Key Takeaways
- Billy Gardell weighed 370 pounds nearly a decade ago.
- In 2022, he underwent bariatric surgery as a crucial step toward recovering his health.
- He also overcame diabetes and significantly improved his overall health.
Swissvale, Pennsylvania: Billy Gardell, beloved for his roles in ‘Mike & Molly,’ has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding over 150 pounds in less than two years.
But his journey wasn’t just about physical change; it was a battle against illness and a commitment to self-care.
At 54, Billy found himself at a crossroads.
Struggling with obesity and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, he realized he needed a drastic change.
“I chickened out from it a couple times, but at some point you get sick and tired of being sick and tired,” he confessed to PEOPLE.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call, highlighting the risks his weight posed to his health.
Determined to be there for his family, Gardell embarked on a transformation journey.
After considering various options, he opted for bariatric surgery in 2022 as a crucial step toward recovering his health.
However, he emphasized that surgery was just the beginning; actual change required a shift in mindset and lifestyle.
By focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and self-love, he has not only shed pounds but also overcome diabetes and significantly improved his overall health.
“I’ve really learned that the thing is to not look in the mirror and be mean to yourself and go, ‘Oh, you got to change this. Come on, you lazy piece of crap. Keep going.’ None of that work,” he shared.
“You got to look in the mirror and go, ‘All right, I love you and I’m going to take care of you today.’ And that’s a hard thing to get to until you evolve emotionally. And I think that happened for me.”
— Billy Gardell (@BillyGardell) January 11, 2024
However, his weight loss wasn’t without its challenges. From adjusting to a new body to managing online speculations, Billy faced it all with strength and humor.
“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?!” he joked.
Yet, amidst the struggles, Gardell found inspiration in being a role model for his son, Will.
Recognizing the importance of setting a healthy example, he embarked on a path of self-improvement, one day at a time.
“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,” he said. “I’ve been an example in a lot of good ways for my child, but I feel like I wasn’t a good example of health for him. And so I want him to see that. It doesn’t matter what age you are, if you are willing to do something a day at a time, you can change anything.”
The ‘Mike & Molly‘ star says he feels ‘finally free‘ after being imprisoned by obesity for so long.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Billy Gardell was a high school drama teacher. And that’s what got him interested in acting.
- He is a massive supporter of the football club Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Billy was part of the International Thespian Society Troupe 850.
