By: Rob Johnson
Comedian Gilbert Gottfried delivered his caustic comedy to a sold-out crowd of more than 200 people at the Randolph Diner to raise funds for the Lions Club of Randolph on April 5.
Lions Club President Brian Jaffa said “100% of the proceeds of the show are going toward the club’s community programs in the community and surrounding area.”
Jaffa said Gottfried was booked on the recommendation of a comedian that performed at a comedy show the club organized last year.
Gottfried began performing stand-up in New York in the 1970s and joined the cast of Saturday Night Live for its 1980-81 season for a 12-episode stint. He appeared in small roles on TV afterwards and eventually began to land voiceover work.
Gottfried’s best-known role came as Iago the Parrot in Disney’s 1992 animated film, Aladdin. He reprised the role in two direct-to-video sequels, as well as video games and guest appearances on Disney television program.
He is also known for voicing the duck used in insurance provider Aflac’s commercials. Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast has been available since 2014.
Gottfried’s life was the subject of the 2017 documentary film, Gilbert, and he has appeared on a host of television talk and variety shows as well as radio programs.
Jaffa said the Lions Clubs have “primarily focused on helping the visually impaired,” and the 45-year-old Randolph chapter has helped that population through various programs, including eyeglass donations.
However, Jaffa said, the chapter has also raised funds for Christmas gifts and Thanksgiving turkeys for those in need in the area. It also provides scholarships, he added.