Billy Gardell

William Gardell Jr. (born August 20, 1969) is an American actor and stand-up comedian. Gardell played Chicago police officer Mike Biggs on Mike & Molly. He also had a recurring role as Billy Colivida on Yes, Dear, and appeared in a dozen episodes of My Name Is Earl as a police officer. Gardell voiced Santa in Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas, as well as starring on Sullivan & Son in the recurring role of Lyle Winkler. From 2019 to 2024, Gardell played Bob Wheeler in the CBS sitcom series Bob Hearts Abishola.

Early life Born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, Gardell attended Winter Park High School in Orange County, Florida, during 1985. As a child, he moved to Florida with his mother and younger siblings after his parents divorced. After that, he only visited Pennsylvania in the summers. He has said living in Florida was a positive experience. At the age of 15, he started working at a department store warehouse in the receiving area, where he would unload trucks and stack pallets.

Career Gardell is known for his comedic roles and is influenced by Jackie Gleason. and John Belushi as his influences. Although Bonkerz helped launch his comedy career, he has credited the support from his grandmother, saying: "She told me when I was 8 years old that I could be a comic". Gardell also appeared on Chelsea Lately, as a roundtable participant. Gardell appeared on a special for Comedy Central Presents in 2007 that aired on April 4, 2008. Gardell also played the host of Pizza Talk, an imaginary TV series, in commercials for Round Table Pizza. In 2006, Gardell's first comedy album, Billy Gardell: Throwback, was released.

From September 2010 to May 2016, Gardell starred in Mike & Molly, alongside Melissa McCarthy. In November 2011, he lent his voice to Santa in Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas. His stand-up special Halftime was released in 2011 and aired on Comedy Central. It was filmed in Pittsburgh and profiles working-class America. alongside Folake Olowofoyeku. In May 2019, the series was ordered, and it premiered in September 2019.

Gardell began appearing in advertisements for A1C medication Ozempic in 2021. This followed his involvement in the Ozempic reality series “My Type 2 Transformation” two years previous.

Personal life Gardell has been married to Patty Knight since 2001.

Regarding his weight, Gardell explained in 2011 that he "always had a little gut" and weighed at one point.

Filmography

Film Year Title Role Notes 2002 Avenging Angelo Bruno 2003 Bad Santa Milwaukee Security Guard 2006 Room 6 Taxi Driver 2006 You, Me and Dupree Bartender Dave 2007 D-War Mr. Belafonte 2014 Jersey Boys Our Sons Owner 2015 Dancer and the Dame Dancer 2016 Undrafted Umpire Haze 2017 Once Upon a Time in Venice Office Bill 2017 Special Unit Captain Wynn 2025 The Electric State Garbage Bot Voice 2025 The Vortex Pete Finnegan.

Television Year Title Role Notes 2000 The King of Queens Billy Kelner Episode: "Block Buster" 2000 Judging Amy Lyle Cooper 4 episodes 2001 Cover Me Mike Dulgari Episode: "Vegas Mother's Day: Part 2" 2001 It's Like, You Know Eddie Episode: "Lust for Life" 2001–2006 Yes, Dear Billy Colavita Recurring role, 26 episodes 2003 Lucky Vincent Sticcarelli 13 episodes 2003 Gary the Rat Jackson Buford Harrison Voice; 3 episodes 2003 Monk Ian Agnew Episode: "Mr. Monk and the 12th Man" 2004 The Practice Manny Quinn 4 episodes 2004 Quintuplets Brad 2 episodes 2005 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Charlie Jackson Episode: "Iced" 2006 Heist Billy O'Brien Main role 2006 Las Vegas Sid Turner Episode: "Delinda's Box" Pt. 1 2007 Alive 'N Kickin'''

Voice; episode: "If You Can't Scooby-Doo the Time, Don't Scooby-Doo the Crime"

Comedy specials