Patrice O’Neal began his career as a stand-up comedian two decades ago and made the jump to film and television in the late 1990s, guest starring on such shows as “Yes Dear,” “Arrested Development” and “The Office” and had his own specials on Showtime, HBO and Comedy Central.

A long-time diabetes sufferer, O’Neal’s death was announced on Twitter by Opie of the Opie & Anthony Radio Show on Sirius/XM satellite radio. O’Neal was a regular guest on the program and was a familiar face at New York City comedy events, according to TMZ.

“Yes, it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away,” Opie tweeted. “The funniest and best thinker I’ve ever known PERIOD.”

One of O’Neal’s last public appearances was in September when he appeared on Comedy Central’s Charlie Sheen roast. Funeral arrangements are pending.