In Depth
Olbermann Recovering From Appendectomy
MSNBC’s rising prime-time star Keith Olbermann was still hospitalized Monday after undergoing an emergency appendectomy Friday.
Mr. Olbermann’s appendix apparently ruptured Wednesday, but he wrote it off as a stomach ailment and soldiered on. Though still feeling ill, he nonetheless reported for work Thursday night, when he anchored MSNBC’s analysis of President Bush’s prime-time address on the war in Iraq.
It wasn’t until Friday afternoon that he decided it was time to seek medical attention, according to an MSNBC spokeswoman.
Led by Mr. Olbermann, MSNBC’s speech-related programming edged out by about 3,000 viewers from 9 to 10 p.m. in the prime news demo of adults 25 to 54 to finish second to Fox News Channel. In total viewers, CNN ranked second to Fox News, beating MSNBC by about 345,000 viewers from 9 to 10 p.m.
Mr. Olbermann’s medical emergency benched him from NBC’s “Football Night in America” Sunday, but it’s hoped he may be able to return to “Countdown With Keith Olbermann” some time this week. In the meantime, former MSNBC anchor Alison Stewart is expected to fill in for him.
(Editor: Horowitz)


Leave a comment
Comments 17
Ellen Murphy
Hey Keith!
I just heard about your emergency on the Rachel Maddow show.
Hope you feel better soon. I love your show and
look forward to seeing you back soon
Best wishes
Richard Harris
Hey Keith,
Ever hear of peritonitis? You are a lucky man. Get well quickly, Countdown isn't the same without you.
Bob Hughes
Hey Kieth:
You need to take better care of yourself! You're not bullet proof, but you are MSNBC's ONLY indispensable program host. Looking forward to seeing you back soon.
maarjorie broady
I turned on NFL in America just to see you and learned of our illness. Please take care of your self. You are the only anchor with guts to say the real truth. Look to see you on Count Down soon. Thanks for giving us the real "HARDBALL">
Adrian West
Lord, when I saw his last Special Comment I was afraid he was gonna blow hisself up real good.
Tom Dawson
Barbara and I (and a bunch of your other fans here in Pacific Palisades, Ca) just wanted to wish you a speedy and complete recovery. Don't push it, but we do feel your commentary is a "must" at this time in the USA. Best, Tom Dawson
Jina
Pay attention to your health!!!! It was trying to tell you something! Feel better so you can get back to annoying us!
Paul Napolitano
Get better, KO! We need your insight and humor on the tube on a regular basis.
P.S. Alison is really cute, dude!!
stevi dawson
Hey Keith,
Without you there is no TV news. Allison is truly snidley and sarcastic and I enjoy her enormously, but, you Keith, are the MAN!! Get well very quickly and return to the airwaves of America where you belong.
Thomas
Keith,
I wish I could quit you. It's tough not seeing who " The Worst Person in the World " is going to be. We really miss you Sir, hope to see you back real soon.
Art
Keep an eye out, Keith. Bill O’Reilly might sneak into your hospital room, and try a "Million Dollar Baby" move. ;)
Get well quick. Countdown's not the same without you.
O'Dea
Keith:
Just read about your emergency appendectomy...What a trooper you are for steamrolling on, while not feeling well...May you Get Well soon, but take your time, your skyrocketing ratings will soar when you return.
My family wishes you the best and a speedy recovery.
Be Well.
O'Dea
Ginger
Keith, I'm so very sorry for the pain and surgery you had to go through. It happened to me, several years ago. That poison can kill people. We miss you, and your wit and knowledge. Get well soon!!
brian shrive
oberam get out of you job kill yoollssssslisssssss your ann embasamant to usa USA USA USA USA get fuck get fuck if i ever see see yoo goooddddd byyyyyyy
John
MSNBC Anchor Keith Olbermann is a self-centered jerk. I call him an anchor because he's holding MSNBC's ratings down. He confuses arrogance with relevance.
Heather
This is way late, but I'm with the others. Take care of yourself, Keith! You really ARE the ONLY indispensable person at MSNBC!
Marvin Arthur
Hurry and get well...I wish that in the healing process your retarded mouth clamps shut!!