LOS ANGELES - Ron Jeremy, probably the world's best-known male porn actor, was hospitalized Wednesday after undergoing surgery for an aneurysm near his heart.

"Yes, it is true ... Ron Jeremy has been hospitalized for an aneurysm that was located near his heart," according to a statement on his web page. "He is currently in surgery and in good hands."

No hospital condition was available, but his team promised to post online updates soon.

He apparently drove himself to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Tuesday after experiencing chest pains. An aneurysm is a distended section of blood vessel that can cause death if it ruptures.

Jeremy, 59, has retired from acting in adult films -- something he is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for, having performed in more than 2,000.

Most recently, he unsuccessfully campaigned against a city ballot measure requiring adult film actors to wear condoms.

Jeremy, born in Queens, N.Y., gave up a career as a special education teacher to pursue an acting career, but found little work. After a girlfriend submitted a nude photo of him to Playgirl magazine, he moved into adult movies.