Patrice O'Neal

Who is Patrice O'Neal?

Patrice Lumumba Malcolm O'Neal (December 7, 1969 – November 29, 2011) was a stand-up comic, actor, and radio personality, celebrated for his incisive observational humor and unflinching social commentary.

Born in New York City, O'Neal was named after Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba and civil rights activist Malcolm X. He was raised in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood by his mother, Georgia, alongside his sister, Zinder. O'Neal attended West Roxbury High School, where he played football, and later studied at Northeastern University.

O'Neal began his stand-up career in Boston in 1992, quickly gaining recognition for his bold and thought-provoking material. He became a fixture on the New York comedy scene, performing at renowned venues like the Comedy Cellar. His television appearances included Comedy Central's "Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn" and "Chappelle's Show." O'Neal also made memorable contributions to radio, notably as a regular guest on "The Opie and Anthony Show" and as host of "The Black Phillip Show" on XM Satellite Radio.

In 2011, O'Neal released his first hour-long special, "Elephant in the Room," which was lauded for its sharp wit and candid insights. Tragically, he suffered a stroke in October 2011 and passed away on November 29, 2011, at the age of 41.

O'Neal's legacy endures through his influential body of work, which continues to inspire comedians and entertain audiences. In 2021, Comedy Central released "Patrice O'Neal: Killing is Easy," a documentary exploring his life and career.

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Stand-up Specials

The Lost Files: Circa 2005
The Lost Files: Circa 2005
Dec 4, 2015 | Unknown
Unreleased
Unreleased
Jul 25, 2013 | Unknown
Mr. P
Mr. P
Nov 30, 2011 | Unknown
Elephant in the Room
Elephant in the Room
Feb 19, 2011 | New York City
Down and Dirty with Jim Norton
Down and Dirty with Jim Norton
Oct 3, 2008 | New York City
One-Night Stand - Season 5
One-Night Stand - Season 5
Aug 19, 2005 | Unknown
The Patrice O'Neal Roast
The Patrice O'Neal Roast
Jun 11, 2003 | New York City
Premium Blend - Season 8
Premium Blend - Season 8
Oct 12, 2001 | Los Angeles

Books Written by Comics

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Id Like to Play Alone, Please

Tom Segura

Id Like to Play Alone, Please
Laugh, relate, and escape with Tom Segura's uproarious stories about life, parenting, and solitude.
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Harold

Steven Wright

Harold
Steven Wright’s Harold is a brilliantly surreal and hilarious dive into the mind of a 1960s third grader. This is one of my all-time favorite books, and the audiobook is a must-listen with Wright’s perfect delivery.
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Pryor Convictions

Richard Pryor

Pryor Convictions
A raw and candid autobiography by Richard Pryor, this book delves into the highs and lows of his life and career. With humor and vulnerability, Pryor reflects on his troubled childhood, rise to comedic genius, battles with addiction, and the profound impact he had on comedy and culture.
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