Lee Siegfried, affectionately known as “Crazy Cabbie” to devoted followers of “The Howard Stern Show,” has passed away at the age of 55, as reported by multiple outlets. The specific cause of his death remains undisclosed.
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Hailing from Minnesota, Siegfried initially gained recognition as a DJ for 92.3 K-Rock in New York and various stations in the Twin Cities. His moniker, “Crazy Cabbie,” originated during his early days on “The Andy Savage Show” before he joined the “KQRS Morning Show” upon Stern’s arrival in the region.
The announcement of Siegfried’s passing came through a heartfelt tribute on Facebook from Cane Peterson, a prominent radio personality and DJ. Peterson shared the news of Siegfried’s departure on Easter Sunday, noting his peaceful passing with his beloved partner, Lexi, at his side. Peterson fondly recalled Siegfried’s unparalleled talent behind the microphone, his quick wit, and his infectious enthusiasm for life, highlighting the profound impact he had on those who knew him.
In a podcast appearance from 2021, Siegfried openly discussed his health struggles, revealing battles with autoimmune disorders like Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, conditions that ultimately led to his reliance on a wheelchair.
The passing of Lee Siegfried adds to the somber moments within the community surrounding “The Howard Stern Show,” following the recent losses of Al Rosenberg and Ralph Cirella.
For the family and friends of Lee Siegfried, Easter Sunday marked a poignant occasion. His legacy as “Crazy Cabbie” lives on through his vibrant radio persona and the cherished memories shared by fans and colleagues alike.
Howard Allan Stern radio picture
Throughout his tenure as a frequent guest on Stern’s show, Siegfried engaged in a multitude of memorable endeavors, including his participation in boxing matches against notable figures like Angry Black and “Stuttering” John Melendez.
Lee Siegfried, famously recognized as Crazy Cabbie from his time on Howard Stern’s widely acclaimed radio show, has passed away at the age of 55. The news of his death was confirmed by Cane Peterson, a radio personality from Minnesota, who shared the update on Facebook on March 31.
Siegfried, born Lee Anthony Mroszak, had been contending with a rare nerve disorder since 2020, which posed a significant risk of paralysis.
Howard Allan Stern influence
His influence in the radio industry was largely forged during his tenure at New York’s 92.3 K-Rock (WXRK) and his regular appearances on The Howard Stern Show. Siegfried’s persona as Crazy Cabbie became his signature, evolving from his time at various radio stations in Minneapolis.
Following his stint on traditional radio, Siegfried briefly returned to work with Stern at Sirius before parting ways.
In a sincere tribute, Cane Peterson remarked, “Cabbie epitomized excellence in radio, and his charisma endeared him to all who encountered him. His humor was sharp, his passion for life boundless, and above all, he had a heart of pure gold.”
About Howard Allan Stern
Howard Allan Stern, born on January 12, 1954, is a prominent figure in American broadcasting and media. He is widely recognized for hosting The Howard Stern Show, which gained immense popularity during its national syndication on terrestrial radio from 1986 to 2005. Since 2006, Stern has continued his broadcasting journey on Sirius XM Radio.
Stern’s radio career began during his time at Boston University. Between 1976 and 1982, he honed his on-air persona through various morning positions at WRNW in Briarcliff Manor, New York; WCCC in Hartford, Connecticut; WWWW in Detroit, Michigan; and WWDC in Washington, D.C. Later, he worked in the afternoons at WNBC in New York City until his dismissal in 1985.
Despite this setback, Stern embarked on a successful 20-year tenure at WXRK in New York City. His morning show became syndicated in 1986, reaching 60 markets and amassing 20 million listeners at its peak. Stern’s photography has also been showcased in publications such as Hamptons and WHIRL magazines. Moreover, from 2012 to 2015, he served as a judge on America’s Got Talent.
Stern’s remarkable contributions to radio have earned him numerous industry awards, including eight consecutive Billboard Nationally Syndicated Air Personality of the Year awards. He was the first radio host to have the number one morning show in both New York City and Los Angeles simultaneously.
However, Stern also faced substantial fines from the Federal Communications Commission, totaling $2.5 million, making him the most fined radio personality. Despite these challenges, Stern solidified his position as one of the highest-paid figures in radio after signing a lucrative five-year deal with Sirius in 2004, valued at $500 million.
Howard Allan Stern old is gold
Apart from his radio endeavors, Stern has achieved success across various media platforms, leading to him being dubbed the “King of All Media” since 1992. He has hosted and produced numerous late-night television shows, pay-per-view events, and home videos. Two of his books, Private Parts (1993) and Miss America (1995), achieved significant success, each reaching number one on The New York Times Best Seller list and selling over one million copies.
The film adaptation of Private Parts, released in 1997, featured Stern and his radio show staff portraying themselves. The film performed well at the box office, grossing $41.2 million domestically. Stern’s third book, Howard Stern Comes Again, was published in 2019, further solidifying his diverse career in media.