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.
