Role call

Much of the Howard Stern Show magic comes from the interaction between the Stern staff and a revolving cast of characters called the Whack Pack. Stern admits that it’s not clear what makes a whack packer, and even regular callers and guests aren’t guaranteed membership.

Most whack packers are disabled – physically, mentally and/or emotionally. Each has earned his or her place in Stern’s court by repeatedly demonstrating a willingness to bend to the whims of the show.  With the exception of Robin Quivers, staff members are expected to do the same. There have been many staffers, whack packers, and guests through the years. Here’s an abbreviated list of some audience favorites.

STAFF
Robin Quivers
What’s her deal: Howard’s sidekick, and the closest thing to a voice of reason. Gets her own booth, glassed off from the unwashed horde.
What’s her schtick: Giggles nonstop, endures endless teasing about her large breasts and the molestation she suffered as a child. Reads the news at the end of each show.

Fred (a.k.a. Eric) Norris
What’s his deal: Writer and sound effects guy. With Stern from the beginning.
What’s his schtick: Generally regarded as weird. Changed his name to “Eric” without telling anyone. Seems to harbor resentment towards Stern. Mostly quiet, but can be hilariously vicious to guests he doesn’t like or staffers with whom he’s angry. 

Gary Dell’Abate a.k.a. Baba Booey
What’s his deal: Stern show producer. Earned his nickname after mispronouncing the name of cartoon character “Baba Louie.”
What’s his schtick: Endures endless teasing about his large teeth and lips. Ordered to wear a beekeeper outfit whenever his job requires that he stand next to a beautiful naked (or mostly naked) woman.  Often the target of Stern’s angry rants.

Artie Lange
What’s his deal: Actor/comedian. Replaced Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling as comedy writer in 2001. Drug addiction led to his dismissal from “Mad TV” years earlier. The resulting stories are a constant source of humor.
What’s his schtick: Endures endless teasing about his food and alcohol abuse. Does dead-on impressions of Stern-show regulars, including Jeff the Drunk, Maryanne from Brooklyn and redneck racist Daniel Carver.

Benjy Bronk
What’s his deal: Former pre-show interviewer turned writer.
What’s his schtick: Endures endless teasing about his weight, hygiene and inability to get women. Will behave or submit to most any humiliation for either money or attention. Once kissed High Pitch Eric.

Richard Christy
What’s his deal: Beat out nine other contestants to win “Get John’s Job” after Stuttering John left the show in 2004. Quit a fairly successful metal band and moved from Florida for what was originally a short-term gig.
What’s his schtick: Edits show audio to create hilarious crank phone calls and songs. Endures endless teasing about his Southern accent, love of Internet porn and increasing habit of getting naked in the studio.

Sal the Stockbroker
What’s his deal: A regular caller who recently parleyed his Stern obsession into a paying gig.
What’s his schtick: Relentless harassment of Gary Dell’Abate, dubbed him “horse tooth jackass,” and created a Web site of the same name (prior to show employment). Endures endless teasing about his obsessive interest in Stern.

Ronnie the Limo Driver
What’s his deal: Stern’s limo driver.
What’s his shtick: Parlayed his spots into a regular gig at Scores strip club in Manhattan. Endures endless teasing about his love of Nascar and the time he went to great expense to pimp-out his new limo which Stern then refused to ride in.

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