Comedian Gilbert Gottfried dies at the age of 67

RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) – Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried has died after a “long illness,” according to a testimony from his family.

He was 67.

“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 laugh as loudly as you can in honor of Gilbert,” Gottfried’s family said in a statement.

Gottfried voiced Jago in Disney’s 1992 Aladdin and starred as Mr. Peabody in Problem Child.

Less than two weeks ago, Gottfried addressed the Will Smith-Chris Rock incident in an interview with the Associated Press.

“What’s the worst crime here?” said the veteran comedian. “Chris Rock being physically assaulted? Or Chris Rock cracking a joke? That’s it, plain and simple. He made a joke.”

This story will be updated.