Artie Lange

Arthur Steven Lange Jr., born on October 11, 1967, is a multifaceted American comedian, actor, and radio personality, celebrated for his memorable contributions to the entertainment industry. He gained widespread recognition for his roles on the sketch comedy show Mad TV from nineteen ninety-five to nineteen ninety-seven and as a prominent figure on The Howard Stern Show from two thousand one to two thousand nine.

Raised in New Jersey, Lange's early life was marked by challenges, including the paralysis of his father, which compelled him to work as a longshoreman and taxi driver to support his family. He began his stand-up career in nineteen eighty-seven, transitioning to full-time performances five years later, honing his craft on the vibrant New York City club circuit.

In nineteen ninety-five, Lange made the move to Los Angeles to join the cast of Mad TV. However, his journey was tumultuous, as an arrest for cocaine possession during his second season led to his departure and subsequent rehabilitation. His career took a turn in nineteen ninety-eight when he starred in Dirty Work, thanks to Norm Macdonald, which opened doors to further roles, including a spot on The Norm Show.

Returning to New Jersey in two thousand one, Lange became a staple on The Howard Stern Show, during which he released two comedy albums and co-wrote, produced, and starred in Artie Lange's Beer League in two thousand six. His literary debut, Too Fat to Fish, published in two thousand eight, soared to number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.

After a suicide attempt in early two thousand ten, Lange sought rehabilitation and later co-hosted The Nick & Artie Show from two thousand eleven to two thousand thirteen. He continued to evolve his career with The Artie Lange Show and the Artie Quitter Podcast, while also appearing in the HBO series Crashing. Despite facing personal struggles, including arrests and drug treatment, Lange achieved sobriety and resumed stand-up, launching the Artie Lange's Halfway House podcast before entering another hiatus in February two thousand twenty-two.