Stand-up comic Patrice O'Neal, who gained a wider following through TV and radio and helped roast Charlie Sheen, died Tuesday from complications of a stroke he suffered last month. He was 41.
"Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius," Frost added.
O'Neal, who appeared on Comedy Central celebrity roasts and on Conan O'Brien's and David Letterman's late night TV shows, was also a frequent guest on the "Opie & Anthony" radio show on Sirius XM.
"Yes it's true that our pal Patrice O'Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker I've known. PERIOD," the Sirius XM hosts said in a Twitter message.
O'Neal's manager, Jonathan Brandstein, says the comedian died Tuesday morning. He says in a statement many people "have lost a close and loved friend" and "all of us have lost a true comic genius."
The entertainment world, as well as the world at large, lost a brilliant man," said bad-boy actor Charlie Sheen, whom O'Neal helped roast in a Comedy Central special earlier this year.
"I only knew him for the few days leading up to the Roast. Yet, I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent," Sheen said.
O'Neal's agent, Matt Frost, confirmed the funnyman's death in a statement, and extended thanks to fans and friends who expressed support as he battled for his life following the stroke on Oct. 19.
In addition to his mother, the heralded comic is also survived by his wife, step-daughter and sister.
"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."
0 comments:
Post a Comment