Billy Gardell – Actor (Mike & Molly / Bob Hearts Abishola) Stand Up Comic (Less Is More)

Billy Gardell

Take a walk with me down Fascination Street as I get to know Billy Gardell. Billy has been a professional stand-up comedian since 1987. You may know him from his extensive television career, which includes: ‘Yes, Dear’, ‘My Name Is Earl’, ‘Lucky’, and of course the title roles of ‘Mike & Molly’ and ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’. In this episode we chat about his growing up in Pittsburgh and how that informed his character and ideals as a generation X adult. I share a story about a friend who has passed but was also from Pittsburgh and really loved Billy. I do ask Billy about his co-hosting a football podcast with his buddy Nick Bakay, called ‘Winning Ugly’. After that we do a little time traveling back to the 80s and talk about Evel Knievel toys and staying out until the streetlights came on. Naturally, we talk about when, why, and how Billy got into stand-up comedy, and why he has been doing it for so long. Billy’s big break came when he was cast as the male lead in the long running CBS sit-com ‘Mike & Molly’. So, I ask him to share the story of how he was cast, and why Chuck Lorre had to convince him to do it. Billy has some very kind words about everyone he worked with on that show. His next smash hit was another long running CBS show called ‘Bob Hearts Abishola’; another Chuck Lorre project. Then we discuss the importance of having someone of consequence in your corner. In Billy’s case, he has Chuck Lorre and for a while he had James Burrows as well. During Covid, Billy decided that he needed to focus on his health. He realized that he needed to take steps in order to continue to be around for his wife of 25 years and his young adult son. So, Billy decided to lose some weight, and dive into a healthier lifestyle. Since Covid, Billy has lost 173 pounds. We chat about how he did it, what method he chose and why, and what the mental gymnastics are with a massive change like that. We talk about how these physical and mental changes have affected his family life, his work life, his state of mind, and his outlook. Billy has very glowing things to say about his Bob Hearts Abishola castmates, and then we talk about his recent appearance on season 2 of the Netflix sit-com ‘Leanne’, starring Leanne Morgan. Billy and Leanne go back nearly 40 years as stand ups together, and their relationship is proof positive that kindness matters… always. Finally, we talk about Billy’s current stand-up comedy tour. Right now, the ‘Less Is More’ tour is making its way across America, and his new act focuses on the current generation, a lasting marriage, and other hilarity. Follow him on Instagram @BillyGardellOfficial and check out stand-up tour dates & tickets at BillyGardell.com. THANK YOU BILLY!