Patrice O'Neal - Illness and Death - Reactions and Tributes

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. 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.

Always known as a comedian's comedian, Oneal was one of the best loved acts by his peers. Many comics reacted via Twitter. "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. 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.

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." 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."

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.

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.

Rolling Stone ran a four-page article about Oneal's career and passing in the February 16, 2012 issue.

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.

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.

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.

Read more about this topic:  Patrice O'Neal, Illness and Death

Famous quotes containing the words reactions and, reactions and/or tributes:

    We have all had the experience of finding that our reactions and perhaps even our deeds have denied beliefs we thought were ours.
    James Baldwin (1924–1987)

    Separation anxiety is normal part of development, but individual reactions are partly explained by experience, that is, by how frequently children have been left in the care of others.... A mother who is never apart from her young child may be saying to him or her subliminally: “You are only safe when I’m with you.”
    Cathy Rindner Tempelsman (20th century)

    The fame of heroes owes little to the extent of their conquests and all to the success of the tributes paid to them.
    Jean Genet (1910–1986)