Don Darryl Rivera, who plays the iconic bird on Broadway, delivered the tribute after a performance Tuesday evening — just hours after Gottfried, 67, died from“We’d like to take a moment to celebrate the life of a comedy legend, a funnyman with an indelible voice, the man who breathed life into Iago for the animated film, Mr. Gilbert Gottfried,” Rivera began his monologue.
“I, along with five other actors worldwide, have the distinct privilege to bring Iago to life onstage," he said."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 that The New York Times once said sounded like a busted Cuisinart.”Rivera continued with a story about having met Gottfried after one of the musical's early productions.
“The curtain had just come down, and out comes Gilbert from the wings. He put his arm around me, and we snapped a few photos. But then, I pulled out this,” said Rivera, who pulled out a VHS copy of the original animation. “His eyes lit up like it was the magic lamp itself. He signed it for me, and it’s still one of my most treasured possessions. Gilbert was really kind and sweet and surprisingly soft-spoken. He will be deeply missed by his friends and his family.”
They should of done it when he was alive.
He died!? 😭😭😭💔