Top 10 Gilbert Gottfried Moments
#10: Saturday Night Stint
“Saturday Night Live” (1975-) After slugging his way through comedy clubs since his teenage years, Gilbert Gottfried eventually earned himself a “golden ticket” – the chance to be a cast member on the 6th season of “Saturday Night Live!” If you forgot the comedian was on the legendary variety show, you’d be forgiven, as the stint lasted only 12 episodes. Unfortunately for Gottfried, the season he starred on was the one immediately following showrunner Lorne Michael’s brief exit – along with the original cast. Needless to say, the backlash was strong, all but dooming the new replacements from the beginning. But, even though Gilbert wasn’t entirely happy with his time at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, there’s no denying the show put him on the world’s stage – where he clearly belonged.
#9: Television’s Voice of Many
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Various There’s a reason Gilbert Gottfried’s voice was one of the most recognizable in all of show biz. It was raw, shrill, but most importantly, unique. No wonder animated TV programs couldn’t resist the comedian’s distinct sound. Gottfried would go on to lend his famous vocal chops to countless shows over the years. This included Digit in “Cyberchase,” Dr. Bender on “Fairly Odd Parents,” and Mister Mxyzptlk in various DC cartoons. His villainous read would continue as Krang Subprime in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Naturally, his speech was also in demand for adult animated series, such as Seth McFarlane’s “Family Guy.” It truly was the voice that kept on giving.
#8: Scene Stealer
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“Beverly Hills Cop 2” (1987) It’s pretty hard to miss a cameo appearance by Gilbert Gottfried. This is on account of, you know, the incessant yelling. But hey, it worked! And, in the 1987 follow-up to Eddie Murphy’s smash hit “Beverly Hills Cop,” Gottfried managed to be an absolute scene stealer. As accountant Sidney Bernstein, Gilbert’s interactions with Murphy's Det. Axel Foley is uproariously funny. For many cinemagoers, it was their first taste of the funny-man on the big screen, but it would be their last. Although his turns in “Look Who’s Talking Too” and “Problem Child” earned him Razzie Award nominations, the comedian definitely left his mark on every film he appeared in.
#7: Those Emmy Awards Jokes
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“43rd Primetime Emmy Awards” (1991) If you ever wondered why Gilbert Gottfried was never present at recent Hollywood award shows, there’s a good reason for it. The year was 1991 and actor Paul Reubens, famous for portraying eccentric kid’s host Pee-Wee Herman, was arrested for “public indecency.” And so, Gottfried took it upon himself to make light of the incident during an appearance at the “43rd Primetime Emmy Awards.” The seemingly endless series of crude, yet hilarious, jokes caused an uproar. While viewers on the East Coast saw the entire thing, the broadcast was censored for the West Coast. Following a series of apologies by the network, the comedian was blacklisted from future events. This, of course, wouldn’t be the last time Gilbert courted controversy.
#6: Host with the Most
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“Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast” (2014-22) Gilbert Gottfried is no stranger to being a host. In fact, Gilbert took on hosting duties for the Saturday edition of USA’s “Up All Night” from 1989 to 1998. The comic really hit his hosting stride, however, when he launched the appropriately titled podcast, “Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast,” in 2014. The show served as an interview series where Gottfried was joined by co-host Frank Santopadre to discuss classic movies. The pair chatted with Hollywood legends and behind-the-scenes talents, many of whom influenced Gilbert’s comedic sensibilities. The podcast was a major hit with fans, providing an irreverent and enlightening outlet for Gilbert to do what he does best – talk!
#5: “You Fool”
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“Hollywood Squares” (1998-2004) When the game show “Hollywood Squares” got a reboot in the late nineties, producers sought to have Gilbert Gottfried join the celebrity-infused cast for some “tic-tac-toe” fun. And what fun it was to see the squawky comedian play along with the phony playfulness of it all. One particular episode, however, became the stuff of game show legend thanks to Gottfried and two little words. Continuously trolling contestants who needed his square to win the game, Gottfried taunted them by yelling "You fool" over and over. One round even lasted an entire episode. Yes, only Gilbert Gottfried could turn a cheesy game show into a raucous riot of laughs!
#4: Commercial King
Various Gilbert Gottfried’s signature comedy persona was a surprising hit for advertisers. In fact, the comic was enlisted to provide a series of promos for the newly launched MTV channel in the early 80’s. The mostly improvised adverts would actually go a long way in familiarizing audiences with his unique style of comedy. Of course, it was a later ad campaign that became an infamous moment in Gottfried’s career. After voicing the “Aflac duck” for over a decade, the comedian was abruptly removed from the job due to jokes he made referencing the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. However, many were quick to point out that his replacement appeared to be doing an impression of Gottfried’s voice.
#3: That Filthy Joke
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“The Aristocrats” (2005) “The Aristocrats” is long considered the dirtiest joke ever told. And, in 2005, Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza made a documentary that attempted to tell the history of said joke. The core of the film centered on, you guessed it – Gilbert Gottfried. You see, while roasting Playboy founder Hugh Hefner just 3 weeks after the events of 9/11, Gottfried delivered a risky airplane joke, only to receive great disdain from the audience. The comedian would go on to ditch the rest of his prepared material and deliver “the Aristocrats” joke instead. He not only won the audience back, but brought the filthy joke to the mainstream. Thanks Gilbert – we think…
#2: Roast with the Most
Various Ah yes, the roast – a time honored tradition where the guest of honor is subjected to good-natured ridicule. Heck, the New York Friars Club has been roasting famous folks since the 50s! So, it should be no surprise that foul-mouthed Gilbert Gottfried has joined more than his share of dais’ over the years. Gilbert was always a highlight of the night. And from George Takei to Bob Saget to Roseanne Barr, no one was safe from his epic burns. After all, this is a man who once said, “The joy of a roast is to watch people get hurt and offended, and then have to laugh to pretend they're a good sport.”
#1: Forever Lago
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“Aladdin” (1992) As much as he was beloved for his edgy, expletive-laden comedy, it was Gilbert Gottfried’s indelible family friendly portrayal of lago the parrot in 1992’s animated blockbuster “Aladdin” that many remember most fondly. And in a movie opposite Robin William’s as a Genie, it’s impressive to be remembered at all! But, an entire generation of kids (and adults) just couldn’t help but love-to-hate this evil parrot! Sure, he aids Jafar in his many wicked plots, but Gottfried’s read was just too darn charming to resist. He was so liked in fact, that the character, and Gilbert, were brought back for the numerous sequels and TV series adaptations. It really was perfect casting if there ever was one!
