Net Worth Ranker
What Is Billy Gardell’s Net Worth
Billy Gardell, a celebrated American comedian and actor, has built a considerable net worth throughout his career. As of today, February 28, 2025, his estimated net worth stands at $8 million. This wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career in television, stand-up comedy, and film.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born William Gardell Jr. on August 20, 1969, in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, Billy’s early life provided a foundation for his future entertainment career. Following his parents’ divorce, he relocated with his mother and siblings to Orange County, Florida, while maintaining summer visits to his father in Pennsylvania. During his formative years, he attended Winter Park High School. At the age of 15, he started working at a department store warehouse, unloading trucks and stacking pallets, earning him an early understanding of hard work. His foray into the comedy scene began at a local comedy club, where he initially performed duties such as cleaning restrooms, answering phones, and seating guests. Eventually, he seized the opportunity to perform stand-up during open mic nights at Bonkerz, laying the groundwork for his ascent in the world of comedy.
Stand-up Comedy Career
Gardell’s dedication to honing his comedic skills at Bonkerz led to significant opportunities, including opening for renowned comedians such as Dennis Miller and George Carlin. These experiences provided him with invaluable exposure and experience, propelling him to become a full-fledged road comedian, embarking on extensive tours across the United States to perform at various comedy clubs and theaters. In 2006, he released his debut comedy album, “Billy Gardell: Throwback,” further solidifying his presence in the comedy scene. His talents were not confined to comedy alone, as he actively participated in the International Thespian Society Troupe 850, alongside alumni such as Amanda Bearse and Ben Rock, further enriching his skills in the performing arts. He strategically balanced his comedy with acting by securing roles in feature films like “Bad Santa”, securing an upfront payment of approximately $20,000, “You, Me, and Dupree”, in which Gardell’s role earned him $15,000 plus residuals, and “Avenging Angelo”, where his limited screen time resulted in a smaller payment of about $10,000.
Gardell’s increasing recognition in stand-up circles allowed him to command increasing performance fees. Before landing his “Mike & Molly” role, Gardell could earn between $5,000 to $15,000 per stand-up performance, depending on the venue and the length of the act. He also received additional compensations depending on the merch sales, which were around 5-10% of gross sales.
Television Roles and “Mike & Molly”
Before landing his prominent role on “Mike & Molly,” Gardell had already amassed an impressive list of television credits. These included appearances in series such as “Heist,” “The Practice, “Yes, Dear,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Lucky,” “Bones,” “My Name is Earl,” “Monk,” and “The King of Queens.” Notably, he portrayed the recurring character of Billy Colavita in “Yes, Dear,” appearing in 26 episodes between 2001 and 2006, earning around $5,000 per episode during his initial appearances and growing to $8,000 towards the end of his run. He also made appearances on the Comedy Central series “Make Me Laugh” and was a frequent contributor to “Dennis Miller” on CNBC. During this period, he also organized “Winter Park Live,” an “SNL”-style charity event in Florida, donating the proceeds to Comic Relief.
His career took a significant turn in 2010 when he was cast in the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly” alongside Melissa McCarthy, Reno Wilson, and Katy Mixon. The show’s popularity propelled him into the mainstream spotlight, and it remained on the air until May 2016, spanning a total of 127 episodes. For his role as Mike Biggs, Billy Gardell’s salary started at approximately $100,000 per episode and gradually increased over the seasons. By the end of the series, he was earning an estimated $250,000 per episode, resulting in a substantial income from the show. This translates to a total income of approximately $25 million before taxes and deductions during the six-season run. Gardell’s contract included a backend participation deal, where he received a small percentage of the show’s syndication revenue. Industry experts estimate Gardell’s backend earnings to be several million dollars over the years, as “Mike & Molly” continues to be rerun on various networks and streaming platforms.
Voice Acting and Other Projects
During his time on “Mike & Molly,” Gardell also ventured into voice acting, lending his voice to the character of Santa in “Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas” in November 2011, netting around $75,000 for his voice work. The same year, he released a stand-up special titled “Halftime,” which aired on Comedy Central, earning him a sum of around $200,000 for the special, including writing and performance fees. In 2013, he released “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs,” which premiered on Showtime, securing around $150,000 for his role as producer and presenter. In 2015, Gardell took on the role of hosting the lottery game show “Monopoly Millionaires’ Club,” earning an annual salary of approximately $200,000 for his hosting duties. His contract included bonuses based on viewership ratings, potentially increasing his earnings.
Post “Mike & Molly” Career
After “Mike & Molly” concluded, Gardell continued to remain active in the entertainment industry. In 2016, he made guest appearances in episodes of shows such as “New Girl,” “Girl Meets World,” and “Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!” He also appeared in the film “Undrafted” as Umpire Haze. In 2017, he took on roles in “Sun Records,” “Angie Tribeca,” and “Dice,” as well as the films “Once Upon a Time in Venice” and “Special Unit.” In 2018, he secured a recurring role on “Young Sheldon” as the character of Herschel Sparks, earning around $30,000 per episode for his recurring role, highlighting his continued presence in the television landscape. His most recent role came in 2019 when he was cast as Robert “Bob” Wheeler in “Bob Hearts Abishola”. As the lead character of Bob Hearts Abishola, Gardell earns an estimated $150,000 per episode, and the long-running success of the show provides him with a reliable source of income.
Real Estate Investments
Gardell has made strategic investments in real estate over the years. In 2011, he acquired a home in Studio City, California, for $1.265 million. In 2017, he expanded his real estate portfolio with the purchase of a home in Seal Beach, California, for $1.66 million. He listed this property for sale in February 2024 for $2.6 million, demonstrating his ability to generate a substantial return on investment in the real estate market. The Studio City property, acquired in 2011 for $1.265 million, is estimated to be worth around $2 million as of 2025, based on current market conditions. This potential increase in value further contributes to Gardell’s net worth.
Personal Life and Lifestyle
Gardell married Patty Knight in 2001, and they welcomed a son, William Gardell III, in 2003. He is a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and regularly attends games at Heinz Field, demonstrating his passion for sports and his hometown team. Gardell has openly discussed his weight loss journey, having undergone gastric bypass surgery in 2022 and subsequently losing 150 pounds, reflecting his commitment to health and well-being.
Gardell’s lifestyle includes occasional endorsements and promotional activities. Although specific details about his endorsement deals are not publicly disclosed, he is known to occasionally promote products or services on his social media platforms. These endorsements typically involve fees ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 per post or campaign, depending on the scope and reach of the promotion.
