Patrice O'Neal Dead at 41; Comedian Suffered Stroke in October
Comedian Patrice O’Neal died Monday night at the young age of 41.
"Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've ever known PERIOD," tweeted the "Opie and Anthony" radio show Tuesday. O'Neal was frequently a guest on the show.
A stroke in late October put O'Neal's health in serious jeopardy. The comedian's long-enduring fight with diabetes complicated his recovery.
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The comedian, radio personality and actor is best known for his confrontational stand-up shows.
Comedian Jim Norton addressed the public shortly after O'Neal's stroke in October.
"We don't know how he is. We don't know how he's going to be," Norton said on the "Opie and Anthony" show.
"I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you," he added.
O'Neal has appeared on "Late Night with Conan O’Brein," "Chappelle Show," "Arrested Development," and "The Office."
O'Neal's fellow comedians have expressed remorse at news of his death via social media website Twitter Tuesday, prompting "RIP Patrice" and "Patrice" to emerge as trending topics.
"RIP PATRICE O'NEAL. A unique comic. Your energy will be missed young man," tweeted DeRay Davis.
O’Neal’s last public appearance before his stroke was on the "Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen."
"RIP Patrice Oneal...Amazing artist. Your voice n spirit will b missed," tweeted David Alan Grier.
Although approaching his stand-up with a controversial spin, O'Neal was beloved in the comedy community and served as a solid figure in the New York comedy scene for over two decades.
"RIP Patrice O’Neal. Undeniably brilliant," tweeted Jim Gaffigan.
