'Insider' Anchor O'Brien Enters Alcohol Rehab - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 03-21-2005, 12:58 PM

'Insider' Anchor O'Brien Enters Alcohol Rehab

Former 'Access Hollywood' Host Says He's Self-Admitted

LOS ANGELES (March 20) - Television host Pat O'Brien, anchor of "The Insider" news magazine show, has entered an alcohol rehabilitation program, he said in a written statement Sunday to The Associated Press.

"I have had a problem with alcohol. I have decided to take action by checking myself into an intensive recovery program," the 57-year-old broadcast journalist said.

"Overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able," he continued. There were no details about the recovery facility or when O'Brien entered the program.

O'Brien, who covered the Summer Olympics in Greece for MSNBC and NBC late-night programming, was a TV news reporter in Los Angeles and Chicago before joining CBS Sports.

He occasionally hosted "Entertainment Tonight" and in 1997 became the full-time host of "Access Hollywood." That contract expired last year and he began hosting "The Insider."

"We support Pat's decision to seek treatment and look forward to welcoming him back on the air at the appropriate time," said Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which syndicates "The Insider."

Westphal said the show's New York host, Lara Spencer, will take over during O'Brien's absence.

TripperFan · 03-21-2005, 01:06 PM

I for one, won't miss him a bit. I don't like Pat O'Brien. To me, he kisses too much Hollywood butt!

But still, kudos to anyone who checks themselves into rehab.

Miss Golden · 03-21-2005, 02:43 PM

I guess Hasseloff will get a new room mate.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 03-21-2005, 11:45 PM

Whoa, he's 57??!?!

Scoobiedoo30 · 03-22-2005, 01:59 AM

I would like to say Get well to Pat O'Brien

Pitooey · 03-22-2005, 10:11 AM

I love Pat O'Brien....... I hope he gets well and I'm glad that he's doing the right thing. Good Luck Pat!

Janice · 03-22-2005, 10:17 AM

I hope Pat gets well. I'm glad he's taken steps to overcome his problem.

Miss Golden · 03-22-2005, 01:56 PM

UPDATE:

What's the inside story on "Insider" host Pat O'Brien's decision to enter rehab Sunday?

Hollywood sources suggest the timing was to defuse the release of several sexually explicit voice-mail messages, available on the Internet yesterday, soliciting sex froman unidentified woman.

"Let's just [bleeping] have sex and fun and drugs and go crazy," says a male voice.

Yesterday reps for "The Insider" would not comment on widespread attribution of the voice to O'Brien.

The tape describes in graphic detail just how "badly" the caller wants various activities that involve, gosh, all parts of the woman's body.

"I'm so into you, Betsy is so f——ing jealous," the voice claims in one message. "I know you want me, but you have to be with Betsy, too."

"The Insider" host has one child with his wife, Linda.

Sadly, by the final message, Betsy seems to have pulled out of the threesome.

Says the caller: "Get another woman up, hire a hooker, let's get crazy, get some coke and if you get this message, if you agree with this, just look at me and say yes."

'Insider' host Pat O'Brien entered rehab as a voice on a booty-call tape was said to be his.

Janice · 04-27-2005, 10:41 AM

'Insider' Host Pat O'Brien Exits Rehab

(AP) Television host Pat O'Brien arrives at the Episcopal Church
of Bethesda by the Sea where Donald... Full Image

NEW YORK (AP) - Pat O'Brien, host of "The Insider" syndicated entertainment news magazine, has left an alcohol rehabilitation program and will be back at work next week.

"I want to thank everyone for their support during the past few weeks," O'Brien said in a statement Tuesday. "I plan to continue my recovery with the help and support of my family, colleagues and friends, and look forward to getting back to work."

O'Brien left the program Sunday, Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated TV program, said Tuesday.

There were no details about the recovery facility or when the 57-year-old O'Brien entered the rehab program.

Linda Bell Blue, the show's executive producer, said O'Brien will return to work May 5.

"I spent time with Pat recently and he's looking and feeling great," she said in a statement. "We're all excited to welcome him back to the office and back on the air."

Last month, O'Brien announced he "had a problem with alcohol" and that "overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able."

O'Brien's image has recently taken a beating after obscene phone messages left by what sounds like his voice were distributed on the Internet. The show's New York host, Lara Spencer, has taken over the show during O'Brien's absence.

TripperFan · 04-27-2005, 11:29 AM

Let's hope part of the program was to teach him not to leave disgustingly obscene messages on some bimbo's answering machine for the whole world to hear. His wife must be sooooo embarrassed by that! I'm no prude, but I've heard the messages and they were unbelievably graphic. He must have left 15 of them all in one afternoon. I think it takes more than just an alcohol problem to make you do that.

He should call Charlie Sheen up since he'll be hauling out his old little black book again I'm sure!

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 04-27-2005, 09:52 PM

Reading this topic and the one above it, I was like "WTF, Conan's in rehab?"

Glad he's doing okay

Janice · 04-29-2005, 07:55 PM

Pat O'Brien to Get Session With Dr. Phil

NEW YORK (AP)— This didn't take long: Pat O'Brien, fresh from rehab, will have to face Dr. Phil next week in a prime-time CBS special.

Dr. Phil McGraw will "confront O'Brien about the incidents that led up to his stay in the recovery program, the issues he faced while in treatment and the stories about his personal life that made headline news," CBS said Friday.

The hour-long special will air Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT.

O'Brien, host of "The Insider" syndicated entertainment newsmagazine, is expected back at work Thursday after undergoing treatment in an alcohol rehabilitation program. He exited the program April 24.

A recording of obscene phone messages left by what sounds like O'Brien's voice hurtled around the Internet while he was gone and became frequent water cooler talk.

O'Brien will talk about how he will deal with his colleagues when he returns to work and how to approach life without alcohol, CBS said.

He'll also appear May 5 on the syndicated "Dr. Phil" talk show.

Miss Golden · 04-30-2005, 12:38 AM

I have really enjoyed the Insider lately without having to hear good ole Pat O'Brien's annoying voice.

NASHMAN · 04-30-2005, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Golden

I have really enjoyed the Insider lately without having to hear good ole Pat O'Brien's annoying voice.

Well of course since he left Access Hollywood last year for the Insidre he had a dispute with NBC U on the transition, but when O'Brien debuted in Insider last fall, he was obligated to do his news and I think Lara Spencer does a very good job on trying to help Pat while he was gone. But I will be happy that Pat will be back to the Insider on May 5th since it's been renewed until 2008.

Scoobiedoo30 · 05-06-2005, 01:00 AM

I have to say it is good to see Pat O'Brien Back on The Insider Tonight
I would like to Welcome Pat O'Brien Back to The Insider

03-21-2005, 12:58 PM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,389	'Insider' Anchor O'Brien Enters Alcohol Rehab 'Insider' Anchor O'Brien Enters Alcohol Rehab Former 'Access Hollywood' Host Says He's Self-Admitted LOS ANGELES (March 20) - Television host Pat O'Brien, anchor of "The Insider" news magazine show, has entered an alcohol rehabilitation program, he said in a written statement Sunday to The Associated Press. "I have had a problem with alcohol. I have decided to take action by checking myself into an intensive recovery program," the 57-year-old broadcast journalist said. "Overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able," he continued. There were no details about the recovery facility or when O'Brien entered the program. O'Brien, who covered the Summer Olympics in Greece for MSNBC and NBC late-night programming, was a TV news reporter in Los Angeles and Chicago before joining CBS Sports. He occasionally hosted "Entertainment Tonight" and in 1997 became the full-time host of "Access Hollywood." That contract expired last year and he began hosting "The Insider." "We support Pat's decision to seek treatment and look forward to welcoming him back on the air at the appropriate time," said Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which syndicates "The Insider." Westphal said the show's New York host, Lara Spencer, will take over during O'Brien's absence.

03-21-2005, 01:06 PM	#2
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,087	I for one, won't miss him a bit. I don't like Pat O'Brien. To me, he kisses too much Hollywood butt! But still, kudos to anyone who checks themselves into rehab.
	__________________ If I don't see you in this world, I'll meet you in the next one.....don't be late James Marshall Hendrix Voodoo Chile The Forum Legend formerly known as TripperFan "religion is for people who are afraid of hell--spirituality is for people who have been through hell"---anonymous

03-21-2005, 11:45 PM	#4
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	Whoa, he's 57??!?!
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

03-22-2005, 01:59 AM	#5
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Insider Anchor O'Brien Enters Alcohol Rehanb I would like to say Get well to Pat O'Brien
	__________________ Who Dat

03-22-2005, 10:11 AM	#6
Pitooey Member Forum Star Join Date: Feb 15, 2001 Location: Rocking in Transylvania. Posts: 15,042	I love Pat O'Brien....... I hope he gets well and I'm glad that he's doing the right thing. Good Luck Pat!
	__________________ Pitooey... AKA JennyLee - I love the Monkees all over again! *SAY NO TO DRUGS* Jesus saves...

03-21-2005, 02:43 PM	#3
Miss Golden Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Posts: 1,231	I guess Hasseloff will get a new room mate.

03-22-2005, 10:17 AM	#7
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,389	I hope Pat gets well. I'm glad he's taken steps to overcome his problem.

03-22-2005, 01:56 PM	#8
Miss Golden Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Posts: 1,231	UPDATE: What's the inside story on "Insider" host Pat O'Brien's decision to enter rehab Sunday? Hollywood sources suggest the timing was to defuse the release of several sexually explicit voice-mail messages, available on the Internet yesterday, soliciting sex froman unidentified woman. "Let's just [bleeping] have sex and fun and drugs and go crazy," says a male voice. Yesterday reps for "The Insider" would not comment on widespread attribution of the voice to O'Brien. The tape describes in graphic detail just how "badly" the caller wants various activities that involve, gosh, all parts of the woman's body. "I'm so into you, Betsy is so f——ing jealous," the voice claims in one message. "I know you want me, but you have to be with Betsy, too." "The Insider" host has one child with his wife, Linda. Sadly, by the final message, Betsy seems to have pulled out of the threesome. Says the caller: "Get another woman up, hire a hooker, let's get crazy, get some coke and if you get this message, if you agree with this, just look at me and say yes." 'Insider' host Pat O'Brien entered rehab as a voice on a booty-call tape was said to be his.

04-27-2005, 10:41 AM	#9
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,389	Update 'Insider' Host Pat O'Brien Exits Rehab (AP) Television host Pat O'Brien arrives at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda by the Sea where Donald... Full Image NEW YORK (AP) - Pat O'Brien, host of "The Insider" syndicated entertainment news magazine, has left an alcohol rehabilitation program and will be back at work next week. "I want to thank everyone for their support during the past few weeks," O'Brien said in a statement Tuesday. "I plan to continue my recovery with the help and support of my family, colleagues and friends, and look forward to getting back to work." O'Brien left the program Sunday, Manfred Westphal, a spokesman for Paramount Domestic Television, which produces the syndicated TV program, said Tuesday. There were no details about the recovery facility or when the 57-year-old O'Brien entered the rehab program. Linda Bell Blue, the show's executive producer, said O'Brien will return to work May 5. "I spent time with Pat recently and he's looking and feeling great," she said in a statement. "We're all excited to welcome him back to the office and back on the air." Last month, O'Brien announced he "had a problem with alcohol" and that "overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able." O'Brien's image has recently taken a beating after obscene phone messages left by what sounds like his voice were distributed on the Internet. The show's New York host, Lara Spencer, has taken over the show during O'Brien's absence.

04-27-2005, 11:29 AM	#10
TripperFan In God's Arms Now Forum Star Join Date: Sep 14, 2003 Location: Heartbreak Ridge Posts: 12,087	Let's hope part of the program was to teach him not to leave disgustingly obscene messages on some bimbo's answering machine for the whole world to hear. His wife must be sooooo embarrassed by that! I'm no prude, but I've heard the messages and they were unbelievably graphic. He must have left 15 of them all in one afternoon. I think it takes more than just an alcohol problem to make you do that. He should call Charlie Sheen up since he'll be hauling out his old little black book again I'm sure!

04-27-2005, 09:52 PM	#11
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	Reading this topic and the one above it, I was like "WTF, Conan's in rehab?" Glad he's doing okay

04-29-2005, 07:55 PM	#12
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,389	Pat O'Brien to Get Session With Dr. Phil NEW YORK (AP)— This didn't take long: Pat O'Brien, fresh from rehab, will have to face Dr. Phil next week in a prime-time CBS special. Dr. Phil McGraw will "confront O'Brien about the incidents that led up to his stay in the recovery program, the issues he faced while in treatment and the stories about his personal life that made headline news," CBS said Friday. The hour-long special will air Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT. O'Brien, host of "The Insider" syndicated entertainment newsmagazine, is expected back at work Thursday after undergoing treatment in an alcohol rehabilitation program. He exited the program April 24. A recording of obscene phone messages left by what sounds like O'Brien's voice hurtled around the Internet while he was gone and became frequent water cooler talk. O'Brien will talk about how he will deal with his colleagues when he returns to work and how to approach life without alcohol, CBS said. He'll also appear May 5 on the syndicated "Dr. Phil" talk show.

04-30-2005, 12:38 AM	#13
Miss Golden Member Senior Member Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Posts: 1,231	I have really enjoyed the Insider lately without having to hear good ole Pat O'Brien's annoying voice.

05-06-2005, 01:00 AM	#15
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	Pat O'Brien Returns to The Insider I have to say it is good to see Pat O'Brien Back on The Insider Tonight I would like to Welcome Pat O'Brien Back to The Insider