Billy Gardell’s succinct style gets good laughs on the CBS sitcom Mike and Molly, a show about a couple who’s not unlike most in America; they deal with weight problems and the everyday issues around work and family.
Gardell attended high school in Orlando and was a member of the International Thespian Society. He cut a swath for himself on the road doing stand-up and continues to tour, drawing inspiration from his idol, Jackie Gleason. Gardell takes a quick sec to answer questions for CL before his gig Thursday, May 12, at Side Splitters in Tampa.
Tell us about the storyline that dealt with the build-up leading to Mike and Molly’s first time having sex. It dealt with some interpersonal issues and self-image around weight concerns that a lot of people can relate to. What was it like for you and coworker Melissa McCarthy working on that?
I can’t speak for Melissa but I have been in that situation and felt that way and sometimes when people see you confront a fear, it eases their fear.
You have a great chemistry with costar Reno Wilson, who plays Carl. What do you think it is that makes you guys so fun to watch together?
We’ve been friends for seven or eight years. I genuinely love the guy so I think that comes across in our scenes.
On the show your mother-in-law’s dog plays a funny role, especially It was really funny when Jim ate pot brownies! What’s your canine costar like in real life?
Very moody and doesn’t like to rehearse much, but we all kind of bow to it because his performance is always great.
How does Mike’s relationship with Molly compare to your real-life marriage?
The thing they have in common is that they both work.
Tell us about other stuff you’ve been working on.
I’m working on An Ice Age Christmas Special that will air on the Fox network over the holiday season. I get to be Santa. That’s really cool for my kid and my stand up tour this summer should be great fun.
What was the funnest/funniest thing about being one of the pundits on Chelsea Lately?
The funnest thing about being on Chelsea Lately is waiting to see what’s going to come out of her mouth.
I read that you went to school in Orlando and hung out with the some now-famous people when you were in the thespian society there (Amanda Bearse who played Marcy on Married With Children and Ben Rock of The Blair Witch Project). What do you think of Florida? Ever been to Tampa?
I’ve been to Tampa many times to perform, and Florida was definitely evolutionary for my stand-up. Its a place where I learned to daydream.
This article appears in May 5-11, 2011.
