artie lange: Where is Artie Lange? Not on the Stern show

Where is Artie Lange? Not on the Stern show

The Howard Stern Show returned after a two-week vacation without comedian Artie Lange yet again.

Monday morning's show opened with the crew mentioning the vacant seat in the New York City studio. Stern spent 17 minutes discussing various things before informing his listeners of the situation, including his parents -- a popular topic.

Show producer Gary Dell'Abate informed Stern last week that Lange was checked in to an "intensive rehab" by his sister and friends.

Stern said Lange left him a message over the weekend saying he never felt better in his life and has been sober nearly two weeks and lost 20 pounds -- Lange had swelled up to over 300 pounds. After the two spoke on the phone, Stern called Dell'Abate and was told the experience wasn't quite intensive rehab.

Dell'Abate said he would classify the actual experience as a detox, not rehab. The crew surmised Lange is in Miami and likened the experience to a luxury spa.

Stern said he expects Lange back on the show Wednesday.

Lange is the author of "Too Fat to Fish," a recent New York Times best seller. Stern, who wrote a foreword, gave high praise for Lange's book that is a collection of memories from the comedian's past. Quivers said she has yet to read the book.

Fred Norris said the book should have been called "Ticking Time Bomb," making reference to the book's many dark, low experiences in Lange's life.

Stern said he honestly did not realize the severity of Lange's issues until reading the book.

Update: Lange called in just after 10 a.m. EST to give his side of the story.

Lange said he is dealing with a "bunch of things" and is seeing a psychotherapist and is receiving medical treatment for liver and stomach issues. He again claimed he hasn't felt this good in 20 years and is working out on a daily basis. He again said he's lost 20 pounds.

He admitted he was using heroine up until very recently, when he had sworn on the show repeatedly he was clean.

Lange said he would be back on the show on Wednesday

--Abramson


Source: weblogs.newsday.com