Broadway’s “Aladdin” dedicated its Tuesday (4.12) performance to the recently deceased Gilbert Gottfried who passed away yesterday after a long term battle with a rare illness.
The 67-year old comedian was know for several film and TV roles — but none more so than the scarlet macaw named Lago in the classic animated film version of “Aladdin” (1992.)
The NYC theater community’s tribute came at the close of last nights curtain call when Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Lago in the stage production, stepped forward to address the audience and said:
“Tonight, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate the life of a comedy legend. 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 and 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.”
Rivera also stated that he once had the pleasure of meeting the former “Saturday Night Live” and “Problem Child” star at the show, saying:
“The curtain had just come down, and up comes Gilbert from the wings and he put his arm around me and we snapped a few photos.” “But then, I pulled out this, the “Aladdin” VHS, and his eyes lit up like it was the magic lantern itself. He signed it for me and it’s still one of my most treasured possessions.”
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Author: Saul Goode