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Artie Lange explodes on The Howard Stern Show
Robin Quivers appears on Fox and disucces Lange
Howard Stern photos
With The Howard Stern Show in limbo until Monday, April 21, speculation will be brewing about the future of comedian Artie Lange with the flagship program of Sirius Satellite Radio.
Lange exploded in a fit of rage during Thursday's episode of the show and offered his resignation, which Stern accepted. If this holds, Lange's 6 1/2-year tenure with the show would come to a sad ending for many, including Stern, Robin Quivers and the rest of the staff.
Should he leave the show, Lange would follow Jackie Martling as comedians to hold the chair and leave the show.
It can be assumed that a search will begin to find a replacement to ride out the remaining stint of Stern's five-year contract with Sirius.
Here is a look at five possible replacements:
1. Greg FitzSimmons
Greg is no stranger to the studio, often making appearances and often sitting in on Robin Quivers' daily news segment. FitzSimmons brings a somewhat different style than Lange, throwing out subtle, yet funny, jokes. This would be a change from Lange's classic tales from his days past in New Jersey, Los Angeles and on the road as a comic. FitzSimmons is a family man, which would also be a change from Lange -- who often provides detail-heavy stories of weekend trysts with escorts.
FitzSimmons hosts a show on "Howard 101," Stern's second channel featuring round-the-clock Stern-related programming. The show has received welcoming reviews from fans and FitzSimmons has pulled in big names as guests.
2. Nick Dipaolo
A long time friend of the show, Dipaolo's brash delivery actually resembles Lange. Like all of the names on this list, Dipaolo and Lange are good friends and have worked often together in the past. While Dipaolo will not bring tales of heavy drug use, eating, drinking and hookers to the table, he has a good track record of making the staff and listeners laugh with his subdued tales.
3. Bob Levy
Serving as the staff's "Roast Master," Levy is a very familiar personality to Stern fans -- appearing on the show often. He is the founder of the "Killers of Comedy" featuring several personalities from the show, including Shuli, Sal the Stockbroker and Richard Christy. Levy also appears on the "Miserable Men" show, a weekly program on Stern's "Howard 101" channel.
Like Lange, Levy's addictions have been well-documented on the show. He's undoubtedly a no-holds-bar personality who appears often in studio.
However, it wouldn't be shocking to hear Levy's current role is solidified as a good friend of the show who makes many appearances.
4. Jim Florentine
Two reasons say Florentine is not a front-runner for the possible vacant chair:
A. Lange has often referred to Florentine as one of his closest friends in the business. In a world featuring personalities full of high jinks, it can be argued that Florentine is seen as the most normal friend of the show. If Florentine were to be offered a daily spot on the show, it would likely create a rift between the new show comedian and the former.
B. Florentine is involved with Quivers. The courtship began several months ago when he pitched the idea of taking Stern's good friend and longtime newswoman on a date. What first appeared as a bit for the show soon turned into a legitimate romance. Florentine's last appearance on the show was marked by playing Stern's version of the "Newleywed Game" with Quivers.
5. John Hein
A current show staffer, Hein hosts the "Wrap Up" show with producer Gary Dell'Abate. He is very in-tune with pop culture, having created and run www.jumptheshark.com before TV Guide bought the site.
Hein is respected around the office, especially by Stern, who is very complimentary of his work on the usually hourlong show.
However, Hein is not a comedian -- the occupation that has manned the chair for years. This could be what keeps him from getting into the studio every day.
Comments (291)
Greg FitzSimmons all the way. If Artie is really gone and they get a replacement, is should be Greg. He is excellent.
It won't be Fitz. He's a west-coaster.
Come on, artie will take a rest and get some therapy then he will be back.
Nick Dipaolo and Jim Florentine will never stab artie in the back like that.
does anybody know if artie went to amsterdam with the guys?
Bring back Jackie. Yeeeeeaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
Bring back Jackie! Yeeeeaaaaahhhh!!!!!
The most interesting choice would be Jacky as there is so much tension, history, and bad blood there. Think about it.
Second choice for me would be Jimmy Kimmel but he wouldn't take the pay cut and move to NYC.
Third choice would be Gilbert Godfreid. I know he is annoying but I love his racist JEW/Black thing.
Greg Fitz is funny but way too low in energy for the job. He also does not have a good radio voice.
All this points out to me is who perfect and valuable Artie was to the show. He can't be replaced. At least, not easily.
Its all bs, he'll be back...and if not, bring in RILEY MARTIN!!!!!! (or Jackie)
Eric The Midget
I am literally in tears right now thinking about the prospect of Artie not being on the show. There can be no replacement for Artie. He is one of a kind.
My only speculation is that Howard will invite Billy West back to the show, Billy is awesome!
How about Dave Attell ?? One of the funniest guys in the business and a good friend of Howard's show.
BTW, I'm glad Artie is gone. He is a nasty homophobe.
Just replace Artie with the sibien!!!!! Thats way more entertaining.
Seriously?
Fitz, the dude is a kizz azz, howards sees right though it.
He wouldnt have a shot at sitting in the Chair.
Artie will be back or it will sit empty.
Arties the man he has to come back. But if not replace him with the sibien.
High pitch Mike
I had Dave at #5 but took him off for some reason. Part of me felt like he just has a lot on his plate right now and I don't know that he would give it up for the daily show commitment...But he's one of my favorite comics and I'd love to see him on the show.
Thanks for reading, everyone.
big foot!!
Bob Levy, PLEASE !
If Artie goes, he deserves it. Let's face it, who would love to work 20 hrs a week and make over million a year? How many of us work our a!@ off and live pay day to pay day?
Sad? yes of course - when is he going to stop taking advantage of Howard's generosity?
If Greg FitzSimmons gets the chair, I won't be a listener anymore. He is the most whiney, snarky annoying human being ever.
If Artie doesn't return, how about Gilbert or even Jackie?
jimmy if you think Gilberts jew/black comedy is funny then you are a racist pig. Artie will be back!
No one - I mean NO ONE can replace Artie - I say replace Robin - she causes all of the DRAMA! F - Robin
Why isn't Dave Attell or Colin Quinn on your list? Both are fans and friends of the show. Both are just like Artie. Blue-collared, beer drinking regular guys from the east coast.
Dave Attell - The BEST replacement.
Colin Quinn - Second best replacement.
Greg Fitzsimmons - Nice guy but he's boring and not funny.
Nick DiPaolo - NOT FUNNY!
Bob Levy - Too hacky and not very like able.
Jim Florentine - Not gonna happen. He's dating Robin Quivers.
John Hein - WTF are you thinking? Sal Governale would get the job before him.
Two words: Crazy Alice.
JD all the way
Jay Thomas
Chris Rock would fit perfectly if he can take a backseat to Howard
Zolar you faggots
the best replacement is no replacement.
just a rotating panel of comedic talent who sit in on the news each day.
Don't give up on Artie. He's the people's poet!
http://www.saveartie.com
Carlo Piazza
Yucko
Shuli would be great!!!!!!!
Dave Chappelle should take the chair if Art doesn't come back, which I hope he DOES.
F Timmie
Bring back Jackie
AND Billy West
oh YEAH!
I hope they lock the door behind him!! What a no-talent idiot. I can't wait to be able to listen to the show from start to finish again. Go to rehab and Jenny Craig!
JACKIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- PLEASE................
I like the Idea of John Hein, It would be way different but I really enjoy his show, and his blog, somedays his show is better than sterns and I have thought for a while that he would do well as a replacement for stern when he eventually leaves.
Jay thomas would be good to sit in for a little bit but definately not sidekick material.
don't think any of those guys would be great, except maybe Dipaolo, the others may be funny but they seem to work at it too much.
Who cares about a replacement? I am more concerned about what is going to be censored at the publicized "uncensored" Sirius network...better change the slogan to say "seriously censored Sirius by Howard Stern." This really has me angry to see that Howard had the balls to tell his bosses to f off and pull the tapes/video. What Howard has done to us and Sirius is worse than Artie's outrage at Teddy. Sirius has lied to us and sold us something that they did not live up to...I thought the days of the traveling medicine man were over, apparently not!
i would say a big "no" for colin and florentine, as both are VERY good friends with jim norton, who is 3rd mic on O&A.
but since the merger has been approved, who knows how that will all play out.
Please no one from the Killers of Comedy ...
I'm still waiting to have my first laugh from any of those hacks ..
Levy, Florentine, Shuli, Di Paulo .. all brutal ...
Chappelle would be great ... but I don't think he would do it ..
Gary the Retard could add a lot to the show ...
Same with Eric the Midget
If Artie goes - Howard can stuff the show up his ass.
Fitz would be great, my favorite would be if they could get Sarah Silverman. Doug Stanhope is would be great too.
Artie is a sloppy fat alcoholic. He needs to be in rehab. Good riddance you loser. Unfortunately this was probably one of your stupid stunts and you will be back. I hope Howard tell you to F off.
Evil Dave Letterman or George Takei
Dave Attel or Doug Stanhope would be awesome.
Beetlejuice!!!
Please Artie, come back!!!!!! The new generation of Stern listeners appreciate what he has to offer. I am sorry but Jackie Martling sucked...that stupid comical voice he does is so not funny...glad he's gone. Artie needs to come back! Stern won't be the same without him.
KC Armstrong. It's a no-brainer.
Colin Quinn
Look Stern. You need Elegant Elliot Offen, Right!
That's Gangsta Talk for so long Artie, Right!
Gary Busey
Artie is coming back.
Jackie would never be the choice. Artie has raised the bar since, Jackie. Think about it. Jackie, clapped and laughed. LAME!!!!!
Bob Levy is an admitted heavy drinking, pill popping coke sniffer. Plus he's practically illiterate and oh yeah, NOT funny. You gotta be kidding.
Rotate the chair. Who cares at this point?
dave attle
Joey Buttafuco all the way. Or some other D lister loser.
How about Gilbert for a few gratuitous nigger jokes (his words not mine).
Artie landed in Amsterdam today as confirmed by Howard100 News.
If he overdoses, then it's Fitzdog all the way. That's a gig worth moving coasts for. He was good in CSI last night eh?
DiPaolo has been logging heavy air time with Opie and Anthony. He was on today. Colin Quin was also on last week and in the studio on Monday. This whole thing is probably a big work just to get Howard's show some press. Enjoy the drama. I'll be listening to O & A.
What about Craig Gass??? He's on Mastertape Theater today and he's hilarious.
Have any of you heard Jackie's Joke Hunt? If you still want him after that then you're not a true Stern fan.
I say bring in the ghost of Anna Nicole Smith to replace
Artie or Sam Kinisons ghost.
everyone keeps talking about artie but would the show be better with howard talkinging about chess american idiol going to bed at 7 or artie to talk about loads on the chest pig stories hookers and drugs who wants to talk about fags if you do turn to there channel
I say NO WAY to DiPaulo...His radio show sucked big time on 92.3. He's not that funny. IMO, they should just rotate the chair like the pre-Artie days. He'll be back though...If he doesn't OD. They should just play the pig-costume story everyday he's not there.
You forgot DAVE ATTELL as a candidate...way ahead of Jon Hein in terms of consideration.
NOT JACKIE!!!! That guy sucks ass!!!!!!! If he comes back NO more Howard for me!!!
I'm only thinking good thoughts for Artie. It has been so sad to listen to his downward spiral over the past few months. I really hope he realizes that he needs help and gets it.
Artie's being demonized because he told Howard the truth. Howard hates the truth.
The fat, bloated, and stoned bastard makes us happy, so you have to love him!
http://fat_bloated_and_huggable.saveartie.com
DO IT! SAVE ARTIE!
It is just a hoax to get the listeners to come back after a long vacation. Howard does this all the time. It will never stick.
Darth Nilus
Rotating could be great. If Howard puts someone good in the chair full time there is the chance, in time Howard will develop penis envy with whom ever that be too. Artie is very talented and will be missed because he should be off for many reasons. Over time Artie has provided too much success for Stern and Howard has issues with that, or he would not let the mean spirited crap happen from bottom feeders like Sal and Mike and would not let stuff happen like Thursday. Only other thought is whether any of this trash was staged, did not sound like it.
The Thursday show set up past psycho drama that is getting too old and not replaying the show is against everything Stern says he stands for. Of course, most recently It is hard to say what gets Stern interested. Is it hanging out in the Hamptons with his bikini model, sucking up to Billy Joel, or doing a great radio show, oh, on occasion.
Has the show jumped the shark, has Howard.?
Keeping Artie, is co-dependent and Artie may sadly be headed for tragedy. Of course, is tragedy what Stern wants.?
Gilbert Gottfried or Dave Attell - either would rock!
Gilbert is hands down the funniest but not sure we could take him 24/4
I think you could rotate, Billy (my vote for perm), Gilbert, Dave A, & Jackie (say what you will about him, his laugh is still infectious, lets face it Jackie knows funny when it is presented to him, even when he can't figure it out for himself)!
Where is Craig Gass on the list? Still the best Sam impression on the planet.
Jim is out because of the relationship
Levy is a downer/bummer
Artie is a pantload. Poor Artie.....waaah!
Waaah! Poor Artie. Waaaah! Grandma Caprio is calling.
Bring back The Jokeman.!!!!!!!! Oh Yeeeeeeaaahahhhh !!!!!!!!!
Oh yeeeaaahhhh........Jackie the Jokeman....
I REALLY hope Artie is not leaving, but I do have to agree that his behavior on Thursday may have lost him his job. I don't think it's a call that Howard is going to make - I think it's up to Sirius at this point.
I've been worried about Artie since yesterday and relieved to hear that someone saw him eating yesterday. I will be crushed if Artie is really done.
I am sick that everyone has already jumped onto replacements...he cannot be replaced in my eyes. I hated Jackie and still do so if it's him, I definitely cannot listen to the show anymore. :(
I don't think any of the above-mentioned replacements would ease the pain...
If Artie is done, I think I may be too. I will be anxiously awaiting the show on April 21st to hear what is in store...
I am so saddened by this whole thing...
tracy morgan would be funny
If there even was consideration of looking for a replacement (NOT happening, artie will be back) Bob Levy is the only one worthy of that seat. Jackie has already made it implicitly clear that he'd be flattered to be considered but wouldn't go back to those ungodly hours. Levy on the other hand, knows how to roll with the show, holds nothing back, is piss-your-pants funny and he would be the never-ending recipient of unabashed ball-busting at his expense.
LEVY RULES!
How about Norm MacDonald?
I'd take him over most of the people on this list. A lot of these people seem either:
1. small-time (like high-pitch whoever, or Crazy Alice),
2. sort of uneducated (Bob Levy, IIRC), or
3. kind of on the angry or scumbag side (Joey Buttafuoco)
Norm MacDonald is funny, smart enough, funny, nice, funny, and probably available.
Oh, Tracy Morgan and Sarah Silverman and Chris Rock and a lot of those other guys are very funny too. However, I don't know if they'd drop their other stuff and go join Howard every day.
I'm thinking Norm MacDonald might go for it.
But I'm also thinking that no way is Artie gone for good.
Look at this quote:
Artie then offered his resignation; Stern accepted, but told Lange to leave and cool off. Just before Lange left he told Stern: "I'm not a good person ... I gotta leave ... I love you"
I won't listen if Artie doesn' t come back
let's hope Artie does find his way back. he is a
master entertainer. If he does not come back
Billy West is the man!
How come no one is mentioning Colin Quinn??? He's the most artie -like in every way. He's a comic genius, amazing with the one-liners, friend and huge fan of the show, and a general train wreck of a person...Its the perfect fit!
Governor David Paterson
Billy West for sure!
If Artie wont come back - JACKIE! But, Jackie - Don't screw it up this time. Be glad to be part of the TEAM!!
Me!
What about no cesorship? I tried to the replay and they pulled it. Does anyone know if they are going to air it on Howard TV? I bet not. If they don't air it on TV I'm cancelling Howard TV.
The favorite would be Gilbert Gottfried - but he's probably too big to want to get up that early (and the pay wouldn't be enough.) Same for Billy West. Jackie has too much baggage, and let's hope it's not Bob Levy - not enough comedic chops. Dave Attell would be a good choice as well, but again, he's probably too big a star for that slot.
I'd like to see a relatively new guy named Russell Peters come on board, but that's a long shot. Odds are it will be someone desperate enough to put up with Howard's ego, and willing to work for less than he's worth - as well as someone who doesn't have too many outside gigs: in other words, a relative unknown who's trying to get to the next level. In any case, I think we can now say that the Howard Stern Show is circling the drain, just like Sirius' profitability, and that after his 5 years are up he will have to hang it up.
It's ironic that Howard's excessive salary will end up being the one thing that will end his career. Sirius invested so much in him it couldn't afford to attract anyone else who could bring in any more subscribers. They almost lost Bubba The Love Sponge because they are stretched so thin - and something tells me other talents are going to fall by the wayside as well.
As for Artie Lange: you can't help but see the parallels between him and Chris Farley. There was an interesting quote by David Spade in the May 2008 Playboy issue regarding Chris that really seems to apply in this case: "...in that situation, before the guy's dead, he's just kind of an asshole. Truth is, you get a junkie who's wasted all the time and moody and angry and trying to knock you around, you say, 'Okay, you go do that, and I'll be over here.'"
Kind of spooky...
Go to You Tube and listen again to all three parts. It is clear that Howard Stern started this by bringing it into the studio, totally escalated it and fed Artie's anger and Teddy's reaction. No need to quote here, it all can be heard. This is manipulation at its best/worse. Artie is emotionally vonerable and Teddy, a kid that does not know better.
Howard Stern is sadistic and is really a mean spirited man. This is most sad as he has become the worse of his father.
Howard, you are the BAD here. You should have manned up and fired Artie before this happened, but you are a coward and had to stoop to hurting more people.
You are pathetic, not sure If I can listen to you again. No wonder you did not want people to here YOU.
WGAS about Bubba? He'd be no loss to anyone.
Please e-mail the stern show and tell Howard that you want rev bob levy to take arties chair! i will give you free tickets to my comedy show! thanks, Rev Bob Levy
Good Bye Fatty man!
I won't even miss him a little bit. Sure, he made me laugh at times but he really wasn't that funny. I hated how Howard gave him so much rope--sleeping on the job, not paying attention when guests were in, just in general--treating people like crap. Who does he think he is? He is just a fat ass that got lucky (in the chair).
Replacements (if possible);
1) Billy West (the best replacement)
2) Jackie the Joke man (the constant sniping on each other--that was great radio)
3) George Tikea (forgive the misspelling, he is great. He could easily fill the chair)