Gilbert Gottfried: The King of Crude & Comedy Gold

Get ready for a wild ride into the mind of a comedy legend! This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience features the one and only Gilbert Gottfried, a man who needs no introduction. Known for his incredibly unique voice, outrageous jokes, and unapologetic humor, Gilbert delivers a truly unforgettable conversation with Joe. Expect unfiltered stories, hilarious takes on current events, and a peek behind the curtain of a comedy career unlike any other. It’s a laugh riot you won’t want to miss!

TL;DR

Gilbert discusses his early days in comedy, honing his unique style in New York City clubs.
He shares some truly outrageous jokes and stories, pushing the boundaries of what’s acceptable in comedy.
Gilbert offers his perspective on the evolution of comedy and what it takes to survive in the industry.
He talks about some of his famous voice acting roles, including Iago in Aladdin, and the challenges and rewards of voice work.
The conversation explores Gilbert’s views on politics, social issues, and the current state of the world, all delivered with his signature comedic flair.

Key Topics Covered

The Early Days of Comedy in NYC

Gilbert dives deep into his formative years as a comedian in New York City. He paints a vivid picture of the gritty comedy scene of the 70s and 80s, describing the tough crowds, the fierce competition, and the relentless need to be funny. He talks about his early influences and how he developed his unique, often controversial, style. What I found particularly interesting was how he learned to bomb and how that helped him develop thicker skin.

He emphasizes the importance of finding your own voice and not being afraid to take risks, even if it means failing spectacularly. Gilbert’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence and the willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of comedic greatness.

“I think that’s the problem with most comics is that they don’t have the guts to fail.” – Gilbert Gottfried

The Art of Outrageous Comedy

This wouldn’t be a Gilbert Gottfried interview without some seriously outrageous jokes and stories! Gilbert doesn’t hold back, sharing some of his most controversial material and explaining his philosophy on pushing the limits of comedy. He argues that comedy should be fearless and that no topic should be off-limits, even if it offends some people. I felt like this was a very interesting point as more and more comedians are in the news for their takes.

He acknowledges that his style isn’t for everyone, but he believes that it’s important to challenge people’s sensitivities and make them think, even if it’s uncomfortable. The conversation touches on the role of comedy in society and whether there are any real boundaries that shouldn’t be crossed.

Voice Acting and the Magic of Iago

Gilbert reflects on his iconic voice acting roles, most notably as Iago in Disney’s Aladdin. He discusses the challenges and joys of bringing animated characters to life and the unique skills required for voice work. He also talked about how being a visual medium, Disney allows for a lot of crazy looks for the cartoon characters, and that helps the voice acting become even better.

He shares some behind-the-scenes stories about working on Aladdin and other animated projects, revealing the collaborative process and the creative freedom he was given to improvise and add his own comedic touches. It was fun to hear about how the lines are often delivered in isolation and how much work goes into making those characters.

“I always try to be myself.” – Gilbert Gottfried

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

One particularly memorable anecdote involved Gilbert recounting a time he told a very edgy joke shortly after 9/11. It was a story of the backlash he received. I don’t think I’ll repeat the joke here, but you get the idea: it was controversial! He spoke about how the reaction felt at the time and how it has followed him since.

Another interesting story was when Gilbert talked about his early days doing stand-up, and how he was incredibly nervous to go on stage. The best part was learning how he was still nervous before every performance, despite having performed for decades. It really shows how being a comedian is so much more than just getting laughs.

Controversial Opinions & Debates

While not overtly controversial, Gilbert’s unapologetic approach to comedy naturally touches on sensitive subjects and potentially divisive issues. He often plays devil’s advocate, challenging conventional wisdom and pushing the boundaries of political correctness. He often speaks on the topic in ways that most would not, and is often trying to elicit a reaction from the audience.

Watch the Full Episode

If this summary piqued your interest, you definitely need to check out the full conversation! You will not regret it. It’s even funnier to see the expressions on Gilbert’s face when he tells some of his more outrageous jokes. So, clear some time, grab your headphones, and prepare for a non-stop barrage of comedic brilliance.

Joe Rogan Experience #1729 - Gilbert Gottfried on YouTube Joe Rogan Experience #1729 – Gilbert Gottfried on YouTube