Artie Lange Undergoes Emergency Surgery, Says “If I’m Not Clean, I’m Gone”
Taking to Twitter on Friday night, comedian Artie Lange revealed that he had nearly died a week prior. During a series of Twitter posts that were apparently made from a hospital bed, Lange said that he collapsed after leaving the stage of Chicago’s Thalia Hall last Saturday. He was rushed to the hospital were he underwent emergency surgery for an infection in his chest (a result of his years of drug abuse, Lange said), an infection which the doctor told him would have killed most others. The harrowing ordeal seems to have encouraged Lange to clean up his act for good, with the comic saying “I’m done bullshitting” and that he hopes to move on to the “next chapter.”
In one of his tweets, Lange says that he’ll be back on the road “next week,” though it’s unclear if he’ll actually be fit to perform by then. His Twitter account continues to promote his upcoming dates at Turning Stone and Carnegie Library Music Hall next month.
You can check out the entire string of tweets below. Get well soon Artie!
After Chicago gig I collapsed. I had emergency surgery. All the blow & H I've done for yrs blew hole in my nose & landed in my chest…
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
It was infected. I was hours from checkin out. They ripped open my chest and got it all. I cheated the devil for the hundredth time
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
You young fans. Who I love. Who say they love me. I have been in jail from here to Paris. I've got multiple knife scars. Ppl I love leave
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
Now I'm laying in the hospital w tubes in a hole in my chest. They put a permanent IV line in my arm to my heart for long term antibiotics
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
I'm done bullshitting. The Dr says I will be back. Judd Apatow is a saint. I hope to do Crashing Dr told me many other ppl would b dead
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
I'm an ox he says. So something keeps me here. If u fans come up to me on drugs plan on a fight. Pls be strong. My life should be great
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
It's not
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
Stay strong. need cash.So be out next week working again. Next chapter. If I'm not clean I'm gone. I love u. As for u death pool fucks-
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
As McQueen says at the end of Papillon "Hey you bastards?! I'm still here!"
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
Peace. Artie Lange Withdrawals w hole in my chest. Some hero. Later. Be back
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
— Artie Lange (@artiequitter) July 8, 2017
Read more comedy news.
Bill Tressler
Latest posts by Bill Tressler (see all)
- JFL NorthWest Announces New Film Festival Initiative - December 8, 2017
- Aaron Berg Shares Letter from Producer Afraid to Touch “Sexual Content“ in Wake of C.K. Allegations - December 6, 2017
- Kevin Hart Set to Host SNL in December - November 28, 2017
