Where in the world is Artie Lange? Acid-tongued radio personality Howard Stern is speaking out about his ailing sidekick, Artie Lange, who was rushed to a New Jersey hospital after falling ill over the weekend. Lange has been absent from Sirius XM’s The Howard Stern Show since early December and cancelled a New Year’s Eve engagement along with several other stand-up performances.
Stern wouldn’t reveal why Lange has been hospitalized or why he’s been mysteriously absent from the show for several weeks, saying only that he is respecting a request for privacy from Artie’s family. Howard did, however, deny reports that Artie is leaving the show and being replaced by Jim Breuer.
“We all have our demons,” said Stern, referring to the comedian’s well-publicized battles with addiction. “Artie has given this show tremendous moments of great comedy. He’s a tremendous contributor. He is a good man. Don’t forget how great he is.”