San Diego - Mark Linn-Baker, who appeared as a guest star on the FOX comedy program, "Ally McBeal" in an episode which aired
earlier this year, was
admitted to a local area hospital this morning,
and according to emergency room physicians, was
said only to be suffering from "massive head
injuries". Baker, and old acquaintance of
producer/director David E. Kelly, while having
lunch one day, told Kelley of difficulties he was
experiencing with his employer, about his alleged
magical encounters with a mythical unicorn that
appeared from time to time inside his San Diego
residence. Kelley, intrigued by the tale, urged
Baker to continue, and learned of the company's
intention of terminating his employment .
Believing the accounts to possess considerable
potential as a sub-plot on his new show, Kelley
immediately questioned the actor as to whether or
not he would be interested in telling his unusual
tale through a fictional treatment on the program.
Baker quickly agreed, and portrayed the role of
"Sheldon Maxwell"
some weeks later. The episode, having been
received poorly by critics, resulted in the actor
not being heard from until today's announcement.
"When we got him off the chopper, we immediately
knew we had a serious case on our hands",
said Dr. Frank Hite. "The patient's had lost
a significant amount of blood, and was only semi- conscious".
After being rushed to the emergency room, medical personnel
attempted to inquire of Baker as to the cause of
his injuries, at which time Baker reportedly told
the doctors the mythical creature had once again
materialized in his home, and while attempting to
circle behind the beast, inadvertently startled
the animal causing it to kick the actor repeatedly
in the face, resulting in, according to doctors,
the complete shattering of the actor's left
cheekbone. "It wasn't his fault" the
barely conscious Baker was quoted, "I just
scared him, that's all". As of this afternoon, doctors were said to be confident of Baker's recovery, adding, "He'll need some re-constructive surgery, but otherwise he's a very lucky man. Mr. Baker is in stable condition at this time, and we plan to start a full course of anti-psychotics as soon as the brain swelling is under control"
Officials from the city's animal control department reported having been unable to locate the animal, stating, "We haven't found him yet, but don't worry, we put in a call to "Hercules" this afternoon, and his secretary said he would get back to us shortly with any information he might have"