Former MTV VJ Hospitalized After Suffering Massive Stroke
Former MTV VJ Matt Pinfield, best known for hosting the '90s alternative music 120 Minutes, suffered a massive stroke earlier this month and remains hospitalized.
People confirmed the news on Thursday after it was initially reported that Pinfield, 63, had to take a "temporary leave of absence for personal reasons" by the Los Angeles radio station where he most recently hosted a show. "We fully support Matt and hope to have his energetic rock n’ roll knowledge back on the air soon," 88.5 FM Radio posted to Facebook on Jan. 8, just two days after he suffered the stroke.
According to TMZ, Pinfield's daughter Jessica filed for temporary conservatorship amid concerns over his ability to manage his health and finances. She and her sister Maya also apparently became worried that their father's girlfriend may attempt to access his accounts, leading them to lock down his home and assets. Court documents reportedly state that Pinfield is "incompetent to make decisions."
After initially rising to fame on MTV, Pinfield's career took him to an executive role at Columbia Records, where he served as vice president of A&R and artist development. He's also hosted numerous radio shows throughout the years and penned a 2016 memoir, All These Things That I've Done: My Insane, Improbable Rock Life.
In 2017, Pinfield opened up about his issues with substance abuse, which exacerbated his heart condition after he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, leading him to seek treatment in rehab.
"I was dealing with A-fib (atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm),” he told The San Francisco Chronicle at the time. "Drinking on top of it wasn’t a good idea. And it turns out I was overmedicated." He added that the stress of a new job and moving from one residence to another in San Francisco hadn't helped his situation.
On Jan. 6, the day he suffered the stroke, Pinfield had posted a positive message to his Instagram.
"Starting another week with gratitude for a life surrounded by great people, life changing music, and unforgettable experiences that I never take for granted," he wrote. "Here to another week-another day-open heart and open mind. Let’s rock!"