Who Is Patrice O'Neal? Age, Biography and Wiki
Patrice O'Neal was born on December 7, 1969, in New York City, USA. He was a multi-talented comedian and actor known for his stand-up specials and roles in various television shows and films. Tragically, he passed away on November 29, 2011, due to complications from diabetes, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence comedians today. In 2025, he would be 55 years old, and his impact on the world of humor and social commentary is still felt in the industry.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 7, 1969 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Jersey |
| Date of death | 29 November, 2011 |
| Died Place | Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
Popularity
Patrice O'Neal's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Patrice O'Neal stood at approximately 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and weighed around 300 pounds (136 kg) during his lifetime. His size was often a part of his comedic persona, allowing him to tackle various subjects with both humor and seriousness. Known for his charismatic stage presence, O'Neal's measurements reflected a larger-than-life personality that captivated audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Patrice O'Neal was known to keep his personal life relatively private, but he was in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, who was later revealed to be steadfast in supporting him through his health challenges. He did not have a wife or children, but his close relationships with family and friends were integral to his life and career, showcasing a more human side to the celebrated comedian.
He was named by his mother after Patrice Lumumba, leader of the Congolese independence movement and the Republic of the Congo's first prime minister, and the African-American human rights activist Malcolm X. He was bullied at school over his name, but later said that it taught him "how to be a man".
He and his sister, Zinder, were raised by their mother in Boston's largely Black working class Roxbury neighborhood. O'Neal never had a relationship with his father, although he was aware of his identity.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2011, Patrice O'Neal’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million. His earnings stemmed from stand-up comedy, acting roles, and numerous television appearances. In 2025, his legacy may continue to generate income from posthumous projects and releases, reaffirming the lasting impression he left on the entertainment industry.
In late 2000, O'Neal took a position as a writer for WWE after an associate of the company saw him perform. A big fan of professional wrestling, he pitched his idea for building a feud over three weeks that culminated in a pay-per-view event, which won him the job.
He visited Vince McMahon's house, traveled with the organization for one week of live shows on their private jet, and directed some vignettes. He was then offered a 13-week contract, but turned it down as he already had plans.
He later said that "it wouldn't have been a dream" if he had kept doing it and that it was enjoyable because "it was short and sweet". Later in his career, he also walked away from potential opportunities such as acting roles on Web Junk 20, The Office, and Arrested Development, though he would eventually guest star on the latter two.
He jokingly described himself as a "professional bridge-burner".
Career, Business and Investments
Patrice O'Neal began his career in the 1990s, gaining recognition for his performances on "Def Comedy Jam" and his appearances on "The Opie and Anthony Show." He cultivated a robust career that included numerous stand-up specials, such as "Elephant in the Room," and roles in television shows like "The Office" and "Chappelle's Show."
Posthumously, his influence has led to a resurgence of interest in his work, with networks airing re-runs of his specials and documentaries about his life. Although Patrice was not known for traditional business ventures, many of his fans and fellow comedians have spoken about his insights into the comedy business, indicating a legacy of mentorship and inspiration.
Patrice Lumumba Malcolm O'Neal (December 7, 1969 – November 29, 2011) was an American comedian and actor. He was known for his stand-up comedy career and his regular guest appearances on the talk show Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and the radio show Opie and Anthony.
Social Network
Even after his death, Patrice O'Neal's influence continues on social media platforms. Many fan pages and groups celebrate his comedic genius, sharing clips of his performances and discussing his impact on comedy. Through social media, new generations are introduced to his work, keeping his memory alive and encouraging discussions about comedy and society's dynamics.
In 1998, O'Neal relocated to New York City, working regular spots at the Comedy Cellar. In early 1998, he took part in the fourth annual US Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado. He then moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of finding greater fame: "I tap danced like you wouldn't believe ...
trying to get something." O'Neal ignored demands from club owners to change his confrontational act and struggled to earn enough money. He was "essentially thrown out of America" and accepted offers to perform in the UK, first by English stand-up John Simmit for a part on his Upfront Comedy circuit.
O'Neal worked hard to gain the respect of his peers, recalling that it took several months "for them to go 'okay, this guy's not playing around'". By mid-1999, he had headlined a comedy tour of Australia.
Between 2000 and 2002, he performed stand-up across Europe, including spots at the Black International Comedy Awards in London and in Edinburgh with comedians Lewis Schaffer and Rich Vos.
Education
Patrice O'Neal was an alumnus of the prestigious New York School of Visual Arts, where he honed his skills in performance and expression. Although his formal education in the arts was brief, it laid the groundwork for his future success in comedy. His unique perspective often drew from a blend of personal experience and education, making his material relatable and thought-provoking.
