Artie Lange’s Net Worth: A Look at the Comedian’s Career and Financial Struggles

Artie Lange, a name synonymous with comedy, radio, and a life marked by both incredible success and significant personal challenges, has captivated audiences for decades. This article delves into Artie Lange’s net worth, exploring the factors that have shaped his financial journey, from his early career successes to the struggles that have impacted his fortune.

Table of Contents

Early Life

Arthur Steven Lange Jr. was born on October 11, 1967, in Livingston, New Jersey. Growing up in Union Township, Union County, he excelled in sports during high school, becoming an all-county third baseman. However, his academic performance was less noteworthy. In 1985, Lange’s life took an unexpected turn when he was arrested for an attempted bank robbery. He claimed he was merely trying to flirt with the teller by passing her a note claiming he was armed and intending to rob the bank. After completing community service for a reduced disorderly conduct charge, Lange attended Seton Hall University in 1985. During his college years, his father suffered a life-altering injury, becoming a quadriplegic after falling off a ladder. Lange worked various odd jobs to support his family during this difficult time. Howard Stern, a figure who would later play a significant role in Lange’s career, sent the family an autographed jacket, which they auctioned to raise funds. Tragically, Artie’s father later passed away.

Career

Artie Lange’s journey into the world of comedy began at the age of 19 in Manhattan. After years of struggling, he found his footing in improv troupes and landed voice acting gigs in commercials, which provided him with his first paid work. During this period, Lange battled with drug and alcohol addiction. By 27, he achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the eight sketch members of “Mad TV,” a role he secured after competing against thousands of other candidates. His substance abuse issues worsened, and in 1995, he attempted suicide by overdosing on whiskey and prescription drugs. His “Mad TV” co-stars intervened, saving his life by taking him to intensive care. Though he remained sober for a period, Lange’s addiction resurfaced in 1996, leading to an intervention by his “Mad TV” colleagues. This was followed by an arrest and a brief jail sentence. After a stay in a psychiatric hospital, he made guest appearances on “Mad TV” but was no longer a main cast member. Following his departure from “Mad TV,” Lange returned to stand-up comedy and appeared in the film “Dirty Work,” which revitalized his career and opened doors to numerous film and television opportunities. He appeared in movies such as “Mystery Men” and “The Bachelor.” In 1999, he secured a central role in “The Norm Show.” In 2001, Lange formed a long-lasting partnership with Howard Stern, becoming a regular on “The Howard Stern Show” for several years.

By the mid-2000s, Lange’s drug problems returned. During the filming of a movie, he began drinking heavily and taking painkillers. He also experimented with heroin for the first time, leading to time off from work. His heroin addiction eventually led to a 21-day rehab program. He relapsed again, and hired former police officers to help him stay clean. In 2009, he was charged with a DUI in New Jersey and entered another rehab facility in Long Island. In 2010, Lange attempted suicide again, this time by drinking bleach, cutting his wrists, and stabbing himself in the torso with a kitchen knife. After surgery, he was transferred to a psychiatric hospital. His addiction continued to resurface in 2011, leading to further rehab stays and multiple relapses, along with arrests for various offenses.

Salaries

Before his career in comedy, Artie Lange secured a job at the docks through a family friend, earning $70,000 per year at the age of 22. As an original cast member of Fox’s “MADtv,” Lange earned $10,000 a week. During his time on “The Howard Stern Show,” his annual salary reached $2 million. Even though the film “Dirty Work” was a commercial failure, Lange secured over $1 million in development deals with NBC. He also landed a recurring role with Norm Macdonald on “The Norm Show,” which lasted two seasons and paid him $35,000 per week.

(Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images)

Financial Issues

Artie Lange’s life has been marked by significant financial challenges. Despite earning millions throughout his successful comedy career, he squandered a substantial amount of money due to a lifestyle fueled by drugs and partying. During his two years on “MADtv,” Lange would cash his entire check on Fridays, wire $4,000 to his mother, and then spend the remainder on drugs, alcohol, food, and entertainment. His run on “MADtv” ended as his drug habit spiraled out of control. After earning a career-high fee of $140,000 for two shows and a club appearance during Super Bowl weekend in 2008, Lange quickly lost a considerable sum. He admitted to losing over $80,000 that night while gambling and spending an additional $10,000 on a single prostitute.

Real Estate

In 2016, Artie Lange sold his home in Toms River, New Jersey, for $1.1 million after it had been on the market for nearly six years. He had originally purchased the property for $2.45 million in 2018, resulting in a significant loss. Initially, Lange listed the home for $3.5 million in 2010, during a particularly dark period in his life marked by suicide attempts and addiction. However, he was forced to reduce the price multiple times, eventually selling the home for over $1 million less than he had paid. The property featured 7,000 square feet of living space and sat on almost an acre of land. It included two large decks overlooking the bay, a waterfront dock, and a pool. At the time, the home was one of the most expensive properties listed in the Toms River area. Lange also owns a penthouse in Hoboken, New Jersey, which he originally purchased for $620,000.

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Conclusion

Artie Lange’s net worth reflects a complex narrative of talent, success, and personal struggles. While his career has brought significant financial rewards, his battles with addiction and other personal issues have taken a toll. This article has highlighted the major milestones in Lange’s career, the significant income he earned, and the financial setbacks he endured. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges that can accompany fame and fortune, and the importance of addressing personal struggles to ensure long-term well-being and financial stability. The path of Artie Lange is a cautionary tale, one that underscores the fragility of wealth when faced with the powerful forces of addiction and self-destructive behaviors.