Billy Gardell of Bob Hearts Abishola Reveals Why Weight Loss Surgery ‘Probably Saved’ His Life | Today’s news
Billy Gardell has opened up about the health issues that led him to undergo bariatric surgery, saying the procedure “probably saved his life” after developing type 2 diabetes and facing other health problems.
Actor and comedian Billy Gardell reveals how bariatric surgery saved his life
The 57-year-old actor, best known for starring roles in Mike & Molly and Bob Hearts Abishola, discussed his weight loss during a recent appearance on the Breaking Bread podcast. Gardell said he has reached a point where his health can no longer be ignored.
Before undergoing the surgery, Gardell said he developed type 2 diabetes along with cholesterol and heart problems. His weight also made physical activity increasingly difficult.
“You can’t outrun them,” Gardell said, referring to the health issues. He recalled that his doctor finally told him that he had to do something about his health.
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The actor said the knee injury became another turning point as he could no longer walk for exercise. That’s when he decided he had to take more drastic action.
“I got to the point where I hurt my knee and I couldn’t even go to practice and I thought I had to do something drastic,” he said, according to Fox News. “So I had the surgery and it’s been a few years now and I probably saved my life.
Why was the surgery necessary?
Gardell underwent bariatric surgery in 2021 and has since lost over 150 pounds. Parade said he lost about 150 pounds, while Gardell previously talked about losing about 173 pounds during his transformation.
He also said that his type 2 diabetes is now gone and that he is no longer on medication. Gardell explained that maintaining weight loss still requires discipline, especially when it comes to food.
He has previously emphasized that surgery is not a simple solution. In a 2024 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Gardell described bariatric surgery as “just the beginning” and said consistency was important to maintaining his progress.
The actor also talked about how his family motivated him to make changes. In his most recent interview, he said that his wife Patty Knight and their son William were important reasons why he wanted to improve his health.
Gardell said his weight once reached 379 pounds. In December 2025, he told People that he generally maintained his weight between 210 and 215 pounds through diet and exercise.
For Gardell, the changes also meant being able to enjoy daily activities that had previously become difficult, including hiking with his wife and shopping for clothes more easily.
Famous roles and career of Billy Gardell
Billy Gardell began his career as a stand-up comedian before moving into television and film, eventually becoming best known for his role as Chicago police officer Mike Biggs on the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly, which ran from 2010 to 2016 alongside Melissa McCarthy.
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He later starred as Bob Wheeler in Bob Hearts Abishola, another Chuck Lorre-created CBS sitcom that ran from 2019 to 2024. Gardell also appeared in shows such as Yes, Dear, My Name Is Earl, Young Sheldon, The Practice, Monk, Desperate Housewives and Sun Records, in which he played Colonel Tom Parker.
His film credits include Bad Santa, You, Me and Dupree, Avenging Angelo, Jersey Boys and Undrafted. He has also lent his voice to projects including Family Guy and Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special
The actor continues to work in comedy and entertainment after his TV roles, while his weight loss journey has become an important part of his public story.