History of Artie Lange in Timeline
Artie Lange, an American stand-up comedian, actor, and radio personality, gained recognition through his work on Mad TV (1995-1997) and The Howard Stern Show (2001-2009). Growing up in New Jersey, he held jobs as a longshoreman and taxi driver to support his family after his father's death. Lange's comedic journey began in 1987, transitioning to a full-time career five years later as he honed his skills in New York City's comedy clubs.
October 11, 1967: Birth of Artie Lange
Artie Lange was born on October 11, 1967, in Livingston, New Jersey.
1982: Introduction to The Howard Stern Show
Artie Lange was introduced to The Howard Stern Show by his father in 1982, which sparked his long-standing appreciation for the show.
August 1985: Artie Lange's Arrest for Attempted Bank Robbery
In August 1985, Artie Lange was arrested for attempted bank robbery, though the charges were later reduced.
1985: Artie Lange Enters Seton Hall University and His Father's Accident
Artie Lange began attending Seton Hall University in 1985. That same year, his father was severely injured in an accident, becoming quadriplegic.
March 1986: Completion of Community Service and Probation
Artie Lange completed his court-mandated community service and probation in March 1986.
June 1987: Artie Lange Attends Connecticut School of Broadcasting
Artie Lange attended the Connecticut School of Broadcasting from March to June 1987 as part of his probation.
July 12, 1987: Artie Lange's First Stand-Up Performance
On July 12, 1987, at age nineteen, Artie Lange performed his first stand-up comedy routine at The Improv in Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan.
1987: Artie Lange's Stand-Up Debut
Artie Lange made his stand-up comedy debut in 1987.
1987: Financial Difficulties and Howard Stern's Interaction
In 1987, the Lange family faced financial hardship due to Artie's father's medical condition. They contacted celebrities for auction items, and Howard Stern sent a signed jacket.
1988: Artie Lange Takes Acting Classes
Artie Lange briefly took acting classes at HB Studio in New Jersey in 1988.
1990: Death of Artie Lange's Father
Artie Lange's father died from complications related to his injuries in 1990.
February 1991: Artie Lange Works as a Longshoreman
Artie Lange began working as a longshoreman at Port Newark in February 1991 to support his family.
September 1992: Artie Lange Pursues Stand-Up Comedy Full-Time
In September 1992, Artie Lange quit his longshoreman job to dedicate himself to stand-up comedy. He also drove a taxi during this time to make ends meet.
May 1995: Artie Lange Cast in Mad TV
Artie Lange was selected as a cast member for Mad TV and filmed the pilot in May 1995.
November 1995: Artie Lange's Suicide Attempt and Rehabilitation
In November 1995, Artie Lange attempted suicide and subsequently entered a rehabilitation and counseling program.
1995: Artie Lange's Move to Los Angeles for Mad TV
Artie Lange relocated to Los Angeles in 1995 to begin working on Mad TV.
1995: Artie Lange Joins Mad TV
In 1995, Artie Lange moved to Los Angeles to join the cast of the sketch comedy series, Mad TV.
January 1996: Return to Mad TV and Filming
In January 1996, Artie Lange returned to Los Angeles to film the remaining episodes of Mad TV's first season after a stint in rehab. He was supported by producer Quincy Jones, who provided his private jet for travel. Lange considered his performance in these episodes to be his best in sketch comedy, notably creating his popular character, White Mama.
August 1996: Start of Mad TV Season 2 Filming
Filming for the second season of Mad TV began in August 1996.
November 1996: Relapse, Intervention, and Arrest
In November 1996, Artie Lange relapsed into cocaine use, leading to an intervention by his agent, cast, and crew of Mad TV. Following a gambling loss and erratic behavior, Lange was arrested and briefly jailed. His scene in the film Jerry Maguire was subsequently cut.
January 1997: Return to New Jersey and Rehab
After his release from jail in January 1997, Lange returned to New Jersey, spent time in a psychiatric hospital, and experienced a period of depression. He subsequently entered rehab at Honesty House in Stirling, New Jersey, at the urging of Mad TV producers. His contract with Mad TV was not renewed for the third season.
1997: Artie Lange Leaves Mad TV
Artie Lange's tenure on Mad TV ended in 1997 following issues related to substance abuse.
1997: Post-Rehab and Career Rejuvenation
In 1997, Artie Lange left rehab and resumed stand-up comedy in New York City. He experienced an improvement in his depression after being invited to audition for sitcoms and subsequently landing a role in Norm Macdonald's film, Dirty Work.
1997: Artie Lange's Arrest and Departure from Mad TV
In 1997, Artie Lange was arrested for cocaine possession, which led to his departure from Mad TV and subsequent rehabilitation.
1997: Development Deal with Fox
In late 1997, Artie Lange secured a $750,000 development deal with Fox, significantly increased from the initial $250,000 offer, due to the increased exposure from his role in Dirty Work. This allowed him to resolve his mother's financial debts.
January 8, 1998: The Howard Stern Show Debut
On January 8, 1998, Artie Lange made his first appearance on The Howard Stern Show with Norm Macdonald to promote Dirty Work. They returned to the show several times over the next couple of years.
April 1998: Television Pilot and Second Development Deal
In April 1998, Artie Lange co-wrote and starred in a television pilot, The King of New York, but felt the project was mishandled. He subsequently signed a second development deal, this time with NBC for $350,000.
1998: Dirty Work Release and Howard Stern Show Debut
Artie Lange's film Dirty Work was released in 1998.
1998: Artie Lange in "Dirty Work"
Artie Lange co-starred in the comedy film "Dirty Work" in 1998.
1999: Further Howard Stern Show Appearances
Artie Lange and Norm Macdonald made further appearances on The Howard Stern Show in 1999.
1999: Film Roles and Stand-up Tour
From 1999 onwards, Lange secured roles in various films including Mystery Men, The Bachelor, The 4th Floor, and Lost & Found. He also toured as the opening act for Norm Macdonald's stand-up shows.
1999: Joins The Norm Show
In 1999, Artie Lange joined the cast of The Norm Show, playing Macdonald's half-brother. Despite the financial success and easy work, he felt creatively unfulfilled, which led him to focus more on stand-up comedy and develop darker, edgier material.
2000: Continued Film Work and Touring
Artie Lange continued to work on films and toured with Norm Macdonald into 2000.
March 2001: Jackie Martling Leaves The Howard Stern Show
Jackie Martling left The Howard Stern Show in March 2001, creating a vacancy that Artie Lange would eventually fill.
April 2001: The Norm Show Ends
The Norm Show ended in April 2001, freeing Artie Lange to pursue other opportunities, including the opening on The Howard Stern Show.
October 2001: Joins The Howard Stern Show
Artie Lange officially joined The Howard Stern Show in October 2001 after participating in a contest to fill the vacant position. He viewed the offer as a blessing.
2001: Return to New Jersey and Joining The Howard Stern Show
Artie Lange returned to New Jersey and joined The Howard Stern Show in 2001.
2001: The Norm Show Cancellation
The Norm Show was cancelled in 2001 after three seasons.
2001: Hoboken Penthouse Purchase
In 2001, Artie Lange purchased a penthouse in Hoboken, New Jersey, for $620,000.
2001: Artie Lange Joins The Howard Stern Show
Artie Lange joined The Howard Stern Show in 2001, marking a significant turning point in his career.
June 2002: Signs with United Talent Agency
In June 2002, Artie Lange signed with the United Talent Agency. He also worked on a comedy pilot with Sam Simon, but it was not picked up.
2002: Relationship with Dana Cironi begins
Artie Lange's relationship with Dana Cironi began in 2002.
August 2003: Artie Lange Discovers Native American Ancestry
In August 2003, Artie Lange learned he is approximately twenty-five percent Native American through DNA testing.
September 2003: Talent Holding Deal with ABC and Touchstone
In September 2003, Artie Lange secured a one-year talent holding deal with ABC and Touchstone Television.
December 13, 2004: Release of It's the Whiskey Talkin' DVD
On December 13, 2004, Artie Lange released his first stand-up DVD titled It's the Whiskey Talkin', featuring material from a performance at the Tempe Improv in Arizona. This marked an important time in his career as he was actively playing more clubs. Lange spoke highly of the release, noting the hard work involved and positive reception from the audience.
2004: Declines Offer to Replace Howard Stern
In 2004, Artie Lange declined a $20 million offer from Infinity Broadcasting to replace Howard Stern on WXRK-FM, choosing instead to follow Stern to Sirius Satellite Radio.
February 2005: Promotion of It's the Whiskey Talkin' DVD
In February 2005, Artie Lange undertook a demanding schedule to promote his stand-up DVD It's the Whiskey Talkin'. For six months, he balanced his work on The Howard Stern Show with nationwide stand-up gigs on weekends.
March 2005: Secures Deal for Artie Lange's Beer League
In March 2005, Artie Lange secured a deal with Ckrush Entertainment to star in and executive produce Artie Lange's Beer League. The script had been in development since 2001, but the stress of the project led to increased substance use, resulting in a heroin addiction from March to June 2005, which affected his participation in the film's pre-production.
June 2005: Substance Abuse and Recovery
In June 2005, Artie Lange dealt with the fallout from his heroin addiction, which had developed between March and June. He took time off work due to withdrawal symptoms, causing concern among family and colleagues. Despite the challenges, he returned to work after treatment, and filming of Artie Lange's Beer League was completed on schedule.
July 2005: Completion of Beer League Filming
By July 2005, filming for Artie Lange's Beer League was completed on time and within budget, despite earlier challenges related to Lange's addiction issues. This marked a significant milestone in his career as he managed to overcome personal difficulties to fulfill his professional commitments.
September 13, 2006: Premiere of Artie Lange's Beer League
Artie Lange's Beer League premiered on September 13, 2006, at the Ziegfeld Theatre, followed by a limited release in North America. Lange went on a stand-up tour to promote the film, including a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall.
September 21, 2006: Reveals Truth Behind Absence
On September 21, 2006, Artie Lange revealed on The Howard Stern Show that his absence during the production of Artie Lange's Beer League was due to heroin addiction, which he had previously attributed to illness from excessive drinking.
2006: Release of "Artie Lange's Beer League"
Artie Lange co-wrote, produced, and starred in his feature film, "Artie Lange's Beer League," in 2006.
2006: Relationship with Dana Cironi ends
Artie Lange and Dana Cironi's relationship ended in 2006.
2007: Crumbs Cupcake Collaboration
In 2007, Artie Lange designed a cupcake for Crumbs bakery, with proceeds going to LIFEbeat.
March 2008: LIFEbeat Donation Controversy
In March 2008, LIFEbeat, a HIV/AIDS charity, initially refused further donations from Artie Lange after he used anti-gay slurs on-air. However, they later reached an understanding.
June 2008: Operation Mirth Comedy Tour
In June 2008, Artie Lange headlined Operation Mirth, a comedy tour formed with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops in Afghanistan. Inspired by a documentary about Jeffrey Ross' USO tour, Lange included comedians Jim Florentine, Nick DiPaolo, and Dave Attell in the lineup, with Gary Dell'Abate as the master of ceremonies.
August 2008: Rehab After Bob Saget Roast Cancellation
In August 2008, Artie Lange entered rehab after cancelling his appearance on the Comedy Central Roast of Bob Saget due to a heroin relapse. Declining Comedy Central's offer to fly him to Los Angeles for treatment, Lange instead began therapy recommended by comedian Richard Lewis.
November 11, 2008: Release of Too Fat to Fish
On November 11, 2008, Artie Lange released his first book, Too Fat to Fish, co-written with Anthony Bozza. The memoir debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list, maintaining a top-ten position for eleven weeks, and was noted for its range of emotions from funny to tragic.
2008: Release of "Too Fat to Fish"
Artie Lange published his first book, "Too Fat to Fish," which became a New York Times Best Seller in 2008.
2008: Toms River Home Purchase
Artie Lange bought a 7,000-square-foot summer home in Toms River, New Jersey, for $2.5 million in 2008, which featured a room renovated by the "Man Caves" TV crew.
January 2009: Rehab and Return to Stand-Up
In January 2009, Artie Lange entered a 21-day rehab program in West Palm Beach, Florida, to address a heroin relapse from the previous month. After leaving treatment early, he returned to New York and performed at Caroline's comedy club, earning $35,000 for three nights of shows.
April 2009: Relapse and Support for Recovery
In April 2009, Artie Lange experienced another heroin relapse. To aid his withdrawal recovery, he hired two ex-New York City police officers for support, leading to a significant weight loss of 50 pounds over six months.
June 15, 2009: Controversial Appearance on Joe Buck Live
On June 15, 2009, Artie Lange appeared on Joe Buck Live, where his exchange with host Joe Buck was deemed "mean-spirited" by HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg. Although the show was cancelled after two more episodes, Buck supported Lange and later wrote the foreword for Lange's second book.
July 2009: Driving Under Influence Charge
In July 2009, Artie Lange faced charges for driving under the influence and careless driving following a minor traffic accident in New Jersey. This incident marked another challenge in his ongoing struggle with substance abuse.
October 2009: Release of Jack and Coke
In October 2009, Artie Lange released his stand-up DVD and CD, Jack and Coke, which featured material developed over several years. The release topped the iTunes Comedy Albums chart and was later aired as a special on Comedy Central in January 2010.
November 2009: Cancellation of Stand-Up Gigs
In November 2009, Artie Lange cancelled his stand-up performances for the rest of the year and into 2010. He needed time to recover from a heroin relapse in April and focus on writing new material and his second book, highlighting the toll his busy schedule had on his health.
December 9, 2009: Incident on The Howard Stern Show
On December 9, 2009, Artie Lange arrived at The Howard Stern Show under the influence of whiskey and painkillers, leading to a poor on-air performance. He was sent home and later checked into rehab, although he left after eight days, continuing a destructive cycle of substance use upon returning home.
2009: Meeting Adrienne Ockrymiek
Artie Lange met his future fiancée, Adrienne Ockrymiek, at a tanning salon in 2009.
2009: Artie Lange Departs The Howard Stern Show
In 2009, Artie Lange's time on The Howard Stern Show came to an end.
January 2, 2010: Second Suicide Attempt
On January 2, 2010, Artie Lange attempted suicide for the second time by drinking bleach, slitting his wrists, and stabbing himself nine times. His mother, who was planning an intervention, found him and he was hospitalized.
2010: Toms River Home Listed for Sale
Artie Lange listed his Toms River home for sale in 2010.
2010: Artie Lange's Suicide Attempt and Rehabilitation
In early 2010, Artie Lange attempted suicide, after which he completed a rehabilitation program.
April 2011: Intervention and Detox
Following a period of depression, including the death of his friend Greg Giraldo, Artie Lange was forced into a detox facility in April 2011 by friends concerned about his wellbeing.
July 2011: Return to Work
In July 2011, Artie Lange recovered enough to begin working again, co-hosting a one-off radio show.
October 3, 2011: The Nick & Artie Show Launch
On October 3, 2011, The Nick & Artie Show, co-hosted by Artie Lange and Nick Di Paolo, premiered.
2011: "The Nick & Artie Show"
Artie Lange co-hosted "The Nick & Artie Show" with Nick Di Paolo from 2011 to 2013.
January 2013: Di Paolo Leaves, Show Renamed
After Nick Di Paolo left the show in January 2013, it was renamed The Artie Lange Show.
October 29, 2013: Crash and Burn Release
Artie Lange's second book, Crash and Burn, was released on October 29, 2013 and became a New York Times Best Seller.
2013: Release of "Crash and Burn"
Artie Lange published his second book, "Crash and Burn," in 2013.
2013: Reflection on Past Slurs
By 2013, Lange expressed regret for past anti-gay slurs in his comedy, stating he felt "ashamed and embarrassed". He maintained he was never hateful, but now jokes more responsibly on sensitive topics.
April 28, 2014: Show Cancellation
The Artie Lange Show ended on April 28, 2014.
October 18, 2014: Comedy Central Special
Artie Lange's comedy special, The Stench of Failure, aired on Comedy Central on October 18, 2014.
November 4, 2014: Controversial Tweets and Bans
On November 4, 2014, Artie Lange posted controversial tweets about ESPN sportscaster Cari Champion, leading to a lifetime ban from ESPN and a cancelled Comedy Central appearance.
2014: Interview with Marc Maron
In 2014, during an interview with Marc Maron, Artie Lange discussed the creative frustration he experienced while working on The Norm Show, and how it pushed him to develop his stand-up comedy further.
2014: Breakup with Adrienne Ockrymiek
Artie Lange and Adrienne Ockrymiek's relationship ended in 2014.
2014: End of "The Artie Lange Show"
Artie Lange's hosting of "The Artie Lange Show" concluded in 2014.
January 5, 2015: Podcast Launch
Artie Lange launched The Artie Quitter Podcast on January 5, 2015.
November 2015: Crashing Filming Begins
Filming for the HBO series Crashing, featuring Artie Lange, began in November 2015.
December 2015: Third Book Started
Artie Lange began working on his third book with Anthony Bozza in December 2015.
2015: Launch of "The Artie Quitter Podcast"
Artie Lange started "The Artie Quitter Podcast" in 2015.
2016: Toms River Home Sold
Artie Lange's Toms River home sold for $1.35 million in 2016.
2016: Political Views and Voting Status
In a 2016 interview, Artie Lange stated that he couldn't vote due to his felon status and clarified his political views. He said he wasn't a liberal, but was pro-choice, supported gay rights and unions.
2016: Filming and Mad TV Reunion
Throughout 2016, Artie Lange filmed Crashing and recorded a scene for a Mad TV reunion special.
February 2017: Crashing Premieres
Crashing premiered on HBO in February 2017.
March 12, 2017: Drug Arrest
Artie Lange was arrested on drug charges on March 12, 2017.
April 5, 2017: Charges Downgraded
On April 5, 2017, the charges against Lange were downgraded to misdemeanors.
May 2017: Podcast Hiatus
In May 2017, Lange announced a hiatus for his podcast after 400 episodes to focus on other projects.
July 7, 2017: Emergency Surgery
Artie Lange underwent emergency chest surgery on July 7, 2017 after collapsing following a stand-up performance.
September 5, 2017: The Artie and Anthony Show Launch
On September 5, 2017, The Artie and Anthony Show, co-hosted by Lange and Anthony Cumia, premiered.
September 2017: Planned Podcast Return
Lange planned to resume his podcast around September 2017.
December 2017: Arrest and Rehab
Following an arrest in December 2017, Lange was absent from the show for six weeks while in rehab.
December 15, 2017: Guilty Plea and Rehab
On December 15, 2017, Artie Lange pleaded guilty to possessing 81 bags of heroin, resulting in the dismissal of a previous cocaine possession charge. Following this, he entered rehab, funded by fellow comedians.
2017: Role in "Crashing" and "The Artie and Anthony Show"
Artie Lange had a recurring role in the HBO series "Crashing" and co-hosted "The Artie and Anthony Show" until 2017.
January 2018: Leaving Rehab and Outpatient Program
Artie Lange left rehab in January 2018 and began a five-day-a-week outpatient rehabilitation program with regular urine tests, attributing his relapse to anger.
January 22, 2018: Return to Show
Lange returned to The Artie and Anthony Show on January 22, 2018.
May 14, 2018: Departure from Show
Lange left the show on May 14, 2018 due to ongoing health and legal problems.
June 1, 2018: Probation and Community Service
On June 1, 2018, Artie Lange was sentenced to four years of probation, 50 hours of community service, and mandatory outpatient rehabilitation.
July 2018: Wanna Bet? Released
Lange's third book, Wanna Bet?: A Degenerate Gambler's Guide to Living on the Edge, was released in July 2018.
November 2018: Return to Rehab
In November 2018, Artie Lange decided to re-enter inpatient rehabilitation with comedian Bob Levy after violating his probation by testing positive for cocaine and opioids. He occasionally left rehab for stand-up gigs before returning.
2018: Potential Projects
In 2018, Lange had several potential projects, including a film, sitcom, and animated series.
2018: Release of "Wanna Bet?" and Career Hiatus
Artie Lange published his third book, "Wanna Bet?", and began a career hiatus following arrests and rehabilitation in 2018.
January 30, 2019: Custody and Treatment
On January 30, 2019, Artie Lange was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance and subsequently admitted to a treatment center.
August 2019: Progress in Rehab
In August 2019, reports indicated Artie Lange was making progress in his rehab program and was expected to remain there at least through September. He was also facing a possible jail sentence upon his return to court in New Jersey.
September 10, 2019: Leaving Rehab and Sobriety Announcement
On September 10, 2019, Artie Lange left rehab and announced he had been sober for over seven months.
September 20, 2019: New Podcast Deal
On September 20, 2019, Artie Lange announced a deal for a new podcast.
December 2, 2019: Podcast Premiere
"Artie Lange's Halfway House" podcast premiered on December 2, 2019, with co-host Mike Bocchetti.
January 30, 2020: One Year of Sobriety
On January 30, 2020, Artie Lange celebrated one year of sobriety.
February 7, 2020: Podcast Hiatus
The last episode of "Artie Lange's Halfway House" was released on February 7, 2020, before Lange put his career on hold. He later admitted to returning to the public eye prematurely, needing further time for recovery.
November 2020: New Podcast Series
Artie Lange returned in November 2020 with a new podcast, "Letters to Artie," on The Comics Gym network with his manager. Only one episode was recorded before another career hiatus.
October 2021: Podcast Resumes and Patreon
In October 2021, Artie Lange resumed "Artie Lange's Halfway House" podcast, releasing two episodes per week and establishing a Patreon account.
February 2022: Artie Lange's Second Career Hiatus
Artie Lange entered another career hiatus in February 2022.
February 2022: Podcast Hiatus for Health
In February 2022, the podcast was paused again so Lange could prioritize his health.