Comedian Patrice O’Neal dies.
The entertainment world has suffered another great lost today after the booking agent for Patrice O’Neal and CNN has confirmed that the comedian and actor died Tuesday morning following complications from a stroke he suffered on October 19. According to People magazine, the stroke was related to diabetes. He was 41.
“Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius,” O’Neal’s agent says in a statement. “His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side.”
O’Neal, a Boston native, performed in a variety of comedy specials and appeared in a cadre of movies such as “Head Of State,” “Scary Movie 4,” “Fury Vengeance” and “25th Hour. He also acted in a slew of TV shows like the hit show “The Office,” “The Jury” and “O’Grady.”
O’neal’s final comedic performance was at the Charlie Sheen roast. Sheen as well as other comedians reached out via twitter to give their condolences
“Patrice had that rare ‘light’ around him and inside of him,” the actor said Tuesday via Twitter. “I only knew him for the few days leading up the roast. Yet I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent. My tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family.”
Fellow comic and close friend Jim Norton posted a picture of himself and O’Neal online Tuesday, captioning it, “I couldn’t possibly love a friend more than I love you. Goodbye brother.”
“Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away,” Opie and Anthony said via Twitter. “The funniest and best thinker i’ve ever known PERIOD. #devastated.”
In addition to his mother Georgia, the heralded comic is also survived by his wife Vondecarlo, stepdaughter Aymilyon, and sister Zinder, according to what his rep told TMZ.
“The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks,” the statement from O’Neal’s agent continues. “We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time.”
