Early Life and Education of Artie Lange: A Complete Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Artie Lange. A timeline of key moments.

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

October 11, 1967: Artie Lange's Birth

On October 11, 1967, Arthur Steven Lange Jr. was born. He is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality.

August 1985: Arrested for Attempted Bank Robbery

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

March 1986: Charge Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

In March 1986, Artie Lange's charge for attempted bank robbery was reduced to disorderly conduct, requiring him to pay court fees and complete community service.

June 1987: Completes Broadcasting School

From March to June 1987, as part of his probation, Artie Lange attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.

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.

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.

August 2003: Discovering Native American Ancestry

In August 2003, Artie Lange discovered he is approximately twenty-five percent Native American after DNA testing.

March 2008: LIFEbeat Refuses Donations

In March 2008, LIFEbeat refused further donations from Artie Lange's cupcake sales after he used anti-gay epithets on-air, though they later reached an amicable truce.

2010: Suicide Attempt and Rehabilitation

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

2014: Breakup with Adrienne Ockrymiek

In 2014, Artie Lange broke up with his fiancée, Adrienne Ockrymiek.

2016: Inability to Vote

During a 2016 interview from Maxim, Artie Lange said that he couldn't vote due to being a convicted felon.

2016: Sale of Summer Home

In 2016, Artie Lange's summer home in Toms River, New Jersey, was sold for $1.35 million.

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.

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.

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.

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.