Entertainment writers are reporting sadly on news that Howard Stern's longtime sidekick Artie Lange was hospitalized for a suicide attempt with nine self-inflicted stab wounds. Lange was known to have huge drug problems, titled his memoir "Too Fat to Fish" and was described in this Rolling Stone profile as "one of the most complicated, crass and insecure comedians working today." On Monday, Stern dismissed rumors that Lange had been kicked off the show, and today, Stern said of Lange, "We all have our demons...He's a tremendous contributor. He is a good man."

• Christie D'Zurilla, LA Times: "Sad situation; we wish Artie and his family the best."

• Azaria Jagger, Gawker: "There is something extra-tragic about comedians with depression"

• Bethany Henderson of DUI Attorney: "The New York Post is finally reporting what is suspected to be the truth ... He never recovered from addiction."

• Radar Online: "Lange...has candidly discussed his extended bouts of depression; a prior suicide attempt; sadness over an accident that paralyzed and eventually killed his father; and his battles with Heroin addiction during various broadcasts"

• Roy Edroso, the Village Voice: "Lange has frequently portrayed himself as a heavy drinker and user of drugs to comic effect...For this reason, Lange frequently appears in internet death pools. Early last year CinemaBlend put Lange at #8 on their "100 Most Likely People to Die in 2009" list."

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at bcarlson at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.