LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Comedian Patrice O’Neal arrives at Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen held at Sony Studios on September 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Photo: Christopher Polk/2011 Getty Images
Comedian Patrice O’Neal died this morning as a result of the stroke he had at the end of October, his rep announced. O’Neal’s death was first reported by his friends from the “Opie and Anthony Show,” who tweeted, “Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker i’ve ever known PERIOD” earlier today. O’Neal’s Comedy Central special Elephant in the Room aired in February and showcased O’Neal’s trademark elaborate, exquisitely involved analogies (for example, how relationships are like fishing) and takes on race, media, and politics (his bit on animal cruelty is particularly wonderful). He was 41.
