohibiting the use of parliamentary footage in comedy programs, by having him read Brexit legalese and Bigfoot erotica. Stick around till he gets to the erotica.https://t.co/4Zu0zPNGUi
— Last Week Tonight (@LastWeekTonight) April 12, 2022
Many years ago I was walking thorough Soho NYC and Gilbert Gottfried was sitting in a chair on a quiet sidewalk getting his hair cut. (Random, he wasn't outside a hair place.) I said "Mr. Gottfried, you're making a spectacle of yourself." He shrugged and said "I know…"
— James Urbaniak (@JamesUrbaniak) April 12, 2022
Sad to hear of the passing of the groundbreaking and legendary Gilbert Gottfried. Here was the last time I saw you in Miami. My condolences to the family and friends of this genius comic, artist, and provocateur. Comedy mourns tonight. #comedy 🙏 🙏 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F3oIp81lmy
— Tom Green (@tomgreenlive) April 12, 2022
RIP Gilbert Gottfried, who embodied the history of comedy, especially the most profane, helplessly gutbusting Jewish comedy, in every word, squint and shrug. He was a mensch and a demon, like a guy waiting for a bus in Miami spewing hilarity pic.twitter.com/8Ljb4hbLjs
— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) April 13, 2022
Big loss to the world of comedy. Gilbert Gottfried has left us. Fearless and hilarious!!! A truly lovely man, loved by all in comedy. May his memory be a blessing to his family, his friends & all he made laugh!
— Al Franken (@alfranken) April 12, 2022
TOO FUCKING SOON.
A true comic genius.
And a dear old friend who never failed to make me laugh in the darkest of times.
Man, do I need him now.
Love and strength to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/1tTgSOMpSb
— Paul Provenza (@PaulProvenza) April 12, 2022
RIP Gilbert Gottfried. A completely unique comedian and classic voice. Our contemporary connection to Comedy’s Old School. Forever a ‘50s and ‘60s guy. Not too many of us left. Seems like I just did his Sirius/Podcast. Will always be the legendary example of making miserable fun. https://t.co/7YFsZYxGj3
— Stevie Van Zandt (@StevieVanZandt) April 12, 2022
I’m so sad to hear Gilbert Gottfried left us. What a wonderful human and brilliant man he was .he loved film and artists and knew how to connect deeply to us. gratitude Gilbert Rest In Peace my friend
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) April 12, 2022
Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh so hard I fell onto the floor unable to breath.
Fearless,
Original,
Spontaneous,
Outrageous,
Brilliant,
and incredibly generous to all of his fellow comedians who could only marvel at his incomparable wit and delivery.
Thank u G for being so kind— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) April 13, 2022
I’m just heartbroken about Gilbert Gottfried’s passing. I had no idea he was battling an illness. He was a treasure; a hilarious, deeply feeling, mensch of a man. pic.twitter.com/v0fykzjjfx
— Alan Menken (@AIMenken) April 12, 2022
Lost another funny man today. RIP Gilbert Gottfried pic.twitter.com/pXFI0dIbFs
— Alonzo Bodden (@AlonzoBodden) April 12, 2022
#GilbertGottfried????? Wow!!! Just Wow!!! RIP one funny dude!!!! #TeamDl
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2022
Oh!! What a unique and awesome comedian, actor you were! Always captured my attention. Rest well!❤️https://t.co/YYarKOuqex
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) April 12, 2022
We love you @RealGilbert @RealGilbertACP Keep ‘em laughing!! Love, Dick & Arlenehttps://t.co/8AWDcatzm7
— Dick Van Dyke (@iammrvandy) April 12, 2022
Gilbert would be the first one to make a joke about this picture today. The first. And he would not hold back. https://t.co/B8hszsDGcI
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) April 12, 2022
I lost a friend today. @RealGilbert . The sweetest ,and most hysterically funny person .I can honestly say no one else made me laughed harder. Great friend, husband and https://t.co/T0Ox7iVYoM heart goes out to Dara and the kids. Science needs to put some focus on tinea pedis. pic.twitter.com/3L8oK1s8Kt
— Howie Mandel (@howiemandel) April 12, 2022
Absolutely gutted to hear about my friend Gilbert. One of the funniest guys ever. An enormous loss to the world of comedy. Much love to his friends and family.
— Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) April 12, 2022
Rest In Peace Sweet #GilbertGottfried ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8tOpP1v6F3
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) April 13, 2022
GILBERT GOTTFRIED YOU MAKE ME LAUGH EVERYTIME I SEE YOU. THE COMEDY WORLD BROKEN BECAUSE YOU CARE SO MUCH. I LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA pic.twitter.com/841H0pTB3I
— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) April 12, 2022
"Yes, Marlon Brando fucked Richard Pryor, Danny Thomas liked women to shit on him, Paul Lynde was an anti-semite, and Milton Berle's cock is exactly 12 and 3/4 inches long, is there anything else you'd like to know?" – God to Gilbert Gottfried at gates of heaven
— Matt Oswalt (@MattOswaltVA) April 12, 2022
Sweet @RealGilbert you’ve given so many people so much pleasure over the years. I’m happy in someway I was able to give you some as well. 😉💖 Rest in peace https://t.co/D7VAaEIJow #KeepLaughing. You are so loved. (*Tweet comedian approved) https://t.co/3DpYMm0IZI
— Meredith Salenger (@MeredthSalenger) April 12, 2022
