Celebrities Honor Late Patrice O'Neal On Twitter

Too often in stand-up comedy, spectacular talents aren't recognized and respected as they should be until one of two things happens: in one instance, a long-suffering comic who's spent years hustling and grinding out a living gets the "big break" via a successful movie or TV show.

Suddenly, the comic becomes a "new" star who's been around for years.

Frustrating as it must be for those comics who are treated like newcomers after years on the road just because some people might as well not know a talent exists until they see him or her on a TV or movie screen, it beats the alternative.

Others become better-known after they're dead.

Patrice O'Neal this afternoon lost a battle with a stroke he had earlier this year and a long struggle with diabetes at age 41, leaving behind a legacy among fans probably mostly dominated by his appearances on "The Opie & Anthony Show" on Sirius XM and as a frequent player on Comedy Central's brief-but-classic "Chappelle's Show."

He was also featured on "The Comedy Central Roast of Charlie Sheen," as well as previous turns on "The Office," "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn" and "Scary Movie 4."

Following his death, it became apparent that although he might not have been the foremost comedian to come to fans' minds, his greatest legacy might've been his respect among his peers.

Sheen's tweets might've been among the most moving, coming across as grateful to have let the talented comedian get a few digs at his expense.

“The entertainment world as well as the world at large lost a brilliant man today. Patrice had that rare ‘light’ around him and inside of him. I only knew him for the few days leading up the Roast. Yet I will forever be inspired by his nobility, his grace and his epic talent. my tears today are for the tremendous loss to his true friends and loving family," Sheen tweeted.

Via Twitter, other friends and colleagues expressed both their admiration and sadness.

"Saturday Night Live" player Seth Myers suggested "A day spent watching clips of him online is a day well spent." Former collaborator Quinn tweeted "One of a kind. In heaven right now, charming half and infuriating half, then reversing.”

"Community" star Donald Glover called O'Neal "One of the smartest and funniest comedians ever."

The Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson said he had just seen what proved to be of O'Neal's final performances in New York City recently. He called O'Neal "Truly one of my favorite comedians ever."

Doug Benson simply called today "A sad day for comedians and comedy in general."