Billy Gardell has been focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle — and the results show! The 54-year-old actor revealed in 2023 that he lost over 150 pounds in three years, after weighing over 370 pounds ten years ago. Billy gets to show off his slimmed-down look on his CBS sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, which returns for its fifth and final season on Monday, February 12. After previously struggling with his weight, Billy has made such a turnaround and is truly healthier than ever — so much so that he no longer has Type 2 diabetes!
It's inspiring to see how commitment and determination can lead to significant life changes. Keep reading to learn all about Billy’s weight loss journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way. His story showcases that it’s never too late to take control of your health and well-being!
Table of Contents
- Biography
- How Much Weight Did Billy Gardell Lose?
- How Did Billy Gardell Lose Weight?
- What Has Billy Gardell Said About His Weight Loss?
- Motivation Behind Billy's Journey
- Support from Bob Hearts Abishola Producers
Biography
| Full Name | Billy Gardell |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | August 20, 1969 |
| Age | 54 years |
| Profession | Actor, Comedian |
| Notable Works | Mike & Molly, Bob Hearts Abishola |
| Spouse | Patty Knight |
| Children | William III |
How Much Weight Did Billy Gardell Lose?
Billy lost 150 pounds between 2020 and 2023. At the time of his Entertainment Tonight interview published in April 2023, Billy mentioned that he weighed between 205 and 210 pounds. The former Mike & Molly star acknowledged that he had previously weighed 370 pounds a decade ago. His transformation is a testament to the power of perseverance and the right mindset!
“(I’m) walking around pretty healthy these days,” Billy stated during the interview. He humorously acknowledged the mixed reactions he gets from people, saying, “Of course, there’s always people online that, when I was heavy, they were like ‘You’re too heavy!’ And now it’s like, ‘Are you sick?’ Can I just walk the earth, please?!”
How Did Billy Gardell Lose Weight?
Billy shared that in 2022, he was encouraged to undergo bariatric weight loss surgery to minimize his risk of complications from COVID-19. He also emphasized that he lost weight by making healthier eating choices. During the interview, he revealed that his resting heart rate changed from 113 to 68 after shedding the pounds, and he was no longer suffering from Type 2 diabetes. However, he admitted that he still struggled with smoking cigarettes at the time.
What Has Billy Gardell Said About His Weight Loss?
In his interview with ET, Billy expressed his gratitude for adopting a healthier lifestyle. He said, “I think you’ve got to find peace with yourself and, at some point, look in the mirror and go, ‘You know, it’s probably time to take care of you.’ And I didn’t get that note early on.” This reflection shows the importance of self-acceptance and understanding when it comes to making life changes.
Motivation Behind Billy's Journey
The motivation to lose weight for Billy came primarily from his desire to be a good role model for his son, William III, whom he shares with his wife, Patty Knight. Billy explained, “When you hit 50, you start doing that dad math, like, ‘If I can live 25 more years, and he’ll be 40,’ … You know what I mean? So I want to be here for him.” His commitment to health reflects a deeper understanding of familial responsibility.
Support from Bob Hearts Abishola Producers
Additionally, Billy noted that the producers of Bob Hearts Abishola were highly supportive of his physical transformation. This support allowed him to communicate openly about his desire to change, even if it meant making adjustments to his character, Bob Wheeler, who shares similar struggles with weight. Billy expressed gratitude for the understanding and flexibility shown by the show's producers.
“That was one of the gifts of the show was to be able to, you know, talk to our producers and say, ‘This is what I want to do,’ and they were incredibly supportive,” he remarked. His experience shows how having a support system can significantly impact one's weight loss journey and overall health.
