Comedian Patrice O’Neal dead at 41

Comedian Patrice O’Neal never recovered from a stroke in October — he passed away Monday night at age 41.

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Sad news for comedy fans: Comedian Patrice O’Neal passed away Monday night after a stroke, according to radio show hosts Opie and Anthony. He was 41.

“Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I’ve ever known PERIOD,” Opie tweeted Tuesday morning. The comedian reportedly suffered a stroke back in October and never recovered, according to TMZ.

The comedian had a strong career over the years, appearing on various shows like The Chappelle Show and The Office. He was most recently seen on the Comedy Central roast of Charlie Sheen. Mike Tyson made fun of the stand-up comic’s diabetes at the time.

“Patrice has always been destined for stardom and diabetes. So tonight is not just the roast of Charlie Sheen, it’s also a farewell party for Patrice’s foot,” he joked.

Sheen also weighed in with condolences on Twitter.

“The entertainment world as well as the world at large lost a brilliant man today. Patrice had that rare “light” around him and inside of him,” he wrote. “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.”

O’Neal could take jokes just as well as he gave them, a fellow comic remembered.

“It’s been pretty devastating and we’re all hoping for the best. He’s a strong, strong man, so I’m thinking he’s going to be okay,” good friend and fellow Boston-based comic Billy Burr said earlier this month. The two were known for their trash talking, but it all came from a place of love.

“Even when we give each other (grief) it’s not coming from a bad place,” Burr said. “Trashing each other, aside from being fun, is almost like a martial artist going to a dojo to stay in shape. I can tell you this: If you could take a pounding from Patrice… no crowd is ever going to get you worse than that guy.”

O’Neal’s death comes on the heels of rapper Heavy D’s death earlier this month. Both were so young and it serves as a reminder to always take care of your health.

Image courtesy WENN