Comedian Gilbert Gottfried (R.I.P. Gilbert)
At the young age of 15, Gilbert Gottfried began doing stand-up at open mike nights in New York City, after a few short years, became known around town as “the comedian’s comedian.” After spending several years mastering the art of stand-up comedy, producers of the legendary NBC late night comedy show Saturday Night Live became aware of Gottfried and, in 1980, hired him as a cast member. It wasn’t until a few years later when his true notoriety would begin when MTV hired him for a series of improvised and hilarious promos for the newly formed channel. This led to several television appearances on “The Cosby Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”
Gottfried’s work in television soon led to roles in film. Most notable was his improvised scene as business manager Sidney Bernstein in the hit sequel “Beverly Hills Cop II,” for which the New York Daily News said, “Gilbert Gottfried steals the picture with a single scene.” Aside from his glowing reputation in comedy clubs, Gottfried began to gain a reputation as the king of quirky roles in both movies and television. He appeared in such movies as “Problem Child,” “Problem Child II,” “Look Who’s Talking II” and “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane.” He was also the host of the very popular late night movie series “USA Up All Night.”
After his stellar performance as the wise cracking parrot, IAGO, in the Disney classic “Aladdin,” Gottfried became one of the most recognizable voiceover talents, lending his voice to several commercials, cartoons and movies, including the frustrated duck in the AFLAC Insurance commercials. Gottfried also is the voice of DIGIT in the long running PBS Series “Cyberchase.” His signature voice can also be heard on the Comedy Central series, “The Annoying Orange, the voice of the horse on “Family Guy,” Mr. Mxyzptlk in the new “Lego Batman 3 – Beyond Gotham” video game, and Abraham Lincoln in A Million Ways to Die in the West.
Gottfried has made numerous memorable appearances on Comedy Central Roasts and the Comedy Central series, “The Burn with Jeff Ross.” Gottfried’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” reading (College Humor) received over 5 million views on YouTube.
Gilbert has been a guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Late Show with Seth Meyers”, “@Midnight with Chris Hardwick” and numerous appearances on “The Howard Stern Show.” He also has had a recurring role on “Law and Order” SVU as TARU tech Leo Gerber.
Gottfried appeared in the hit comedy documentary “The Aristocrats,” with Entertainment Weekly saying that “out of the 101 comedians who appear on screen, no one is funnier – or more disgusting – than Gilbert Gottfried.”
In addition, Gottfried, a classic movie lover, was a guest Programmer on TCM. He mock-complained to TCM host Robert Osborne that choosing only four films out of all those available was “the worst homework assignment ever!”
“Gilbert Gottfried Dirty Jokes” was released on both DVD and CD, featuring 50 non-stop minutes of Gottfried telling the funniest and filthiest jokes ever. The show was filmed live at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City. Also featured on the DVD are some of the funniest bonus features ever, including wild stories, indignant ranting and celebrity impressions.
“Rubber Balls and Liquor” is Gilbert Gottfried’s hilarious first-ever book. Part memoir, part twisted social commentary, and part scratches on the bathroom wall. With this scathingly funny book of rants and musings, Gottfried sullies an entirely new medium with his dysfunctional worldview.
Oh, and did we mention the reality shows and podcast? Gilbert appeared on both ABC’s “Celebrity Wife Swap”, swapping with Alan Thicke, and NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice” where Gilbert took his first trip into the boardroom and perhaps his last. And the podcast…”Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast!” where Gilbert journeys back in time with some of the Hollywood icons, legends, and behind the scenes talent who shaped (warped?) his childhood and influenced his unique brand of comedy. He is joined each week by his co-host and late night phone friend, fellow showbiz fanatic, and Comedy Writer Frank Santopadre.
In 2017, “Gilbert” the documentary about Gilbert Gottfried premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Director Neil Berkeley’s Gilbert reveals an unexpected side to the iconic comedian. The film peeks behind the larger-than-life persona at a more personal story about growing up in Brooklyn and becoming a husband and father late in life. “Gilbert” premiers on Hulu, fall 2017.
As a famed comics comic, Gottfried puts aside political correctness for his live performance and fires an onslaught of jokes that know no boundaries.
Stephen King on Gilbert Gottfried: “More than a national treasure, he’s a secret weapon. If we had had Gilbert Gottfried in World War II, Hitler would have given up in 1942.”
Gilbert, a lifelong resident of NYC is married with 2 children and has never had a drivers license.
What is Summit Comedy, Inc.?
Summit Comedy was formed many moons ago in 1998 by Chuck Johnson, current owner/President. Chuck Johnson entered the comedy business the day after graduating from Appalachian State University in 1995 where he booked all of the live music and comedy for the university’s club “Legends”. His first job?…..one of comedian Carrot Top’s college agents and booking agent for the comedy club chain The Comedy Zone. His second job?…..well, in 1998 he formed Summit Comedy, Inc. and has turned it into one of the Nation’s Largest suppliers of Stand-up Comedy & Comedy Entertainment for Colleges/Universities, Corporate Events, Country Clubs, Cruise ships, Clubs & beyond.
Why Summit Comedy, Inc.?
Well, it’s simple…..we know comedy, it’s what we do….it’s in the name! We want your business, but we won’t compromise our earned integrity just to ring up a sale. Ask around, or ask us for references of previous customers….Heck, you can even see some of our google reviews RIGHT HERE. We stand behind our comedians 100% and can’t wait to add you as a client for your next event, and for many years to come!
