'This will solidify his legacy'

America’s Comedy Central has commissioned a documentary about stand-up Patrice O’Neal, featuring never-before-seen personal material.

The as-yet-untitled film will be shot this autumn and is described as ‘a deep-dive portrait’ of the comedian, who died aged 41 in 2011. 

It will feature O'Neal's family and friends, as well as the comics who knew him or were influenced by his work.

In a statement, Sarah Babineau and Jonas Larsen, Comedy Central’s joint heads of original content, said: ’Patrice was a tour de force in comedy who left an indelible stamp on the stand-up community and beyond.

‘Comedy Central had the incredible opportunity to work with him throughout his career… He was a fearless and fierce comedian and we're honoured to be able to shine a light on his life and career with this documentary.’

The film is being made by All Things Comedy, a co-operative of comedians founded by  Bill Burr and Al Madrigal, and directed by Mike Bonfiglio, who has previously made documentaries about Jerry Seinfeld and Gary Gulman as well as directing My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman.

O'Neal's fiancée Von Decarlo said: ‘This makes for an absolute dream team to help his mother and I bring Patrice's story to the masses, and solidify his legacy for generations to come.’ 

Burr added: ‘Patrice was the best that I ever saw.’

Published: 23 Oct 2019