Billy Gardell is an American comedian and actor, best known for his role as Mike Biggs on the popular television show “Mike & Molly”. As of 2021, Billy Gardell’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million.
Early Life
Billy Gardell was born on August 20, 1969 in Swissvale, Pennsylvania. Following his parents’ divorce, he moved to Orange County, Florida with his mother and siblings. Gardell attended Winter Park High School and started working at the age of 15 in a department store warehouse. He later joined Bonkerz, a local comedy club, as an employee where he worked his way up to performing on stage during open-mic nights.
Career
Gardell started his career by performing at open-mic standup routines. He soon gained recognition and began opening for established comedians like Dennis Miller and George Carlin. Over time, Gardell became a renowned road comedian, and toured the United States, performing at various comedy clubs and theaters.
Gardell’s acting career began to take off as he landed several roles in films and television series. Some of his notable works include “Bad Santa,” “You, Me, and Dupree,” “Avenging Angelo,” “The King of Queens,” “Judging Amy,” “The Practice,” “Yes, Dear,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Lucky,” “Bones,” “My Name is Earl,” “Monk,” and “The King of Queens”.
But Billy Gardell’s biggest break came when he was cast as Mike Biggs in the series “Mike & Molly” alongside Melissa McCarthy. The show gained immense popularity and aired from 2010 to 2016, cementing Gardell’s status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He received critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base for his portrayal of the character.
While working on “Mike & Molly”, Gardell also lent his voice to several animated characters in shows like “Phineas and Ferb,” “Family Guy,” and “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas”. He also released stand-up specials like “Halftime” and “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs”.
After “Mike & Molly” ended, Gardell continued working on various television shows and films. He appeared in “New Girl,” “Girl Meets World,” and “Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!”. Gardell also hosted the lottery game show called “Monopoly Millionaires’ Club”.
In 2019, Gardell landed another leading role in the television series “Bob Hearts Abishola” as Robert “Bob” Wheeler.
Personal Life
Away from his career, Gardell is an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and regularly attends their games at Heinz Field. He has been married to his wife, Patty Knight, since 2001. They have a son together, named William III. Gardell has been very open about his struggles with weight loss, and in 2022 underwent bariatric surgery and made lifestyle changes to help him lose over 100 pounds.
In conclusion, Billy Gardell’s net worth of $8 million is a testament to his successful career as a comedian and actor in Hollywood. With no signs of slowing down, he continues to make a positive impact in the entertainment industry.
