Who Is Dara Kravitz? Inside Late Gilbert Gottfried's Unlikely Love Story with His Wife

Publish date: 2024-05-22

Gilbert Gottfried started participating in stand-up at open mic nights in New York City at the tender age of 15. Popularly recognized for his work in comedy films and for playing Lago in Disney's 1992 classic "Aladdin," Gilbert was instantly recognizable for his over-the-top, exaggerated voice.

Some of his outstanding films include "Look Who's Talking Too," "Problem Child," and "Beverly Hills Cop II." In April 2022, the legendary comedian passed on after battling a long illness. His family announced this on his official social media accounts alongside his photo.

According to his long-term friend and publicist, Glenn Schwartz, Gilbert died from Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia due to Myotonic Dystrophy type II. The comedian left behind his wife of 15 years, Dara Kravitz, and two children.

Gilbert Gottfried’s Wife, Dara Kravitz, Is a Producer

Dara, who was born on February 24, 1970, is a film and podcast producer and has worked in the music industry. She produced Gilbert's podcast, "The Amazing Colossal," which won an Emmy Award in 2015. Dana also has several credits on IMDb for being the producer of "Gilbert Gottfried: Dirty Jokes."

Six months after Gilbert's demise, Dara posted on social media about the pain she's gone through, noting that she misses him.

Gilbert and Dara worked together on the show "Celebrity Wife Swap," which gave a sneak peek into their home and private life. Other projects she has worked on include the 2017 documentary "Gilbert." The storyline is about a remarkably funny and saddening portrait of the comedian's life and career.

Gilbert and Dara Kept Their Relationship Secret for Years

Gilbert and Dara met in 1997 during the after-party of the Grammy Awards. Dara recalls dropping food on a table before Gilbert picked it up and placed it on his plate. The film producer says she looked at him and wondered why he looked sad, lost, and childlike.

After their meeting, they began dating, but only Gilbert's close friends knew he was in a relationship. The comedian kept his relationship private because he feared it might dilute the world's perception of him. The lovebirds dated for ten years before exchanging vows in February 2007.

While paying tribute to her late husband, Dara's moving speech left her family laughing and crying. She recalled how hilarious Gilbert was, stating that she used to love his jokes:

"I loved his heart and soul, his jokes were dirty, but his heart was pure."

She further noted how special her relationship with Gilbert was and narrated a funny story about how they met. Dara said she was 27 and Gilbert was 42 when they met at a party; the mom of two says she was there because she was in the music business, and Gilbert was there to enjoy free food.

Gilbert and Dara Have a Daughter and a Son Together

Lily Gottfried was born in 2007, the same year Dara and Gilbert married. Their son Max Gottfried was born two years later. The comedian was a present father to his children and would occasionally share a sneak peek of their special moments on Instagram.

For example, when he took Lily to Disney World, he posted photos on his social media of the happy and fun moments he had with his daughter. Another post showed him having egg cream and french toast with his son. During their family thanksgiving celebrations, Gilbert would document the entire experience on Instagram.

While at the late comic's funeral, Dara praised her late husband, stating that when Gilbert wasn't working, he spent most of his time with his children, and they developed a strong bond.

Before his untimely death, Gilbert once confessed that he was terrified to become a father; but he was excited that he bonded with his son through their shared love for classic movie monsters.

Dara Has Been through a Rough Patch after the Death of Her Famous Husband

Gilbert's death devastated Dara; she took to social media, stating her changes after her husband's death. Dara added that she came across their paper datebooks while packing up her Florida house and moving back to New York City.

The memorabilia reminded her of how they started their relationship. While going through it, she stated that she kept laughing and, at the same time, missing her husband even more.

Six months after Gilbert's demise, Dara posted on social media about the pain she's gone through. The mom of two added that whenever she thinks of him, it hurts, and she feels like she's going to get sick.

Dara has already made drastic changes by selling their Florida house and moving back to New York City. Her two kids are enrolled in a new school, and they are temporarily living in a rental property; however, she is working towards getting their old apartment back.

The producer says it has been a difficult journey, adding that tough times have strengthened her. Dara revealed that she copes with her pain by lifting weights; already, she feels like a superwoman and hopes to get stronger with time.

She finished the post by thanking her friends and family for being there for her during the difficult time, adding that no one lives forever, so she prefers being happy, living her life to the fullest, and doing fun things. Gilbert Gottfried's death was a huge blow not just to his family but to the entire entertainment industry.