Billy Gardell has been a staple in the sitcom world for many years, having played roles in great ones such as “The King of Queens,” “Yes, Dear,” and “My Name is Earl.” You may know him best, however, for playing the starring role of “Mike” in the CBS hit series “Mike & Molly.”
In between production of that sitcom and the premiere on October 23 of “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs: Las Vegas” on Showtime, Gardell answered our three questions.
1. If you could work with anybody in the comedy field, living or dead, who would it be and why?
In the comedy field, living or dead: George Carlin. Because he was my all-time favorite stand-up comic, and I would like to pick his brain some more. I got to open for him once when I was young. But that’s the guy that I would really like to, at this point right now, work with.
2. Who in the comedy world most inspired you to get into this?
I’m a big fan of the holy trinity, which is Bill Cosby, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor. And then Jackie Gleason — my dad and I would watch “The Honeymooners” when I younger, and when I watch him react, I didn’t even know what he was upset about. But I know that I really enjoyed watching him lose his mind.
3. What’s one of the most fun jobs you’ve ever done?
The one I’m doing right now [“Mike & Molly”]. Because I skip to work. I’m on a great show with, like I said, great actors, great writing, and everybody loves being there. You can’t ask for more than that.
Editor’s Note: Read more about Billy Gardell in Wojo’s column over at Parade.com.
“Mike & Molly: The Complete Third Season
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