Comedian Patrice O’Neal dead at 41
The man who often joked about his diabetes has finally met his end. Actor and comedian Patrice O’neal died on Monday at the young age of 41. O’neal died after a series of strokes, and many had already speculated on the actor’s health problems before his passing.
“Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I’ve ever known PERIOD. #devastated” host Opie tweeted from the Opie and Anthony show, where O’neal was a regular guest. O’neal had a stroke two months ago, and seems to have never recovered.
O’neal gave a strong performance on the “Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen” last September, where actors joked about his being overweight. The actor was born Patrice Lumumba Malcolm Oneal, but used the shorter name for performances. O’neal got his start in Boston and then moved to New York City. He often spoke of the toil that life as a comedian took on aspiring young talents.
“I’m telling you, if I’d have had a gun back then, I would have shot myself,” he said.
O’neal got his big breaks after moving to the UK, where he became a regular in British comedy clubs. After that, he moved back to do a half-hour special with Showtime. After 2002, he became a regular radio guest and respected comedian. He will be missed.
What a shame. One of my favorite comedians, if not the favorite. Extremely funny. I wish he had lived on and beaten it. Peace and prayers to his family. RIP Mr. Oneal.
Wow! What a super funny comedian…..I don’t care how tired you are from coming home after a long day…if Patrice was on you knew you could just kick back…forget everything for a little while….zen out and just enjoy the laughter…A Sensational Gifted Comedian who will be sooooooooooooooo truly missed.
First just let me say: “WHY THE F*@K WOULD THEY WRITE; FINALLY MET HIS END”???? That just sounds so horrible, like it should have happened ( like damn, he finally DEAD!!! I don’t know bout anyone else, but if I were a member of his family I’d be royally pissed (as I am) to read that written like that! It needs to be redacted (NOW)…
And now, I can say, Rest in Paradise my brother, no more of this BS to look forward too! God bless your family and may they find peace in mind & spirit.. Laughter is the spice of life, and he chose to make ppl laugh.. What a great spirit he must have had.. He’s certainly gone too soon…
Agreed!