Jeff Ross paid tribute to his “wonderful pal” and “great dad” Gilbert Gottfried after the legendary comic died from a genetic muscle disorder at age 67.
“I got to say goodbye to Gil last night,” the “Roastmaster General” wrote on Instagram Tuesday. “He went quietly (surprising, I know) in his sleep from a rare muscle disease that’s been bugging him for awhile. He handled it all like a champ – performing until the end.”
Ross took special note of Gottfried’s widow, Dara Kravitz, and children Max and Lily.
“Nobody made me laugh so hard,” he continued. “He was a wonderful pal and a great dad to young Max and Lily. My heart goes out to Dara who took such great care of him.”
He ended by remembering two other recently deceased comics, Norm McDonald — who died of cancer at the age of 61 — last September and Ross’ close friend Bob Saget — who died unexpectedly last January at the age of 65.
“Although today is a sad day, please keep laughing as loud as possible so Gil and Bob and Norm can hear it. Xo,” he ended the poignant tribute.
Alongside it, Ross posted several photos of himself and Gottfried, including ones of the two of them with the “Problem Child” star’s kids.
Gottfried’s rep, told TMZ the comedian died from a heart abnormality called ventricular tachycardia caused by myotonic dystrophy type II.
According to the Mayo Clinic, ventricular tachycardia is “a heart rhythm problem caused by irregular electrical signals in the lower chambers of the heart.” Myotonic dystrophy is a type of genetic muscular dystrophy that, according to National Institutes of Health, affects “the muscles and other body systems.”
The standup comic’s Twitter account posted news of his death on Tuesday.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness,” his family announced in a statement. “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. Love, the Gottfried family.”
