The world became a lot less funny on Tuesday, when beloved comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried passed away at the age of 67.

The sad news was announced via Gottfried's social media channels, in a message that read: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved Gilbert Gottfried after a long illness."

The statement continued: "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."

[[imagecaption|| Credit: MediaPunch Inc / Alamy]]

As fans and celebrities paid their respects to the Problem Child star, social media users couldn't help but take note of the very last Instagram post Gottfried shared with the world.

Shared with his 100,000+ followers on March 29, Gottfried posted an old photo of himself alongside his friend, 57-year-old comedian and actor Chris Rock.

The post was a response to the 94th annual Academy Awards that took place the day before in Hollywood.

As I'm sure many of you may remember (let's be honest, who could forget?), Rock found himself in the center of a media storm after joking about Will Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. While preparing to present an award, Rock made a quip about Pinkett Smith's shaved head - which, in turn, caused husband Will to storm the stage and slap Rock.

The moment left many social media users divided on who was in the wrong; Smith for instigating a physical altercation or Rock for making the joke in the first place. However, it was clear from his final post that Gottfried sided with his friend.

In his final Instagram post, the Aladdin star asked his fans: "Which is the worst crime? Chris Rock being physically assaulted or Chris Rock telling a joke?"

[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/Cbq5Tg4OOVi/]]

Gilbert's answer to the question was elaborated on during an interview with the Associated Press on March 31, in which he said: "Which is the worst crime here? Chris Rock being physically assaulted? Or Chris Rock making a joke? That's it, pure and simple. He made a joke."

"Gilbert’s last post was him defending his homie. We lost a real one today boys. RIP king," one Instagram user commented on the post.

"I’m glad he was true to himself to the very end," a second added.

A third wrote: "Glad to see his love for his friend! RIP Gilbert!!!"

[[imagecaption|| Credit: Instagram]]

Back in 2012, Gottfried wrote an opinion piece for CNN regarding his work as a comedian, in which he said: "If a comedian tells a joke that you find funny, you laugh. If he tells a joke you do not find funny, don't laugh. Or you could possibly go as far as groaning or rolling your eyes."

"At very worst, you can leave quietly," he added.

Featured image credit: Erik Pendzich / Alamy

Fans praise Gilbert Gottfried's final Instagram post before his death at the age of 67