Happy Heavenly Double Nickel, Patrice O’Neal
He left us just over 14 years ago at only 41 years of age. Arguably on the brink of true breakthrough and even further greatness, persistent health issues led to him to having a stroke, then, falling into a coma in the early Fall of 2011, and succumbing to it all about six weeks later. To put into perspective what lay before this hilarious, take-no-prisoners, and groundbreaking comedian, I implore you to take some time to listen to a snippet, or in its entirety, of this episode of The Opie & Anthony Show, a show on which he was a frequent guest, during which the hosts and a number of comedians and fans reflect on what he meant to them and to the comedy genre. In addition, check out this article from New York magazine that was published about six months after his passing. Lastly, his comedy special, Elephant in the Room, is in my top 3 of all time. Check it out. Continue to Rest in Peace, Patrice. You are sorely missed.