HEALTHWATCH: CHEVY CHASE

Comedian Chevy Chase has had his share of health in recent years with a near fatal heart failure in 2021. In the below picture, it shows Chevy with his new grandchild. Unfortunately, he has a bad bruise on his eye. Sources close to Chevy say that it is from a fall in a hotel room. The Christmas vacation actor, who is 81 years old now, rarely makes movies these days and travels throughout the country doing Q&A showings and meet and greets...

GO FUND ME: CHILD STAR TOMMY COOK

Child actor Tommy Cook, has been dealt some tough financial and health concerns. If you could donate, it would be appreciated.

Tommy Cook is an American producer, screenwriter and actor. He came up with the story for the 1977 American disaster-suspense film Rollercoaster, starring George Segal. Cook also voiced Augie Anderson and Biff on Hanna-Barbera's animated series The Funky Phantom and Jabberjaw. Cook played a villainous tribesboy opposite Johnny Weissmuller in Tarzan and the Leopard Woman, a "nice native lad" in Jungle Girl (a serial), and Little Beaver in the serial version of Adventures of Red Ryder.

Cook started his career on radio. He played Little Beaver on the radio series Red Ryder. He also played Alexander on Blondie and Junior on The Life of Riley. He had a starring role in the 1950 American drama film The Vicious Years.

On television, Cook appeared in a 1961 episode of The Tab Hunter Show. He had voice-over roles on animated series such as Kid Flash on The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure, Augie on The Funky Phantom and Biff on Jabberjaw.

Cook returned to acting in 2017, making guest appearances on Better Things and Space Force.

You can donate HERE

HEALTHWATCH: GENA ROWLANDS

Gena Rowlands is living with Alzheimer’s disease, her son Nick Cassavetes announced. Nick directed his mother in 2004’s “The Notebook,” said Rowlands is “in full dementia.” A four-time Emmy winner and two-time Golden Globe winner, Rowlands is a screen icon best known for her acclaimed collaborations with husband John Cassavetes, including the films “A Woman Under the Influence” (1974) and “Gloria” (1980). Both performances earned her Oscar nominations for best actress. She received an honorary Academy Award in 2015.

“I got my mom to play older Allie, and we spent a lot of time talking about Alzheimer’s and wanting to be authentic with it, and now, for the last five years, she’s had Alzheimer’s,” Cassavetes said. “She’s in full dementia. And it’s so crazy — we lived it, she acted it, and now it’s on us.”

Rowlands played the older version of Rachel McAdams’ Allie in “The Notebook,” with James Garner and Ryan Gosling starring as the older and younger version of her love interest, Noah. The film grossed $117 million at the worldwide box office and endures as one of the most popular romance films of the 2000s.

Cassavetes’ grandmother and Rowlands’ mother, the actress Lady Rowlands, also had Alzheimer’s disease. Rowlands told O magazine in 2004 while promoting “The Notebook” that she channeled her mother while playing Allie.

“This last one — ‘The Notebook,’ based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks — was particularly hard because I play a character who has Alzheimer’s,” Rowlands told the publication at the time. “I went through that with my mother, and if Nick hadn’t directed the film, I don’t think I would have gone for it — it’s just too hard. It was a tough but wonderful movie.”

Speaking to our blog, Nick Cassavetes said that he has nothing but fond memories of working with his mother on “The Notebook” set. He remembered one moment in which studio executives forced him to reshoot the ending because they wanted Rowland’s older Allie to cry more when she realizes her history with Garner’s Noah.

“She said, ‘Let me get this straight. We’re reshooting because of my performance?,'” Cassavetes remembered. “We go to reshoots, and now it’s one of those things where mama’s pissed and I had asked her, ‘Can you do it, mom?’ She goes, ‘I can do anything,’. I promise you, on my father’s life, this is true: Teardrops came flying out of her eyes [on the first take] when she saw [Garner], and she burst into tears. And I was like, okay, well, we got that… It’s the one time I was in trouble on set.”

Rowlands’ last feature film role was the 2014 comedy “Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks,” co-starring Cheyenne Jackson...

HEALTHWATCH: SOPHIA LOREN

Sophia Loren has been rushed to hospital to undergo emergency surgery after suffering a bad fall at her home in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Hollywood star, 89, was left with several fractures to her hip and and a series fracture to her femur after she fell in the bathroom of her home this weekend.

Sophia's sons, Carlo Jr., 55, and Edoardo, 50, have been by her side throughout the ordeal and her time in hospital, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

News about Sophia's condition was shared by the team at her self-titled restaurant chain, who shared the news on their Instagram page.

The statement read: 'A fall at her home in Geneva today caused Ms Loren hip fractures. Operated with a positive outcome, she will now have to observe a short period of recovery and follow a road to rehabilitation.

'Thankfully everything worked out for the best and the Lady will be back with us very soon. The whole team at Sophia Loren Restaurant takes this opportunity to wish her a speedy recovery.'

The post announcing Sophia's surgery news was flooded with support from her devoted fans, wishing the star a speedy recovery.

Sophia had been due to open a fourth branch of her restaurant chain in Bari, Italy, on Tuesday. The Italian native was also due to receive honorary citizenship from the city.

The events have been cancelled along with her other upcoming public engagements, according to the publication.

It reported that Sophia will have a short a convalescence before undergoing a long rehabilitation process in order to recover from the surgery.

Sophia most recently appeared in the 2020 Netflix film The Life Ahead, directed by her son Edoardo, which won her a David di Donatello Award for best actress. Sophia plays a Holocaust survivor who bonds with a 12-year-old Nigerian immigrant.

Speaking to Ew.com, she explained: 'I love cinema so much. I want to keep doing it forever. I know it's difficult to find good stories, but sometimes I fall in love with the right ones. I intend to make movies forever.'

Earlier this year, Sophia was named as one of the AFT 50 greatest movies of classical Hollywood cinema. She is the only living actress on the list.

Some of her most iconic films include Two Women (1961) and Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1963).

HEALTHWATCH: RICHARD LEWIS

For those wondering where he has been for the last few years, Richard Lewis has an answer.

The comedian, actor and writer posted a video Sunday on social media to celebrate his completion of filming the 12th season Larry David’s hit series, “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which Lewis described as “an amazing season.” One of my favorite appearances Lewis made was in the Mel Brooks movie Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993). It's hard to believe that movie is 30 years old now.

Lewis said for more than three years, people have been wondering where he’s been. The actor said it’s been a “rocky” time for him. He’s undergone surgeries for his shoulder, back and hips, and has been dealing with another health challenge.

“Two years ago I started walking a little stiffly, I was shuffling my feet and I went to a neurologist and they gave me a brain scan and I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Lewis, 75, said in his video. “Luckily, I got it late in life. And they say you progress very slowly, if at all. And I’m on the right meds, so I’m cool.”

Lewis said he’s “finished with standup,” instead “focusing on writing and acting.” He added that he is happy and doing well.

According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s “is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves.”

Other celebs who are also living with Parkinson’s disease include singer Neil Diamond and actor Michael J. Fox...

HEALTHWATCH: BRUCE WILLIS

Bruce Willis is suffering from a form of dementia, specifically frontotemporal dementia (FTD), his loved ones announced on Thursday. In a statement, the Willis family said the 67-year-old actor's condition has worsened since he was diagnosed with aphasia last year.

"Unfortunately, challenges with communication are just one symptom of the disease Bruce faces. While this is painful, it is a relief to finally have a clear diagnosis," they shared. The Willis family wants to shed light on FTD by coming forward with the news.

"FTD is a cruel disease that many of us have never heard of and can strike anyone. For people under 60, FTD is the most common form of dementia, and because getting the diagnosis can take years, FTD is likely much more prevalent than we know. Today there are no treatments for the disease, a reality that we hope can change in the years ahead. As Bruce's condition advances, we hope that any media attention can be focused on shining a light on this disease that needs far more awareness and research," the family added.

"Bruce always believed in using his voice in the world to help others, and to raise awareness about important issues both publicly and privately. We know in our hearts that — if he could today — he would want to respond by bringing global attention and a connectedness with those who are also dealing with this debilitating disease and how it impacts so many individuals and their families," the Willis's continued.

"Bruce has always found joy in life — and has helped everyone he knows to do the same. It has meant the world to see that sense of care echoed back to him and to all of us," the statement concluded. "We have been so moved by the love you have all shared for our dear husband, father, and friend during this difficult time. Your continued compassion, understanding, and respect will enable us to help Bruce live as full a life as possible."

SOURCE

HEALTHWATCH: MAUREEN MCGOVERN

Singer Maureen McGovern announced in an emotional message on social media that she’s been diagnosed with a rare form of dementia.

The 73-year-old singer, best known for her Oscar-winning song “The Morning After,” took to her Facebook page on Friday (Aug. 19) to share the sad news with her fans.

“I’ve been diagnosed with posterior cortical atrophy with symptoms of Alzheimer’s and/or dementia,” McGovern says in a sentimental video clip after recounting her career highlights.

“What I do, or what I am still able to accomplish, has changed,” she continues. “I can no longer travel or perform in live concerts. In fact, I can no longer drive — how’s that for a kick in the butt?”

The Mayo Clinic describes posterior cortical atrophy as a “degenerative brain and nervous system (neurological) syndrome that results in difficulty with eyesight and processing visual information.” Common signs and symptoms include hallucinations, anxiety, confusion, and changes in behavior and personality.

McGovern also shared a transcript of the nearly seven-minute Facebook video on her official website.

The songstress won an Academy Award in 1972 for her song “The Morning After” from the The Poseidon Adventure. The track spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year. She was also nominated for best new artist at the 16th annual Grammy Awards in 1974.

In her announcement, McGovern noted that the diagnosis “is not going to keep me from living my life” and that her “passion for music, for singing, remains profoundly robust.” The singer also plans to bring more awareness to music therapy.

“We are all patients and caregivers at some time in our lives,” McGovern says, noting that she has spent time performing hospitals, hospices, women’s prison, senior facilities and schools. “I have experienced how music and the arts free our spirits and opens our hearts to our common humanity.”

 

HEALTHWATCH: BRUCE WILLIS

Bruce Willis is suffering from a medical condition that is affecting his cognitive abilities and will be taking a break from acting, his family shared Wednesday.

In a post on his daughter Rumer’s verified Instagram account, the caption on a photo of the “Die Hard” actor read: “To Bruce’s amazing supporters, as a family we wanted to share that our beloved Bruce has been experiencing some health issues and has recently been diagnosed with aphasia, which is impacting his cognitive abilities.”

“As a result of this and with much consideration Bruce is stepping away from the career that has meant so much to him,” the caption continued. “This is a really challenging time for our family and we are so appreciative of your continued love, compassion and support. “

According to the Mayo Clinic, aphasia is “a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate” and can be caused by a stroke, head injury, a brain tumor or a disease.

The caption went on to read that the family is “moving through this as a strong family unit, and wanted to bring his fans in because we know how much he means to you, as you do to him.”

“As Bruce always says, “Live it up” and together we plan to do just that,” it concluded, along with the names of his former wife, Demi Moore, who also shared the post, their daughters Rumer, Scout and Tallulah, as well as his current wife, Emma, and their daughters Mabel and Evelyn...

                                

HEALTHWATCH UPDATE: TONY BENNETT

Tony Bennett's wife, Susan Benedetto, is opening up more about the singer's health condition.

Bennett's family first revealed that he lives with Alzheimer's disease back in February, and the 95-year-old music legend took the stage one last time in August, with back-to-back shows at New York's Radio City Music Hall alongside frequent collaborator Lady Gaga.

During Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes, Anderson Cooper sat down with Bennett and Benedetto following his final stage appearance.

"He recognizes me, thank goodness, his children, you know we are blessed in a lot of ways," Benedetto told the journalist. "He's very sweet."

"He doesn't know he has it," she added, referring to his Alzheimer's.

Previously, Benedetto said that Bennett was unable to understand what the disease is.

During the 60 Minutes broadcast, Bennett performed a song with his pianist — recalling each word and note without sheet music or lyrics in front of him.

 "Well that was really one of the great honors I've ever had," Cooper, 54, said, thanking Bennett for the song.

"Tony likes to say he's in the business of making people feel good, and he still is," Benedetto commented, to which Bennett confirmed, "That's it."

Dr. Gaytari Devi, who diagnosed Bennett with the disease in 2017, said in the 60 Minutes interview that the star "knows he's Tony Bennett and he knows how to behave like Tony Bennett."

"That's an area of the brain that's just so an innately hardwired part of his brain," she told Cooper. "And it's also an area of his brain that gives them real meaning and purpose in his life, and it's imbued with emotion."

 

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HEALTHWATCH: BOB ODENKIRK

Bob Odenkirk, star of hit TV shows "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul," was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on set on Tuesday, the TMZ entertainment website reported.

The actor was shooting "Better Call Saul" in New Mexico when the incident happened, TMZ reported. A person with knowledge of the matter confirmed the accuracy of TMZ's report to CNN.

"Better Call Saul" is currently in production for its sixth season. It is a prequel to the AMC crime series "Breaking Bad," which introduced Odenkirk as Saul Goodman, the criminal defense attorney for the show's protagonist, Walter White, played by Bryan Cranston.

According to TMZ sources, "Odenkirk went down, and was immediately surrounded by crew members who called an ambulance."

It is unclear what Odenkirk's condition is at present.

Odenkirk co-created and co-starred in the HBO sketch comedy series "Mr. Show with Bob and David." He has won two Emmy awards and received 16 nominations, including nine for his work on "Better Call Saul."

HEALTHWATCH: TONY BENNETT

Legendary singer Tony Bennett has Alzheimer's disease and was diagnosed in 2016, according to a profile in AARP magazine.

At his neurologist's recommendation, the 94-year-old continued to tour and record music after his diagnosis, and because of music's "peculiar power" to rouse deep memories in dementia patients, "audiences and critics never suspected his condition."

Bennett continued to record and tour up until March 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic ended live musical performances.

Since then, his condition has worsened, his caregivers told AARP.

"Just how therapeutically beneficial performing had been for Tony soon became obvious when his world shrank to the confines of his apartment," Dr. Gayatri Devi, Bennett's neurologist, told the magazine.

Describing him as free today from some of the condition's worst symptoms — anger, disorientation — the magazine noted that there is still "little doubt that the disease had progressed."

AARP reported that Bennett’s “increasingly rare moments of clarity” show how far the disease has advanced; at the time of reporting the story, a fork and a set of house keys were “utterly mysterious to him.”

Lady Gaga's forthcoming collaboration with Bennett, recorded between 2018 and 2020 and slated to be released this spring, was among projects that helped slow the progression of his condition, the magazine noted.

Bennett's son and wife, Danny Bennett and Susan Crow, said theydecided to share the news of Bennett's condition because they know he will be unable to do promotional interviews after the album's scheduled release this spring.

They are are reportedly eager for "as many ears as possible to hear and enjoy what may very well be the last Tony Bennett record."

HEALTHWATCH: STELLA STEVENS

UPDATE: Sadly, Stella Stevens died on February 17, 2023. 

Stella Stevens was Jerry Lewis' leading lady in the classic The Nutty Professor (1963) and was trapped on a capsized boat in The Poseidon Adventure (1972), but today some decades later the beautiful Stella Stevens is suffering in a nursing home from the effects of dementia. 

In 1983, Stevens began a long-term relationship with rock guitarist Bob Kulick; for many years they shared Stevens’ Beverly Hills home. Unfortunately, he died in May of 2020. In 2005, Stevens received the Reel Cowboys Silver Spur Award for her contributions to the Western genre. According to American Media.

Kulick was forced to place Ms. Stevens in a nursing home when she began having difficulty talking nearly six years ago. They reported that her friend said, “It’s horrible to see a woman, once so vibrant, have to struggle to even string a simple sentence together.”

According to that story, Stella was placed in a facility in Los Angeles that specializes in carting for people with memory issues. “The disease has taken a terrible toll on her.”

Her rocker-boyfriend Bob Kulick could no longer give her the care she needed. “Watching Stella became a 24 hour-a-day job for Bob. However, he still came back often to L.A. to visit her.”

Stella’s home in Beverly Hills in 1965 was sold in March of 2016 for $1.25 million and she then moved into a $10,000 a month long-term care facility. “Stella’s family did not want her walking out the front door and wandering out in traffic. If she left, she would most likely not be able to find her way back.”

Stella Stevens, who is now 81 has one son - Andrew, who is 65. Stella made her last movie in 2010...

HEALTHWATCH: TERI GARR

Teri Garr, who has appeared in films from Tootsie to Young Frankenstein, is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Tuesday after an overnight stay.

The Press reported that the 75-year-old retired actress suffered a “medical emergency” and a possible stroke at her home in California’s San Fernando Valley and was transported via ambulance to a local medical center on Monday morning. Her rep clarified later that night that Garr was hospitalized for dehydration — and expected to be released today.

“Teri is fine,” her spokesperson told the Press “She had some confusion which it turns out was caused by dehydration. To be cautious they are keeping her overnight and she’ll be home [Tuesday]. I spoke to her and she sounds good.”

The Academy Award nominee, who also appeared in Mr. Mom and Close Encounters of the Third Kind, has had several major health issues through the years. While she first started experiencing symptoms of multiple sclerosis in 1982, she was finally diagnosed in 1999 and went public with the news in 2002. She then suffered a brain aneurysm in 2006.

While she returned to acting after the aneurysm, she retired in 2011. However, she continued to make some public appearances, celebrating her work with the cast of Young Frankenstein and attending MS charity events through the years...

HEALTHWATCH: STEVE LAWRENCE

Nightclub and television singing legend Steve Lawrence has revealed doctors have diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s Disease.

“It’s in the early stages,” Lawrence, 83, said in a statement. “I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process.”

“I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy,” he continued of what he called “this bittersweet moment.”

“What I don’t want is pity or sympathy — I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support and amazing moments,” he insisted.

Lawrence shot to fame alongside his late wife, Eydie Gormé, who died days before her 85th birthday in August 2013.

“With my beloved Eydie, I had one of the great loves of all time; my career has always been there for me as a source of joy and fulfillment; and you, my fans, have shown immeasurable love and support in ways I only could have imagined,” said Lawrence.

“Steve has gone downhill quickly since Eydie died in 2013,” an insider said. “It was like cutting his heart out.”

HEALTHWATCH: OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

Olivia Newton-John has revealed she doesn’t want to know how long she has left to live after being diagnosed with cancer for a third time. The Grease star, who was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in 2017, said she has no plans to find out her life expectancy in a new interview with 60 Minutes Australia.

Instead, the multi-talented star is focusing her attention on fundraising for research into the disease.

“When you’re given a cancer diagnosis or a scary illness diagnosis, you are suddenly given a possibility of a time limit,” she said.

Olivia Newton-John says ‘every day is a gift’ after cancer diagnosis

“If you believe the statistics, you’re going to make them happen,” she continued. “If somebody tells you, ‘you have six months to live’, very possibly you will – because you believe that.”

The actor, 70, is in the process of selling some her movie memorabilia – including an outfit from the 1978 musical – a bid to raise money for research into the effects of cannabis as a cancer treatment.

Newton-John has previously spoken out about using cannabis to help her cope with pain she experiences as a result of her cancer.

The actor was first treated for breast cancer in 1992 and underwent a second round of treatment when the disease returned in 2015...

HEALTHWATCH: JERRY STILLER

Actor Jerry Stiller is doing OK after a medical scare Wednesday night put him in the hospital.

The 91-year-old “Seinfeld” and “King of Queens” star was taken to a New York City medical facility after the person he was with grew concerned about his health. But after a complete evaluation, doctors said all was well.

“There are no signs of a stroke. He’s resting and they’re going to send him home in a couple days. He’s totally fine,” a source close to the family told the Daily News.

Stiller’s family was with him Wednesday night, the source added.

The beloved comic is the father of fellow actors Ben Stiller and Amy Stiller. His longtime wife and comedy partner, Anne Meara, died in 2015.

Stiller’s most famous for portraying two offbeat TV fathers: Frank Costanza, dad to the hapless George, played by Jason Alexander in “Seinfeld,” and later Arthur Spooner, parent of Leah Remini’s character Carrie Heffernan, on “The King of Queens.”

HEALTHWATCH: TIM CONWAY

Tim Conway is battling dementia.

The 84-year-old Carol Burnett Show star’s daughter Kelly is asking to be appointed conservator of her father and be in charge of his medical treatments, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE and first reported by The Blast.

Kelly, 56, filed the documents in Los Angeles on Friday, claiming Conway’s wife Charlene is “planning to move him out of the excellent skilled nursing facility he is currently at” and place him in one that won’t give him access to “registered nurses at all times and his 24-hour caregiver and speech therapist (to help with swallowing).”

Kelly also states that Conway cannot “properly provide for his personal needs for physical health, food, and clothing” and is “almost entirely unresponsive.”

She hopes to be granted guardianship so she can also administer her father’s medications herself.

Before making his mark in Hollywood, Conway surprisingly had no experience in the industry.

“I had no professional training. I had a sense of humor and had been in front of a microphone,” Conway said on an episode of The Interviews: An Oral History of Television in 2004.

He starred on McHale’s Navy, co-starred on the 1970s comedy The Carol Burnett Show, acted as the voice of Barnacle Boy on Spongebob Squarepants and even made a special appearance on the second season of 30 Rock, which he received an Emmy for.

Before marrying Charlene in 1984, Conway was married to Mary Anne Dalton from 1961-78. Together they share seven children: sons Jaime, Tim Jr., Pat, Corey and Shawn and daughter Jackie and Kelly...

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HEALTHWATCH: JOANNE WOODWARD UPDATE

Alzheimer's Disease has robbed actress Joanne Woodward of her fondest memories while her family feuds over her billion dollar estate.

Sadly, Joanne Woodward's health is slipping quickly due to the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s Disease. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman were inseparable from 1958 until 2008, when Newman passed away at the age of 83 from cancer. They met in 1958, according to Life & Times of Hollywood, when they co-starred in the classic film "The Long, Hot Summer."

Today, it’s reported that 88-year-old Woodward has all memories of Paul from her fight with Alzheimer's Disease. Newman left his billions to his wife and charities but gave just $5 million to each of his children. A source close to the family was quoted as saying her "health is rapidly deteriorating, and only once in a while states that she used to be married to someone handsome."

Shortly after Newman passed in 2008, Woodward started to first exhibit signs of Alzheimer's. The couple’s daughters began noticing that their mother was frequently disoriented. The disease grew worse, and she now requires 24-7 care. She rarely speaks and seldom recognizes her children or grandchildren.

Early in the disease, Woodward's daughters were having their mother treated during a drug trial at Yale University's Adler Geriatric Assessment Center. But, now the family feels that at this point the disease has reached the point of no return and that Joanne will soon be reaching her end.This is not the only sad news for the Newman/Woodward children.

Woodward’s illness has precipitated a family battle other over Newman's billion-dollar estate. Just before his death, he gave each of his five daughters, three with Woodward and two from his first marriage, $5 million each for their inheritance. Newman believed that his children were all successful and didn’t need the family money. The majority of his estate was left to Joanne and various charities.

Newman's children are apparently not happy with their father's decision. They’re concerned about whether Joanne included them in her will. They think she could leave them nothing and donate the billion-dollar estate to charity. There’s no word on what Woodward decided to do with the estate, but some speculate that the five Newman children are fighting over the cash and could contest their mom’s will after her death...

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HEALTHWATCH: ARTIE LANGE

Whenever comedian Artie Lange used to come to Pittsburgh I would go to one of his shows. I have bought him dinner, got his autograph, and have laughed with him through the years. Since Lange left the Howard Stern show though, I have grown tired of his comedy. It is not his comedy, but his disregard for his own health and life. Watching the comedy of Artie Lange now is almost like watching a very slow snuff film. In recent years it seems like we are watching him die right before our eyes.

Artie Lange had all the makings of a great comedian along the likes of his idol John Belushi. Both Lange and Belushi have/had great comedic timing. They also share something else, a love of drugs. Lange got fired from the television show MadTV in 1997 and the Howard Stern show in 2010.

Now it looks like Artie is continuing on his downward spiral. Lange's mom admits doctors are worried about his deteriorating condition. Struggling substance abuse addict Artie Lange sent fans into a frenzy on December 6 when he unexpectedly cancelled his appearance on the Artie and Anthony Show. While the former Howard Stern sidekick blamed the flu for his absence, RadarOnline.com has learned exclusively it’s his uphill battle with drugs that’s causing him to cancel on his podcast and other shows.

His mother, Judy Lange, revealed the truth about her son’s constant troubles exclusively to Radar, saying: “Artie has to take care of a few things. He’s got diabetes, so that doesn’t help. He’s okay, as much as he can be. But he is fighting addiction — trying to get through that, and hopefully he will.”

As fans know, followers of the comedian became skeptical of the 50-year-old’s excuse to cancel his appearance when he said he took antibiotics as a remedy — a medication that only fights bacteria, not viruses.

As Radar previously reported, Lange was hospitalized multiple times this year due to drug related issues. As recent as October, Lange cancelled a show in Akron, Ohio after having to make an emergency trip to the hospital for a blood sugar problem. In July, he was hospitalized for days following emergency open heart surgery.

Godspeed funny man Artie Lange. Please don't end up like John Belushi or Chris Farley. Artie Lange is a cat and he is on his ninth life...

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HEALTHWATCH: KEELY SMITH

It's sad to me to report, but Keely Smith - a legendary singer of the 1950s and 1960s is in failing health. Her daughter has had to take of her, and unfortunately they have hit hard times. Keely Smith is now 86. Here is the posting from their Go Fund Me page:

Dearest Friends, New & Old -

My name is Toni Prima and I am the eldest daughter of Louis Prima & Keely Smith.

My family & I desperately need your financial help and sincerely appreciate anything you can do for us.

Mother had to retire over five years ago for health reasons and I had to stop working two years ago now due to my own physical problems. I also had a bad car accident a year ago that forced me further into illness. I am now on a walker and unable to stand for very long.

I was having a blast working with the UK's great jive & swing band - The Jive Aces. I was also regularly singing with the marvelous Johnny Holiday Show in downtown Los Angeles.

Once I had to stop working and Mother had been stopped for a few years - as you can imagine all the savings went out the door. We have all gone into terrible debt and been selling things as we could.
It simply is not enough and we need help!!!

At this point we are unable to pay household bills, buy groceries & medicine, and keep our caregivers with us which is of utmost importance.

Please if you are able to help us out it will be such a blessing!!! No amount is too little - every penny is appreciated - and please share this post!!!

God Bless you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!

Toni

I don't have the exact info on what is ailing Keely Smith but I believe it is a heart ailment. If you would like to give to their Go Fund Me page, you can see their info HERE.

I will keep everyone posted on any additional news...

UPDATE: Sad to report that Keely Smith has passed away. You can read more about it: HERE