Von Bargen, 61, shot himself in the temple in his Cincinnati apartment on Monday morning and then called the police, according to TMZ.com, which obtained audio of his 911 call.
"I've shot myself in the head … and I need help," he tells the operator.
The actor, who is diabetic, says he was distraught because he was scheduled to go to hospital to have "at least a few toes" amputated.
Von Bargen was said to be in critical condition at an Ohio hospital.