Artie Lange In Radio Silence

Former “Mad TV” star and Howard Stern sidekick Lange, who has a well-documented history of substance abuse problems, was admitted to a New Jersey hospital over the weekend for undisclosed reasons.

A rep for the acerbic comedian, who has been absent from Sirius XM radio’s “The Howard Stern Show” for the past month and canceled all upcoming personal appearances early last month, told TMZ, “I can confirm that Artie is in the hospital. Artie has chosen to keep all information on this matter between him and his doctor. There will be no further comment.”

Stern, however, had plenty to say about the matter Jan. 4, calling Lange “a tremendous contributor” and “a good man. Don’t forget how great he is” and denying reports that comedian Jim Breuer was replacing him as second banana on the show.