O'Neal was born in New York in 1969, but moved to Boston when he was just 1 year old. He was educated at West Roxbury High School and went on to attend Northeastern University, both in Boston. After this, various jobs followed including a sausage cart vendor at a train station, flower seller and popcorn seller at the Boston Garden Arena.
In October 1992, O'Neal attended an open microphone comedy night. He heckled one of the comedians, who challenged O'Neal to perform himself at the next open mic night. He did just that and so began his comedy career. Over the next 6 years, O'Neal became a fixture on the Boston comedy circuit. He then relocated to New York, becoming a regular at Manhattan's Comedy Cellar. After this, O'Neal moved to Los Angeles and radio, television and film projects followed.
He appeared in various shows, both in acting roles and as himself. In 2005, he taped his own episode of One Night Stand (2005) and in 2011 he had his own Comedy Central special, 'Patrice O'Neal: Elephant in the Room'. As well as on-screen projects, O'Neal worked on radio and continued as a stand-up in clubs and theaters.
O'Neal's final screen appearance was in September 2011 when he took part in the 喜剧中心查理·辛吐槽大会 (2011). On November 29, 2011, O'Neal, who suffered from diabetes, passed away, following complications from a stroke. He was 41 years old.
Attended Northeastern University but did not graduate.
He is a diabetic.
He was named after Patrice Lumumba and 马尔科姆.
He prefers his name spelled without the apostrophe.
Was a star football player in high school but quit football in college to major in theatre arts.
His agent was Matt Frost.
Suffered a stroke on October 19, 2011.
After working on 第25小时 (2002), 斯派克·李 offered him a holding deal but he turned it down.
Survived by his fiancée Von Decarlo, her daughter Amilyom, a sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia.
Signed a sitcom deal with the FX network shortly before he died.
Had two dogs: Gladys, a poodle, and Dude, a Westie.
Philosophies on relationships and race relations.
Confronting audience members.
His infectious laugh.
Being Brutally Honest