Gilbert Gottfried.Photo: Noam Galai/WireImage
Despite never acting in a stage musical,Gilbert Gottfriedleft an impact on Broadway.
On Tuesday, the cast ofAladdinon Broadwaytook time following a performance to pay tribute to the late comedian, whodied earlier the same dayat age 67 “after a long illness,” according to his family’sannouncementon Twitter.
Actor Don Darryl Rivera, who portrays Iago — the parrot character Gottfried voices in Disney’s 1992 animated film version ofAladdin— stood in front of the rest of the show’s cast and delivered a heartfelt speech about the formerSNLstar.
“Tonight, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the life of a comedy legend,” said the Broadway performer, “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,” continued Rivera, for whomAladdinmarks his Broadway debut, before speaking to Gottfried’s uniqueness. “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. That voice thatThe New York Times once said sounded ‘like a busted Cuisinart.'”
Recalling a time when Gottfried attended a performance ofAladdinand met Rivera and his castmates backstage, the actor said they took photos together before he presented the original Iago actor with a VHS tape of the film.
“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 honor Gilbert,'” said the actor before finishing his tribute. “So on behalf of the entire company here atAladdin, Mr. Gottfried, thank you for the laughs.”
On Wednesday, actor Jonathan Freeman — who voiced villain Jafar in 1992’sAladdin— spoke toPEOPLEabout his friendship with Gottfried. While they began their relationship as mere colleagues, the comedic pair launched into a friendship “between two of Disney’s most delicious villains” that lasted 31 years. “Losing a partner is never easy. It breaks my heart,” said Freeman. “Gilbert will be greatly missed. Jafar said it best… ‘I love the way your foul little mind works!'”
source: people.com
