Gilbert Gottfried, comedian and actor, dies aged 67

Comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried has died at the age of 67.

His family announced his death after a long illness via his Twitter page. Gottfried was known for his standup comedy and for roles in films including Aladdin and Problem Child.

A representative for the late star told TMZ that he died of a heart abnormality called ventricular tachycardia due to myotonic dystrophy type 2.

Gottfried was discovered as a young standup and starred in one season of Saturday Night Live in 1980. This led to film roles, including Beverly Hills Cop II and the Problem Child series.

Gottfried is survived by his wife, Dara Kravitz, and two children.