Billy Gardell weight loss Bob Hearts Abishola cast—those words have been lighting up conversations, and it’s easy to see why! Can you believe this guy dropped a staggering 150 pounds, going from 370 pounds to a lean 205-210 pounds? Billy Gardell, the heart and soul of Bob Hearts Abishola, didn’t just transform his body; he rewrote his life’s story. How did he pull it off? What drove this sitcom star to take on such a massive change, and how did his Bob Hearts Abishola castmates cheer him on? Let’s sit down with Billy’s journey, hear it straight from him, and get inspired by the heart behind his incredible transformation.
The Moment That Changed It All
It’s 2020, the world’s on lockdown, and Billy Gardell’s facing a harsh reality. At 370 pounds, he was dealing with Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and a host of health issues that put him squarely in the “at-risk” category during the pandemic. “I had a full bingo card,” he told Entertainment Tonight in 2023, his humor masking the gravity of it all. “When they listed all the things that made you ‘at risk,’ I had every single one except ‘over 65.’” That was his wake-up call. It wasn’t just about him anymore—it was about being there for his wife, Patty, and their son, William III.
“I started doing that dad math,” Billy shared with ET. “You know, ‘If I can live 25 more years, he’ll be 40.’ I want to be here for him.” Doesn’t that hit you right in the feels? Billy wasn’t chasing a smaller jeans size; he was fighting for time—time to see his son grow, to share more laughs with his wife, and to keep bringing his magic to Bob Hearts Abishola. That’s the kind of motivation that makes you want to root for him.
The Surgery That Kicked Things Off
Here’s where it gets real. In 2021, Billy made a bold choice: bariatric surgery. But don’t think it was an easy decision. “I chickened out like twice,” he admitted to ET. “You wake up from surgery thinking, ‘Oh God, what did I do?’” That raw honesty makes you feel his fear, right? Going under the knife is no small thing, especially when you’ve spent years wrestling with your weight. For Billy, though, it was the starting point, not the finish line.
The surgery, done by Dr. Philippe Quilici in July 2022, was a turning point. “He changed and saved my life,” Billy told People in 2024. After the procedure, he went from 350 pounds to around 207 pounds, with some reports citing a 170-pound loss. But Billy’s clear: surgery wasn’t a magic wand. “The Hulk is still in there,” he joked on Live with Kelly and Mark in 2024, talking about the constant battle between his brain and his appetite. So, what kept him going after the operating table?
Building a Healthier Life, One Step at a Time
If you’re thinking Billy just coasted on surgery, think again. The Bob Hearts Abishola star built a lifestyle rooted in discipline and self-care. His routine? Lean meats, veggies, daily walks, and workouts three times a week. “I go small, but I eat very healthy,” he told ET in 2023. “I eat like all the people I used to make fun of, to be honest.” That’s the kind of humor that makes you love him, isn’t it? He’s not preaching—he’s real about the work it takes.
Billy allows himself a weekly “cheat meal”—think two slices of pizza, not the whole pie. “It’s about portion control,” he explained to People. “I’ve learned food is fuel, not comfort or celebration.” That mindset shift is massive. Growing up, Billy tied food to emotions—good day, eat; bad day, eat. Breaking that habit was tough. “If you don’t have a problem with food, thank whatever god you pray to,” he told ET in 2022. “It’s a serious addiction, just like anything else.”
And exercise? Billy’s not running marathons, but he’s consistent. He even asked Bob Hearts Abishola producers to put a weight bench and adjustable weights in his trailer. “I do it a day at a time,” he said. That’s the secret—small, steady steps that led to 150 pounds gone.
The Bob Hearts Abishola Cast: His Biggest Cheerleaders
The Bob Hearts Abishola cast? They’re like family. From Folake Olowofoyeku to Christine Ebersole, they rallied around Billy. “They’ve created a positive environment,” he shared in a 2024 Beliteweight interview. His character, Bob Wheeler, even mirrored his real-life journey on-screen, tackling health issues after a heart attack. “That was one of the gifts of the show,” Billy told ET. “I could talk to our producers and say, ‘This is what I want to do,’ and they were incredibly supportive.”
The wardrobe team, though? They had their work cut out. “My wardrobe guy and makeup people were tortured,” Billy laughed to ET. “I kept getting smaller, and they kept having to buy shirts, tape them up.” At one point, they were even taping his neck because his skin hadn’t caught up yet. That’s a transformation unfolding in real-time! The cast’s support and the show’s nods to his journey made it a shared experience, resonating with fans who watched Bob Wheeler evolve alongside Billy.
Facing Struggles and Shutting Down Critics
The spotlight can be brutal, and Billy’s felt it. At 370 pounds, he faced body-shaming; at 205 pounds, he still does. “When I was heavy, they were like, ‘You’re too heavy!’ Now it’s like, ‘Are you sick?’” he vented to ET in 2023. “Can I just walk the earth, please?!” You feel that frustration, don’t you? But Billy’s response is inspiring: he’s focused on self-love, not the haters. “You gotta look in the mirror and go, ‘I love you, and I’m gonna take care of you today,’” he told People.
His health wins speak for themselves. His resting heart rate dropped from 113 to 68, and his Type 2 diabetes? History. “I walked out of a prison sentence,” he told People in 2024, describing the freedom of his new body. He’s still working on kicking cigarettes, though. “Knock them down in the order they’re killing you,” a friend told him, and he’s taking it one step at a time.
A Role Model for His Son and Fans
What keeps Billy going? His son, William III. “I wasn’t a good example of health for him,” he admitted to ET. “I want him to see that it doesn’t matter what age you are—you can change anything.” At 54, Billy’s living proof. His journey’s not just about the 150 pounds he lost; it’s about showing his son, his fans, and himself that change is possible with heart and hustle.
Fans have taken notice. From red carpets to Bob Hearts Abishola episodes, Billy’s slimmer frame has sparked awe. “I went from a young Jackie Gleason to an old Paul Newman,” he joked on Live with Kelly and Mark. But it’s the small wins that fuel him—shopping at regular stores, tying his shoes without gasping. “It’s nice to not have to take a deep breath before I tie my shoes,” he told Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos.
What’s Next for Billy Gardell?
With Bob Hearts Abishola wrapping its final season in 2024, Billy’s eyeing the future. He’s back to stand-up comedy, bringing his signature humor to stages nationwide. But his health journey? That’s a lifelong gig. “I do it daily, and I don’t do it perfectly,” he told ET in 2024. “But I do it way better than I used to.” That’s the Billy we love—real, relatable, and always pushing forward.
So, what’s the takeaway from Billy Gardell’s 150-pound weight loss with the Bob Hearts Abishola cast by his side? It’s about finding peace with yourself, taking it one day at a time, and leaning on your people. Whether you’re battling weight, health issues, or life’s curveballs, Billy’s story shouts one thing: you’ve got this. What’s your next step?