We have an explanation for what happened. Artie’s temper was when he was getting dope sick. Artie is a person who was vital to the show, and knowing him through the program led to an understanding of the dynamics of addiction that many people might not otherwise be exposed to. Despite the laughs, these were serious situations – life and death. He discussed his addictions and even suicide attempt as a comedian would.
Artie Lange’s addictions and apparent self-loathing were fodder for the show for years.
Nicole Bass? A tall female bodybuilder with a case of body dysmorphia? Crackhead Bob? The happy go lucky guy who suffered a debilitating stroke from crack use? Or Suzanne “Underdog Lady” Muldowney, who seems to have a case of Asperger’s? Mark “Bigfoot” Shaw, who is am imposing individual of seeming borderline intellectual function who has found love with a transgender?Įven with show employees, the mental health issues are on full display.
Eric “The Actor/Midget Lynch?” A guy with multiple medical problems and dwarfism that seemed to be a narcissist. And what makes them entertaining is their foibles. Over the decades, we have learned so much about these people.
Ronnie the Limo Driver Mund? I’ll quote Steve Langford and say that he could read a phone book and I would be entertained. Drew’s narcissist test results came out? Scott the Engineer and his famously hot temper (which has burned out a lot in the last fifteen years). Robin Quivers? How much insight did we gain on Robin when Dr. Fred Norris? An awkward guy who is intensely cerebral and talented. Gay Rich? An intern who was so far out there it made other gay friends a bit more acceptable. JD Harmeyer was an intern who actually may be more socially awkward than me. Howard Stern would not do it.Īnother thing that Howard Stern has the ability to do is to find people and exploit personality quirks. Indeed, he mentioned in Miss America that he had the opportunity to interview Michael Jackson on his show, so long as he put a positive spin on the interview. How many celebrities and politicians have come away from the show surprised at what they talked about? Howard Stern does more than the soundbite interview. He is able to make people comfortable when being interviewed. Yes, he is all of those things that a non-listener thinks he is. Howard Stern is more than what a non-listener would think.
When he moved to Sirius, I bought a lifetime membership. Particularly after about 1998, I found myself becoming a true superfan. Evidence? He was playing on Chester Washington Golf Course). (Note: I played golf with Jay Thomas at Chester Washington Golf Course in about 1999, and along with Oliver North he was the most down to earth celebrity I ever met. I think it was 1991 when I heard him on LA radio, and the first time I heard him he was railing on Jay Thomas. I have been a Howard Stern fan for the last twenty five years.