The Artie of Missing Work
The Howard Stern Show is used to having cast members go MIA. Does anyone know where KC Armstrong is? Jackie “The Jokeman” Martling left over a contract dispute. Top guest Richard Simmons left over Howard making fun of him after someone accused him of coming on to another man in the National Enquirer. The story was never proven to be true, but Howard just loved the reaction that Simmons gave when Howard ripped on him.
Artie seemed to be the perfect employee until earlier this month when he started missing work. It was funny at first because Howard and the gang made fun of the voicemail messages that Lange left while he was calling in sick. It was funny because Howard and the gang began to analyze why Artie wasn’t coming into work. A few months ago Artie spoke about how he thought that things may end up bad. Howard and Robin thought that he was a weirdo. A few days into Artie’s absence, Artie’s mom called in to speak to Howard, but Howard didn’t want to speak to her. I guess at the end of week, Howard eventually spoke to Artie and he assured Stern that he would be there Monday morning(6/13/05). The staff thinks that Artie is stressed over a $2 million movie project that he wrote and is starring in. Come on Artie, don’t self destruct like the Jokeman. Jackie was a great part of the show and it was hard to see him go(maybe not for Howard, but for the fans), so don’t let it happen to you. Artie had earlier drug problems that led to him leaving Mad TV, but he has since cleaned up his act.
This is not the way the fans want you to go out! I mean, we would totally understand if you choked on chicken or pizza, but don’t go out this way.
Update 06/13/05: Artie Lange made it back on the show from his absence and admitted that he was feeling depressed. He said that he started drinking more during the week. Artie was stressed for several reasons, including his low budget movie. He is now meeting with a “shrink” and the “shrink” would like to meet with Artie five times a week. Howard stated that he was surprised that Artie’s lovely girlfriend is sticking in with him. Mr. Lange exposed the fact that he hates looking at himself and he refuses to watch the E! Show. Several emailers wrote in that Artie should be fired.
Related Howard Stern Item: Where is KC Armstrong?