(December 7, 1969 – November 29, 2011)
Early life
Patrice Malcolm Oneal was born in New York City, New York,[6] on December 7, 1969, and grew up in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.[7] His mother, Georgia, named him after Patrice Lumumba, the leader of the Congolese independence movement, and Malcolm X. He was raised by his mother and never met his father.[8]Oneal was a star football player at West Roxbury High School, ending his career with 3 letters in varsity football and a state championship his senior year. He turned down football scholarships in order to attend Northeastern University on a public housing grant, majoring in Performing Arts.[9]
At the age of 17, Oneal was convicted of statutory rape of a 15 year old girl and sentenced to 60 days in prison[10], served during his summer break, so as not to disrupt his schooling.[11] The act, which occurred when Oneal was still 16, would have been legal in most states, but Massachusetts lacks a close-in-age exception, and has an age of consent of 16.[12] Oneal said his humor helped him to negotiate the harsh realities of prison.[11][13]
Career
Oneal began his comedy career in Boston at an open mic at Estelle's Bar and Grill in October 1992.[14] In the late 1990s, he moved to New York City, where he became a regular at the Comedy Cellar, before relocating to Los Angeles, in the hopes of finding greater fame. "I tap danced like you wouldn't believe... trying to get something," he said in a 2008 interview with Ron Bennington . "I'm telling you, if I'd have had a gun back then, I would have shot myself." His inability to achieve success on other people's terms motivated him to prioritize his own integrity first. "At the end of the day I just want to know that I was true to myself."[15] Later in his career, Patrice would walk away from successful shows like The Office, Arrested Development, Web Junk 20, and a writing position on the WWE. "I'm a professional bridge-burner," Oneal stated in an interview.[16]Unwilling to yield to the demands of American club owners that he change his often confrontational act, Oneal relocated to the United Kingdom to work on his comedy there. He worked harder as an outsider and a foreigner to gain the respect of his peers. "It took about 5 months... for them to go 'Ok, this guy's not playing around,'" he told Bennington. It was also during this time that he caught the eye of British comedian Ricky Gervais, still early in his stand-up career.[15] Gervais frequently mentioned Oneal as a favorite comic.[17][18][19] He returned to the New York area in 2002 when he got the offer to do his first half-hour special for Showtime. Later that year he joined the cast of The Colin Quinn Show and then Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn. The following year, he recorded a Comedy Central Presents special.
Oneal's first television appearance was on The Apollo Comedy Hour where he performed his Malcolm XXL bit. From there, he moved on to appearances on Showtime at the Apollo, FNight Videos, and a brief stint as a writer for the WWE. He appeared in guest-starring roles on MTV’s Apt 2F, Assy McGee, Ed, Z Rock, Yes Dear, Arrested Development, Chappelle's Show and The Office. Oneal was a regular on the Fox series The Jury, and he starred in the Comedy Central animated program Shorties Watching Shorties, along with Nick DiPaolo. He supplied the voice of Harold Jenkins on Noggin’s animated program O'Grady High and was featured as Jesus in Denis Leary’s Searchlight. In 2005, Oneal filmed a half-hour One Night Stand special for HBO, and shortly thereafter became the first host of VH1's Web Junk 20. Oneal left the show after two seasons, expressing concerns that the show's audience was too different from his own. In 2006 and 2007 he joined Opie and Anthony's Traveling Virus Comedy Tour, playing large outdoor concert arenas across the country.
Living in the New York area, Oneal performed at comedy clubs in the area, including headlining appearances at Comix Comedy Club and Caroline's. He was also popular in Montreal, making five appearances at the Just for Laughs festival, including one of the most memorable in fest history: a one-man, one-week show at Théâtre Ste. Catherine in 2008. Oneal had also been slated to do five sold-out, one-man shows at Les Katacombes at the 2010 Just for Laughs Festival, but he was refused entry into Canada at the U.S. border and the shows were cancelled.[20]
In February 2011, Comedy Central aired his first hour-long special, Elephant in the Room. He eventually began a web series and podcast called The Patrice Oneal Show - Coming Soon![21] showing various episodes as of May 15, 2007. He performed with a five-person group—Bryan Kennedy, Dante Nero, Vondecarlo Brown, Harris Stanton and Wil Sylvince—touching on many fictional scenarios. The show was produced by For Your Imagination and can be found on Oneal's website. He guest-starred in another For Your Imagination-produced show, called Break a Leg, playing Adult-Sized Gary Coleman. Oneal voiced Jeffron James in Grand Theft Auto IV, on an in-game radio show, Fizz!.
On September 19, 2011, Oneal was one of the many roasters at the Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen. This would be his final television appearance before his death two months later. A little more than halfway through the show in a small interview, leading up to the commercial break, Oneal says "this should be my last show ever." Oneal's final recorded interview was with Jay Mohr on his "Mohr Stories" Podcast #17, uploaded October 27, 2011, shortly after news of his stroke.
Shortly after O'Neal's death, BSeen Media announced the release of his first album, Mr. P, to be released February 7, 2012. It was recorded at the D.C. Improv.[22] Although announced after his death, the album had been completed before his illness, with the comedian's full involvement.[23] On Nov 6, 2012, Better Than You, a 20 minute "digital single" of previously unreleased material was released on O'Neal's website and via iTunes.[24]
Illness and death
On October 19, 2011, Oneal reported being unable to move his legs, the first signs of a stroke. He was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center, and later Englewood Hospital where doctors performed surgery to remove a blood clot. He lost his ability to speak, and later his ability to move, for a time communicating by eye movements, before losing that ability as well. Doctors warned that if he survived, he would likely remain permanently paralyzed and unable to speak.[8]Initially the family made efforts to keep news of Oneal's illness quiet. On October 26, 2011, it was announced to the public on The Opie and Anthony Show that Oneal had suffered a stroke a week earlier.[25][26] At 7:00 AM on November 29, 2011, he died from complications from his stroke.[27] Oneal was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes while in his early twenties, and also struggled with weight issues for years.[28][29] He is survived by his longtime partner (whom he often referred to as his wife) Vondecarlo Brown, mother Georgia, stepdaughter Aymilyon, and sister Zinder.[7]
Oneal's funeral was held on December 5 at Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, and was attended by notable comedians including Chris Rock, Colin Quinn, Nick DiPaolo, Artie Lange, Jim Norton, Dane Cook, Wanda Sykes, and Kevin Hart.[8]
Reactions and tributes
On November 30, 2011, a dozen comedians gathered to eulogize Oneal on The Opie and Anthony Show, a radio program that Oneal had appeared on over 100 times. These comedians were: Jim Norton, Bob Kelly, Louis CK, Joe Rogan, Bill Burr, Colin Quinn, Amy Schumer, Dave Attell, Jim Florentine, Russ Meneve, Joe DeRosa, and Kurt Metzger.[30] The channel dedicated its programming that weekend to the comedian, by airing a 16-hour special entitled A Tribute to Patrice O'Neal featuring some of his best appearances, along with memories from some of his fellow comedians.[31]Always known as a comedian's comedian, Oneal was one of the best loved acts by his peers. Many comics reacted via Twitter.[32] "The best comedian in the world has died," proclaimed Norm Macdonald. Dave Attell tweeted "Patrice O. was and is one of the best comics I have ever had the pleasure to watch perform." Ricky Gervais, a long time vocal fan of Oneal's, said "One of my favourite stand up comedians. So sad. RIP." Denis Leary called him "one of the funniest men who ever walked this earth" and Bill Burr concurred, saying he was "the most purely funny human being I’ve ever met." Doug Stanhope remembered Oneal as "one of the best ever. Inspiring every time I heard him on anything." Dozens of other comedians echoed similar sentiments on Twitter.[33][34] Comedian Jon Stewart paid his respects through his "Moment of Zen" bit, in his show The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, stating: "Sad News. Once again in comedy we lose somebody, who's too funny, too soon." This statement was followed by a clip of Oneal's stand up special Elephant in the Room.[35]
Many entertainers outside of the comedy community reacted as well. Director Kevin Smith said, "I shared some air & some air time with the man on O&A & he was always funny & thoughtful. He WILL be missed." Rapper Talib Kweli said "Super funny and I had the pleasure of meeting the man. We will miss you." The Roots drummer Questlove mourned "so grateful I got to see Patrice Oneal do his last NYC gig. Man, this is so devastating. He truly was one of my favorite comics." Nick Cannon called him "An amazing comedian and an even better person."[33] Actor Charlie Sheen paid his respects through his blog, saying: "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."[36]
Comedians Nick DiPaolo and Artie Lange paid tribute to Oneal on their radio show by recounting stories of the late comedian, "As a standup comic, guys like Nick and Patrice are like Babe Ruth, and on a good day I'm maybe Robin Yount," said Lange.
Comedy Central aired Oneal's special Elephant in the Room on November 30 in the wake of his death.[37]
Comedian Louis C.K. dedicated his comedy special Live at the Beacon Theater to Oneal's memory. He later commented on Twitter that O'Neal had been his favorite living comedian.[38]
Rolling Stone ran a four-page article about Oneal's career and passing in the February 16, 2012 issue.[8]
In June 2012, Jim Norton dedicated his 1 hour EPIX comedy special Please Be Offended to Oneal.
On September 23, 2012, during the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards, Oneal was remembered during the "In Memoriam" tribute.[39]
On November 26, 2012, at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC, a benefit show for Oneal's family was held. The comedians who performed sets were: Colin Quinn, Artie Lange, Wil Sylvince, Danny Lobell, and Keith Robinson.[40]
On November 29, 2012, Bill Burr announced, via Twitter, that there would be a memorial benefit show for Oneal's family on February 19, 2013. The comics who performed at New York City Center were: Colin Quinn, Jim Norton, Dave Attell, Bill Burr, Bob Kelly, Rich Vos, Keith Robinson, Ian Edwards, Wil Sylvince, and Marina Franklin.[41]
Comic style
Oneal's comedy has been described as conversational.[42] Except during televised appearances, he seldom performed standing up, preferring a relaxed, philosophical delivery.[43]Oneal was also known as a provocateur, often inciting audience members to call out, or even leave the club. "I've seen him give people money to leave," recalls Gregg "Opie" Hughes.[44] At times he would encourage people to call out to the stage in order to set up a punchline. "Ladies, how would you keep your man if you lost your vagina?," Oneal would ask of his audience. When the women would invariably reference oral and anal sex, the comedian would respond, "See, I gave you the chance to talk and you qualified yourself as a series of holes."[42]
Discography
Filmography
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | The Colin Quinn Show | Various | |
| 2002 | Contest Searchlight | Himself | |
| 2002 | Chappelle's Show | Pit Bull | 2 Episodes |
| 2002-2004 | Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn | Himself/Various | |
| 2003 | Yes, Dear | Tow Truck Driver | 1 Episode |
| 2003 | Ed | Andre Stangel | Uncredited |
| 2003 | Arrested Development | T-Bone | 1 Episode |
| 2004 | The Jury | Adam Walker | Recurring |
| 2004 | Shorties Watchin' Shorties | Baby Patrice | Voice |
| 2004-2006 | O'Grady | Harold | Voice |
| 2005-2007 | The Office | Lonny | 3 Episodes |
| 2006 | The Best Man | Himself | unaired Comedy Central pilot |
| 2006 | Web Junk 20 | Host | 2 Seasons |
| 2008 | Assy McGee | Blind Anthony | Voice |
| 2008 | Z Rock | Stage Manager | Guest Star |
| 2011 | The Roast of Charlie Sheen | Himself |
Film
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 25th Hour | Khari | |
| 2003 | Head of State | Warren | |
| 2003 | In the Cut | Hector | |
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | Rasheed | Uncredited |
| 2010 | Furry Vengeance | Gus | |
| 2011 | Elephant in the Room | Himself | |
| 2012 | Nature Calls | Mr. Caldwell |
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