Net Worth Ranker
What Was Patrice O’Neal’s Net Worth?
At the time of his death in 2011, Patrice O’Neal, a multifaceted American comedian, radio personality, and actor, had a net worth estimated at $200,000. This figure represents the culmination of his earnings from various entertainment avenues, including stand-up comedy performances, television appearances, radio hosting, and potentially some smaller investments. While specific breakdowns of his income from each source are not publicly available, we can infer the relative contributions based on his career trajectory.
Early Career and Television Appearances
Patrice O’Neal was born on December 7, 1969, in New York City. Details about his early financial situation are scarce, but it’s known he was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He started his comedy career in his early twenties, gaining initial recognition on “Apollo Comedy Hour”. Following this, he appeared on “Showcase at the Apollo” and “Friday Night Videos”. While these appearances likely provided some income, they primarily served as platforms for exposure and networking. His career gained momentum when he became a regular on “Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn” on Comedy Central. Being a series regular would have provided a more stable income stream. However, the specific salary or per-episode fee for “Tough Crowd” is not publicly documented.
In the late 1990s, O’Neal moved to Los Angeles with the ambition of securing roles in television and film. Despite his efforts, he didn’t find significant success in Hollywood at that time. We do not have access to data about specific roles he auditioned for, or the pay for any bit parts he may have acquired in this period.
Radio and Comedy Central Career
In 2002, O’Neal relocated to New York City, where he became a frequent guest on “The Opie and Anthony” radio show. His appearances on the show became a significant source of income and further amplified his comedic profile. As a frequent guest and occasional co-host, O’Neal’s compensation from the radio show would have been a factor in growing his net worth. Details regarding the pay structure for guests and co-hosts on “The Opie and Anthony” are not known, making it impossible to estimate a precise figure.
By 2006, O’Neal had his own relationship advice call-in show on XM Satellite Radio, called “The Black Dr. Phil”. While this venture provided another revenue stream, the show’s abrupt end due to budget cuts limited its potential impact on his overall net worth. Precise figures for his earnings from the XM show are not publicly available.
In 2005, O’Neal recorded a “One Night Stand” special for HBO, which would have provided a notable boost to his income. Following this, he hosted VH1’s “Web Junk 20” for a few seasons. The amount he earned for the HBO special, or as host of “Web Junk 20” is not public knowledge. He left “Web Junk 20,” stating that the audience was very different from his own, suggesting a potential mismatch that might have also influenced his decision beyond purely financial factors.
Other Ventures and Income Sources
In 2007, O’Neal launched his own internet show, “The Patrice O’Neal Show – Coming Soon!” This independent venture likely generated income through subscriptions, merchandise, or advertising, though the precise figures are not available. As an independent project, its success would have been directly tied to O’Neal’s marketing and audience engagement efforts.
O’Neal’s comedy was frequently described as spontaneous and conversational. His unique style, although mature, sometimes faced the label of misogynistic. He cited George Carlin and Richard Pryor as major influences on his comedic approach. His shows often involved heckling and even asking audience members to leave, indicating a willingness to prioritize his artistic vision over potentially broader appeal. We lack data regarding the financial effect of this uncompromising style on his ticket sales or overall income.
O’Neal did a Comedy Central Presents special in 2006. Details of the compensation for a Comedy Central Presents special are not available in the public domain. O’Neal also appeared in the movie “25th Hour” and TV shows such as “Arrested Development,” “Chappelle’s Show,” and “The Office.” While these roles would have contributed to his income, they were primarily guest appearances rather than starring roles. Information about how much he was paid for each role is not publicly available.
Personal Life and Financial Considerations
O’Neal openly discussed his previous conviction for statutory rape and the resulting legal restrictions on firearm ownership on “The Opie and Anthony Show” in 2008. These legal issues may have had financial implications, such as legal fees or restrictions on certain types of employment. However, specific details about any such financial consequences are not publicly accessible.
At the time of his death, Patrice O’Neal was engaged to actress Vondecarlo Brown. The specifics of their financial arrangements, if any, are not known.
While specific details about Patrice O’Neal’s assets, investments, or debts are not publicly available, the $200,000 net worth estimate provides a general indication of his financial standing at the end of his life. It’s important to note that this figure is an estimate based on available information and may not reflect the full complexity of his financial situation.
Death and Legacy
In October 2011, O’Neal suffered a stroke as a consequence of his lifelong battle with diabetes. He underwent surgery to remove a blood clot but suffered paralysis and loss of speech. On November 29, 2011, Patrice O’Neal died from complications arising from the stroke. He was 41 years old. Any medical expenses incurred before his death may have impacted his net worth. Any inheritance or estate-related matters following his death are not part of the available data.
Patrice O’Neal’s legacy as a comedian continues through recordings of his performances, clips from his radio and television appearances, and the influence he had on other comedians. While his net worth at the time of his death may not have been substantial compared to some other celebrities, his contributions to comedy remain significant.
