Iago (Aladdin)

Iago is a prominent character in Disney’s Aladdin, known for his snarky wit, cunning intelligence, and endless sarcasm.

Iago is a red-feathered parrot and the sidekick to the villainous Jafar, serving as his loyal yet begrudgingly humorous accomplice. In Aladdin, Iago often finds himself in the thick of Jafar’s schemes, contributing to his plans with a mischievous zeal. Unlike typical Disney sidekicks, Iago is no innocent companion; he actively aids in Jafar’s schemes to take control of the kingdom of Agrabah and has no qualms about manipulating and lying to others. However, his loyalty is complex and somewhat self-serving, often driven more by self-preservation than genuine loyalty to Jafar.

Gilbert Gottfried provided the voice for Iago in the animated Aladdin (1992) and its sequels, The Return of Jafar and Aladdin and the King of Thieves, as well as in the Aladdin television series. Gottfried’s distinctive voice and comedic timing brought a unique personality to Iago, transforming him into one of Disney’s most memorable villains. Iago’s character was so popular that he made further appearances in various Disney media, including theme parks and spin-off series. In the 2019 live-action adaptation of Aladdin, Iago was voiced by Alan Tudyk, who brought a more realistic, albeit sinister, edge to the parrot’s character.