Challenges in the Life of Artie Lange in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Life is full of challenges, and Artie Lange faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Artie Lange is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality. He is most famous for his roles on Mad TV (1995-1997) and The Howard Stern Show (2001-2009). Prior to his comedy career, Lange worked as a longshoreman and taxi driver to support his family after his father's death. He began performing stand-up comedy in 1987 and became a full-time comedian five years later, honing his skills in New York City comedy clubs.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

August 1985: Arrested for Attempted Bank Robbery

In August 1985, Artie Lange was arrested for attempted bank robbery.

November 1995: Suicide Attempt

In November 1995, after nine episodes of Mad TV had been shot, Artie Lange attempted suicide and was taken to intensive care.

November 1996: Departure from Mad TV

In November 1996, Artie Lange's time on Mad TV ended after an intervention due to his cocaine use.

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January 1997: Returns to New Jersey and Enters Psychiatric Hospital

In January 1997, after his jail term, Artie Lange returned to New Jersey and spent a short time in a psychiatric hospital before completing formal rehabilitation.

2010: Suicide Attempt and Rehabilitation

In early 2010, Artie Lange attempted suicide and subsequently completed rehabilitation.

March 12, 2017: Arrest on Drug Possession Charges

On March 12, 2017, Artie Lange was arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, and drug paraphernalia in the parking garage of his apartment complex.

April 5, 2017: Charges Downgraded

On April 5, 2017, Artie Lange's original drug charges were downgraded to three "disorderly persons" offenses. However, he failed to appear in court, leading to a bench warrant for his arrest.

July 7, 2017: Emergency surgery

On July 7, 2017, Artie Lange was rushed to a hospital and underwent emergency chest surgery after collapsing following a stand-up performance in Chicago.

December 15, 2017: Guilty Plea and Rehab

On December 15, 2017, Artie Lange pleaded guilty to possessing 81 bags of heroin and checked himself into rehab.

December 2017: Absence from The Artie and Anthony Show Following Arrest

Following his December 2017 arrest and subsequent time in rehab, Artie Lange was absent from "The Artie and Anthony Show" for six weeks.

January 2018: Outpatient Rehab Program

In January 2018, Artie Lange left rehab and began an outpatient rehab program, attending five days a week and undergoing regular urine tests.

May 14, 2018: Departure from The Artie and Anthony Show

On May 14, 2018, Anthony Cumia announced that Artie Lange would be departing "The Artie and Anthony Show" for the foreseeable future due to his ongoing health and legal issues.

June 1, 2018: Probation Sentence

On June 1, 2018, Artie Lange was sentenced to four years of probation. He was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service and further outpatient rehabilitation.

November 2018: Inpatient Rehabilitation

In November 2018, Artie Lange entered inpatient rehabilitation with comedian Bob Levy after breaking his probation by testing positive twice for cocaine and opioids.

2018: Wanna Bet? Book Release, Hiatus on Career

In 2018, Artie Lange released his third book Wanna Bet? and put a hiatus on his career following a series of arrests and drug rehabilitation.

Wanna Bet?: A Degenerate Gambler's Guide to Living on the Edge

Check it on Amazon

January 30, 2019: Custody and Treatment Center

On January 30, 2019, Artie Lange was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and checked into a treatment center.

August 2019: Progress in Rehab

In August 2019, Radar Online reported that Artie Lange was progressing in rehab and would remain there at least through September. He was scheduled to return to court where a jail sentence was possible.