Veteran stand-up comedian, radio personality and actor Patrice O’Neal has suffered a stroke, according to fellow comic Jim Norton who announced it on Wednesday’s “Opie and Anthony Show.”

“We don’t know how he is,” Norton said. “We don’t know how he’s going to be. …I didn’t want to do this by myself. I wish we had more news for you.”

A statement announcing the condition of the 41 year-old comic was also posted on Opie and Anthony’s Facebook page.

It reads: “Our close friend Patrice O’Neal suffered a stroke last week. Please respect his family and their request for privacy. An email has been set up for fans to send him well wishes and his family will make sure he gets them. You can write to LoveForPatrice@gmail.com. When we have an update on his condition, we will let you all know.” On the site, fans can also send the comedian well wishes.

The comic began his comedy career in Boston, Massachusetts. His first TV appearance was on “The Apollo Comedy Hour” where he slayed the crowd with with his Malcolm XXL bit. The comedian made his his “Def Comedy Jam” debut in 2007 and has appeared on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,”

Eventually, he would move on to appearances on such shows as “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Friday Night Videos,” “Yes Dear,” “Arrested Development,” “Chappelle’s Show” and “The Office.”

Asked to whom he aspires, O’Neal mentions on his MySpace page only two names: George Carlin and Richard Pryor. Carlin for his distinct point of view and universal appeal; Pryor for his honesty, vulnerability and personal revelation.

O’Neal was last seen on a national scale during Charlie Sheen’s Roast on Comedy Central in September.

Pictured: Comedian Patrice O’Neal speaks onstage at Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen held at Sony Studios on September 10, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)