Comedian and actor Billy Gardell, known for his six seasons on Mike & Molly, will be on stage at the Performing Arts Center on March 28. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – Comedian and actor Billy Gardell, known for his six seasons on the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly, will be on stage at the Performing Arts Center on March 28.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., Gardell decided he wanted to be a stand-up comedian when he was just nine years old. By the age of 17, he was being booked for shows.

“I knew once I was up there that this was it,” he said.

Gardell said he enjoys being able to make people laugh and forget about their problems, even if it is only for an hour.

Gardell was on the road doing comedy shows from 1987 to 1996 before ultimately landing in Los Angeles where he developed his skill as an actor.

Billy Gardell in the pilot episode of Mike & Molly, which aired from 2010 to 2016. Courtesy photo/YouTube

“In the beginning, it’s all about validation,” he said.

From 2001 to 2006, Gardell played Billy Colavita in the sitcom Yes, Dear. This was followed by his role as Police Officer Jeff Hoyne in My Name Is Earl from 2007 to 2009.

At that point, Gardell decided to leave the bright lights of Hollywood and return to Pittsburgh to pursue a radio job. However, just as he was about to leave, Gardell got a call from his good friend Reno Wilson, who strongly urged him to stay on the West Coast for one more string of auditions.

“One of the last auditions was for Mike & Molly,” said Gardell. “That changed my life.”

Captivated by the role of Chicago Police Officer Mike Biggs, Gardell said he had car trouble the day of the audition.

“I was 25 minutes late,” he said, adding that there were at least 100 other hopefuls vying for the lead role.

When he arrived at the studio, Gardell rushed in and found Chuck Lorre sitting there. Known as the King of Sitcoms, Lorre was one of the writers for Mike & Molly. He had also been an executive producer for Roseanne as well as the creator of other hits including Two and a Half Men and The Big Bang Theory.

However, Gardell used his gift of comedy to soothe Lorre’s nerves and move forward with the audition. Gardell went on to act in all 127 episodes of Mike & Molly, which aired from 2010 to 2016.

“I got a taste of Hollywood at its best,” he said.

During the show, Gardell worked with Wilson, who was cast as Officer Carl McMillan. Gardell was also joined by co-star Melissa McCarthy, who played Molly Flynn, a lovable fourth grade teacher at Walter Payton Elementary School.

“Me and Melissa hit it off like brother and sister,” he said, adding that he grew close to all the cast members. “We genuinely loved each other. We still get together once a month.”

Gardell said his acting career has been influenced by John Candy, Jackie Gleason and most of all, his father.

“I’ve got to give it to him,” said Gardell.