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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jamie Roberts

Amy Schumer leads tributes to 'legend' Gilbert Gottfried after comedian's death

Amy Schumer led the tributes to comedian Gilbert Gottfried after the star's death was confirmed on Tuesday.

Gilbert's family confirmed the sad news on his Twitter account as they said that they were "heartbroken" to lose him.

According to his publicist and long-time friend, the comedian died from recurrent ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type II, a disorder that affects the heart.

The late star was best known for his voice work on the classic Disney film, Aladdin, while other notable films included Look Who's Talking, Problem Child and Beverly Hills Cop II.

Oscars co-host Amy, 40, took to her Instagram Stories to write: "Gilbert was so sweet. Genuinely kind, a legend."

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane also paid his own tribute, tweeting: "Gilbert Gottfried made me laugh so hard that day on set, I could barely do my job.

Amy Schumer paid tribute to the late Gilbert Gottfried on Tuesday (AFP via Getty Images)


"A wholly original comic, and an equally kind and humble guy behind the scenes. He will be missed."

Oscar winner Marlee Matlin fondly recalled times when the pair had met, including when the stand-up comic had "pranked" her.

She said: "I am so sad to read about the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Funny, politically incorrect but a softie on the inside."

She posted the words alongside a picture of them together and continued: "We met many times; he even pranked me on a plane, replacing my interpreter @655jack (they're like twins).

"Sending love to Dara & his children."

US actor Mel Brooks tweeted: "So sorry to hear about Gilbert Gottfried's passing. Truly a funny, funny guy. So unique. He will be sorely missed."

Fellow actor Rob Schneider added: "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."

Celebs and fans flocked to social media to pay tributes to Gilbert Gottfried (Getty Images North America)

And comedian Stephen Colbert also wrote: "It was my honor to have met and interviewed and done bits with one of the greats. Rest In Peace, Gilbert Gottfried. #hardblackwax."

News of Gottfried's passing was announced on his social media page in a statement 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.

"Although today is a sad day for all of us, please keep laughing as loud as possible in Gilbert's honor."

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