Artie Lange
In an article in the New York Post, it was reported on Thursday that comedian and Howard Stern show co-host Artie Lange's recent hospitalization was due to an attempted suicide. He reportedly stabbed himself a number of times causing significant blood loss. The article goes on to say that Artie's mother discovered him and called 911, and after successful surgery, Artie survived.
As of the writing of this post, Artie Lange's condition is not know, and there has been no official word about the situation from Artie or his representatives. If the reports are true and accurate, I am deeply saddened and distressed. For those of you who are not familiar with Artie Lange, he is an actor,comedian, and author who was an original cast member of Mad TV. He co-starred in the film Dirty Work with Norm Macdonald, and co-wrote, produced, and starred in Beer League. He is a New York Times bestselling author, and for the past eight years, Artie was best know as an on-air personality of The Howard Stern Show.
Die hard Howard Stern fan will understand when I say that members of the Stern show are almost like family, not really, but almost. I've been listening to Howard Stern for 25 years. Growing up on Long Island New York, Howard was an institution. For hours every day I would, and still do, listen to Howard, Robin, and gang talk about anything and everything. Open and honest, warts and all, Howard, and The Howard Stern Show, is unlike any media program on any medium. I spent hours with my radio friends stuck on the Long Island Expressway, cramped next to obnoxious commuters on the Long Island Railroad, and on my headphones at work. Since Howard moved his show to Satellite radio in 2006, I have been downloading the show with my Sirius radio, and I have listened to every minute of every show.
Artie Lange joined Stern full time in late 2001, replacing Jackie Martling. Artie fit right in with the show, which was not an easy thing to do. He had to replace a very popular member of the show and join a group of entertainers who had been working together on air for 20 years. After some resistance to change by Howard's fans, Artie soon became one of the most popular members of the team. It was apparent that Artie was an amazing story teller from the very begging. He had a lot to tell. Artie's struggles with Cocaine, gambling, alcohol, and food became fodder for hilarious, epic stories. The stories were funny because they were being told by a man that had conquered his demons, and he was now letting us all in on the crazy ride that was his life. Sadly, his struggles with substance abuse and depression were far from over, as he chronicled in his autobiography. Artie relapsed a number of times during his years on the Stern Show causing erratic, impulsive, and sometimes abusive behavior. This erratic behavior was so shocking because, when sober, Artie is a sweet, caring, and giving man.
Despite his success and his wealth, Artie Lange is an everyman. Although I don't struggle with his addictions, I do relate to him. He was born and raised in New Jersey to an Italian-American family. We are close to the same age, we share the love of New York food, and we have many of the same New York experiences and references. Artie would have fit in perfectly with me and my goofy friends in high school. I know Artie, or at least I know people like Artie. It is for this reason that I feel sadness, but I believe with all my heart that is never too late for a person to get their life together and find serenity.
So, to Artie Lange and all those out there that have not slayed their demons yet, I wish you all peace and love.
January 16th, 2010 - 11:57
As a former guest of the Howard Stern show, I send my wishes for a speedy recovery to Artie so he can get back to his job doing….whatever he did.
January 18th, 2010 - 12:40
I will be amazed if he ever comes back to the show.