According to a 2006 New York Times Magazine profile of Garlin, he suffers from many debilitating health problems, including partial complex seizures (a form of epilepsy), diabetes, sleep apnea, and ADD. Before he turned 38, he had already had a stroke, as well as surgeries both to correct a childhood heart defect and fix back problems arising from an auto accident.

Lived with Conan O'Brien in Chicago, next to Wrigley Field.

Is a Chicago Bears fan.