Stand-up comedian, Patrice O'Neal, suffered from a stroke last week after a long battle with diabetes, Jim Norton announced on Wednesday night.

Norton announced O'Neal's stroke on the Opie and Anthony Show, without giving any further information. We don't know how he is or how he's going to be. ...I didn't want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you, Norton said.

The news was also announced on the shows Facebook page asking that fans respect the family and their request for privacy.

An email has been set up for fans to send him well wishes and his family will make sure he gets them. You can write to LoveForPatrice@gmail.com. When we have an update on his condition, we will let you all know. On the site, fans can also send the comedian well wishes.

Actor, Charlie Sheen, who was recently roasted on O'Neal's Comedy Central, sent his wishes to the 41-year old saying he wished him nothing but recovery, healing and laughter, the Boston Herald reported. Sheen referenced the comedian as a gentle giant, a brilliant comedian, and a noble dude.

Dane Cook also sent wishes via Twitter asking people to pray for O'Neal and his family Patrice is unlike anyone I've ever met. He's one of the best comedians ever. Period, he posted.

O'Neal began his comedy career in Boston, Massachusetts where he grew up since he was one years old.
In 1992 O'Neal attended an open mic comedy night at Estelle's Bar and Grill on Tremont Street where he decided to heckle one of the comics on stage. He challenged O'Neal to perform on stage at the next open mic night.

After six years in comedy in Boston O'Neal took to New York City and Hollywood before he moved onto
prestigious appearances on Showtime at the Apollo, Friday Night Videos where he wooed audiences with his with his Malcolm XXL bit.

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