Patrice O'Neal Remembered By Ricky Gervais, Kevin Smith

When news broke on Tuesday that comedian Patrice O'Neal had died at 41 from complications of a stroke, those closest to him began to react to the sad news.

Ricky Gervais is one of the many friends and celebrity fans who has reacted to the news, recalling a fondness for the comedian's sense of humor and wit. "One of my favourite stand up comedians," he tweeted.

"So sad. RIP," Kevin Smith added. "I shared some air & some air time with the man on O&A & he was always funny & thoughtful. Patrice — he WILL be missed."

"Saturday Night Live" star Seth Meyers remembered the comic on Twitter as well. "RIP Patrice O'Neal," he wrote. "A day spent watching clips of him on-line is a day well spent."

Dane Cook knew the comic for a long time, and he shared his memories of him on Twitter. "I started my career w/ Patrice O'Neal," he wrote. "He was 1 of the best ever. Fond memories of road gigs, late night eats & laughs."

Pro wrestler Chris Jericho, who knew O'Neal when he worked as a writer for the WWE, also tweeted about his passing. "Sad to hear about Patrice O'Neal. ... I met him when he was a WWE writer and worked w him many times," he wrote. "Sweet guy and very funny! God bless u man."

O'Neal frequently appeared on "Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn," and after hearing of his death, the "SNL" alum also took to Twitter: "Thanks to everybody for the Patrice ONeal comments. One of a kind. In heaven right now, charming half and infuriating half, then reversing."

It isn't just the comedy community that will miss O'Neal. The Roots' ?uestlove remembered seeing the comedian at one of his last gigs before his death. "So grateful i got to see Patrice Oneal do his last NYC gig. man this is so devastating. he truly was one of my favorite comics. RIP," he tweeted.

A rep for O'Neal confirmed the death to MTV News on Tuesday with this statement: "It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O'Neal has passed away this morning at 7:00 a.m. due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19. Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius. His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side. Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo, his stepdaughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks. We ask that you please respect the family's request for privacy at this difficult time."