Billy Gardell is one of Pittsburgh’s proudest sons (and a favorite Yinzer!).
The stand-up comedian and TV sitcom star (Mike & Molly and Bob (hearts) Abishola) makes his home in LA, but he’s a regular contributor on the DVE Morning Show with Randy, Bill, Abby, and Mike.
Yesterday (September 9th), he called in to the show for his regular turn. He was in an introspective mood, regaling listeners with stories about his recent European vacation. (I was fortunate to have made a similar trip to London and Paris with my family a few years ago. Everybody should travel there sometime, it’s good for the soul!)
Following is an especially moving (for me, at least) retelling of his family’s visit to the restored Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France (3,950 miles from Acrisure Stadium). It captures the actor/comedian’s authenticity and humanity (which explains his enduring popularity). It also showcases why a lot of Pittsburghers so proudly claim him as one of our own:
[Photo credit: the photo of Billy accompanying this post was grabbed from his personal website. It is used without permission, but I hope Mr. Gardell and his management are cool with its inclusion here.]