Bret Michaels' Father Has Spoken to His Son
Rocker Bret Michaels' father says his son, being hospitalized in Arizona for a brain hemorrhage, has spoken to him on the phone.
"Extra" spoke with the former Poison frontman's father, Wally Sychak, at his home in Pennsylvania. Sychak said the ailing "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant is improving.
"Well, the fact that he was talking to me, and giving me information, I thought that was great. I understood that this was a terrible ordeal that he was going through. We're not getting information right now. I guess no news is good news," Sychak said.
Photos: Bret Michaels
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When talking to his son on the phone, he said, "He sounded a little slow, but fine. He was talking, not as cheerful as he usually is. But I guess he is under sedation. But he understood what he was saying and knew me. Everything seemed good that way."
He also said Michaels is starting to move his limbs again.
"They say he's moving his arms and hands. The best as they could expect at this time," his father told Extra.
"Celebrity Apprentice" creator Donald Trump, who usually shows his contestants tough love, is also showing his genuine concern for Micheals.
He appeared on NBC's TODAY Show this morning and called the rocker "a really an amazingly competitive guy" and said that he feels guilty for being so hard on him.
"Celebrity Apprentice" involves a tough schedule, Trump admits.
"He was working 24 hours a day and it's tough," he said. "He would work so hard and I really gained respect for him."
Michaels, who is competing to raise money for his charity, diabetes research, has served as one of the season's most outspoken celebrities and has so far avoided being fired in the boardroom.
Trump also mentioned that Michaels was really distraught when he found out that his daughter also has diabetes.
As for the competitive reality show, it must go on, and the final live episode will scheduled to air in four weeks. Thanks to taped reality TV shows, Michaels also remains as a contestant to become Trump's next "Celebrity Apprentice."
But Trump isn't too concerned about that right now - just Michaels' recovery.
"Forget the show, he's such a nice guy. I just hope he makes it," he said.
Michaels' New York-based publicist, Joann Mignano, confirmed on Friday a report on People magazine's website that said the former Poison frontman was rushed to intensive care late Thursday after a severe headache. Doctors discovered bleeding at the base of his brain stem, the report said.
Some of Michaels' "Celebrity Apprentice" teammates took to their Twitter accounts to express concern for their co-star.
Sharon Osbourne wrote "I'm thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery" to Michaels on her Twitter page.
Holly Robinson Peete acknowledged that Sunday night's episode was a big win for her charity, but added that she will feel "MUCH better when Bret does."
Michaels had an emergency appendectomy April 12 after complaining of stomach pains before he was scheduled to perform at Sea World in San Antonio. Michaels later wrote on his website that although the surgery "has taken its toll," doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
Before joining the third season of "The Celebrity Apprentice," Michaels starred as the lothario on VH1's lusty reality dating series "Rock of Love" from 2007 to 2009. For three seasons, Michaels searched for the women of his dreams amid a sea of implants, tattoos and thongs. He also served as a judge on the fifth season of the USA singing competition "Nashville Star" in 2007.
© 2010 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. "Extra" spoke with the former Poison frontman's father, Wally Sychak, at his home in Pennsylvania. Sychak said the ailing "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant is improving.
"Well, the fact that he was talking to me, and giving me information, I thought that was great. I understood that this was a terrible ordeal that he was going through. We're not getting information right now. I guess no news is good news," Sychak said.
Photos: Bret Michaels
Prognosis Not Good for Bret Michaels
Tests Shed Light on His Condition
Stars Support Michaels on Twiter
When talking to his son on the phone, he said, "He sounded a little slow, but fine. He was talking, not as cheerful as he usually is. But I guess he is under sedation. But he understood what he was saying and knew me. Everything seemed good that way."
He also said Michaels is starting to move his limbs again.
"They say he's moving his arms and hands. The best as they could expect at this time," his father told Extra.
"Celebrity Apprentice" creator Donald Trump, who usually shows his contestants tough love, is also showing his genuine concern for Micheals.
He appeared on NBC's TODAY Show this morning and called the rocker "a really an amazingly competitive guy" and said that he feels guilty for being so hard on him.
"Celebrity Apprentice" involves a tough schedule, Trump admits.
"He was working 24 hours a day and it's tough," he said. "He would work so hard and I really gained respect for him."
Michaels, who is competing to raise money for his charity, diabetes research, has served as one of the season's most outspoken celebrities and has so far avoided being fired in the boardroom.
Trump also mentioned that Michaels was really distraught when he found out that his daughter also has diabetes.
As for the competitive reality show, it must go on, and the final live episode will scheduled to air in four weeks. Thanks to taped reality TV shows, Michaels also remains as a contestant to become Trump's next "Celebrity Apprentice."
But Trump isn't too concerned about that right now - just Michaels' recovery.
"Forget the show, he's such a nice guy. I just hope he makes it," he said.
Michaels' New York-based publicist, Joann Mignano, confirmed on Friday a report on People magazine's website that said the former Poison frontman was rushed to intensive care late Thursday after a severe headache. Doctors discovered bleeding at the base of his brain stem, the report said.
Some of Michaels' "Celebrity Apprentice" teammates took to their Twitter accounts to express concern for their co-star.
Sharon Osbourne wrote "I'm thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery" to Michaels on her Twitter page.
Holly Robinson Peete acknowledged that Sunday night's episode was a big win for her charity, but added that she will feel "MUCH better when Bret does."
Michaels had an emergency appendectomy April 12 after complaining of stomach pains before he was scheduled to perform at Sea World in San Antonio. Michaels later wrote on his website that although the surgery "has taken its toll," doctors expected him to make a full recovery.
Before joining the third season of "The Celebrity Apprentice," Michaels starred as the lothario on VH1's lusty reality dating series "Rock of Love" from 2007 to 2009. For three seasons, Michaels searched for the women of his dreams amid a sea of implants, tattoos and thongs. He also served as a judge on the fifth season of the USA singing competition "Nashville Star" in 2007.
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This is not a game, my brother died of a similar condition, ICU is serious and the last thing they need is the vultures circling trying to snap photos.
I wish Bret Michael's a speedy and complete recovery and my prayers go to him and his family!
We were saddened to hear of Mr. Michael's illness. All the best to Mr. Michael's family and we pray for a speedy recovery for Bret himself. I know he is a nice guy because he was the nicest star who came into the casino where my husband is security, and was kind and said hello to the security staff.
Probably what really happened is he bought some hair restoration injection kit made in china. And this created a severe infection and a heck of a headache to match.
if Bret was my kid...we'd be talking eye to eye
I've seen a child spend his first birthday in the hospital alone. He had a serious illness and the parents could either send him across the country alone or watch him die at home because they didn't have the money to take him to the hospital where he could receive care *and* go there with him.
I can scarcely imagine the fear and the courage of those parents. I can only be thankful that we haven't had to go through such an ordeal.
I don't know the Michaels family, but I will be the last person to sit in judgment of the father; I don't think anyone who doesn't know them or their situation should...