Gilbert Gottfried’s Columbus connection might surprise you. He played a famous duck.
Wisecracking comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried, who was the signature voice of the Aflac duck, died at the age of 67 after battling a long illness, his family announced Tuesday.
Gottfried voiced the Columbus company’s mascot from 2000 to 2011 where his high-pitched “Aflaaaaac” squawk appeared in more than 50 commercials.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,” Gottfried’s family said in a statement posed on the comedian’s Twitter account.
“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.”
Said Aflac in a statement Tuesday afternoon: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Gilbert Gottfried. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
This story was originally published April 12, 2022 at 4:35 PM.