On Friday April 19, Live with Kelly and Mark, welcomes Billy Gardell, an actor and comedian known for his roles in “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Mike & Molly,” and Pam Grier, an iconic actress and singer celebrated as cinema’s first female action star.
Billy Gardell, born in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, rose to prominence through his comedic roles, often playing characters with a similar name to his own. Gardell’s acting career spans both television and film, with notable appearances in “Bad Santa,” “Avenging Angelo,” and “Dragon Wars: D-War.” He is currently starring in the CBS sitcom “Bob Hearts Abishola,” portraying Bob Wheeler, a middle-aged compression sock businessman who falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant named Abishola. The show, which is coming to an end this year, explores immigrant life in America through the comedic lens of Bob’s determined pursuit of Abishola’s heart, despite their differences. Gardell is also known for his role as Officer Mike Biggs in the popular series “Mike & Molly,” which still airs in syndication.
Pam Grier, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, began her career in the early 1970s, achieving fame through a string of action, blaxploitation, and women-in-prison films. Her strong, assertive characters in movies like “Coffy,” “Foxy Brown,” “The Big Doll House,” and “Jackie Brown” challenged stereotypes and solidified her status as a leading lady in action films. Grier’s talent has been recognized with various award nominations, including Emmy, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, Satellite, and Saturn Award nominations. Beyond her acting career, Grier is also an accomplished singer and writer, having penned her memoir, “Foxy: My Life in Three Acts.”
Live With Kelly and Mark airs on ABC at 9:00 am on Friday, April 19, 2024.
