Comedian Patrice O’Neal Dies At 41; Charlie Sheen, Comedians React To News

Comedian Patrice O’Neal has died at the age of 41, it was announced by a friend of the funnyman on Tuesday.

“Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away,” Opie, of the “Opie & Anthony” show on SIRIUSXM Radio, Tweeted on Tuesday morning. “The funniest and best thinker i’ve ever known PERIOD. #devastated.”

Patrice, who had recently performed at the Comedy Central’s roast of Charlie Sheen, previously had a stroke in October. He also had long suffered from diabetes.

Not long after the news broke of Patrice’s death, a host of comics – and “Jersey Shore’s” Vinny Guadagino — hit Twitter to express their feelings over the loss.

“RIP Patrice O’Neil. Undeniably brilliant,” Jim Gaffigan wrote.

“RIP to my friend Patrice O’Neal, a great thinker, a great comic, and a great human being. He had a truly unique perspective on this world,” Joe Rogan wrote.

“R.I.P. Patrice O’Neal,” “The Office’s” Craig Robinson Tweeted.

“RIP Patrice O’neal..You were one of the best,” Vinny wrote, linking to a YouTube clip of the star performing. Click HERE to watch the clip.

Later, Charlie too reacted on his WhoSay page.

“The entertainment world as well as the world at large lost a brilliant man today.Patrice had that rare “light” around him and inside of him.I only knew him for the few days leading up the Roast. Yet I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent. my tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family,” Charlie wrote.