Gone Too Soon: Patrice O'Neal

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For many stand-up comedy fans around the world the late Patrice O’Neal was one of the greatest to ever do it! His hard-hitting, unapologetic style of comedy resonated with millions of people through his stand-up specials and podcast appearances.

Transcript

00:00 For many stand-up comedy fans around the world, the late Patrice O'Neill was one of the greatest

00:08 to ever do it.

00:13 His hard-hitting, unapologetic style of comedy resonated with millions of people through

00:18 his stand-up specials and podcast appearances.

00:25 Patrice had a certain way of looking at the world that set him apart from everybody else,

00:31 and we could use that today more than ever.

00:36 Sadly Patrice passed away in 2011.

00:40 Here is a quick look back at the late Patrice O'Neill.

00:47 Patrice LaMamba Malcolm O'Neill was born on December 7, 1969 in New York City.

00:58 Patrice's mother moved the family to Boston when Patrice was very young, and he was bullied

01:03 in school on account of his name.

01:09 This made him turn to comedy as an outlet.

01:12 Patrice performed his first stand-up show in 1992 at Estelle's in Boston.

01:22 Over the next six years, Patrice performed under the stage name Bruiser O'Neill.

01:28 In time he refined and perfected his act to where he became known as one of the most comfortable

01:34 comedians on stage.

01:40 But his hard-edged routine kept him from entering the big time in comedy, as many felt he was

01:46 too much for mainstream audiences.

01:52 Patrice in turn found success overseas, making a name for himself in the UK and Australia.

02:00 This made him more marketable in the US.

02:05 He joined the Opie and Anthony Travelling Virus comedy tour, and this made him known

02:11 to a national audience looking for a fresh new voice in comedy.

02:18 In 2010, Patrice recorded his first and only special, Elephant in the Room.

02:24 Although it had mixed reviews from critics, audiences were unanimous.

02:29 Patrice was a star.

02:34 Among underground comedy fans, Elephant in the Room is largely considered one of the

02:40 best stand-up comedy specials of all time.

02:46 In 2011, Patrice performed as one of the guests in the Comedy Central roast of Charlie Sheen,

02:54 and left one of the most memorable roast speeches in recent memory.

03:00 Unfortunately, Patrice suffered from type 2 diabetes for the better part of his life.

03:10 The disease eventually took his life on November 29, 2011.

03:16 Although Patrice is gone, his comedy will never truly die, and is still enjoyed by millions

03:22 around the world today.

03:27 And he is still inspiring a new generation of comics to take the stage.

03:32 [music]

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