“Watch the preview trailer for Bob Hearts Abishola, a love story about a middle-aged compression sock businessman from Detroit who unexpectedly falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack and sets his sights on winning her over.
This series premieres tonight Monday, September 23rd at 8:30/7:30c on CBS and CBS All Access.
LEARN MORE: https://www.cbs.com/shows/bob-hearts-…
Undaunted by Abishola’s (Folake Olowofoyeku) lack of initial interest or the vast differences in their backgrounds, Bob (Billy Gardell) is determined to win Abishola’s heart, in this new comedy that examines immigrant life in America. Chuck Lorre, Eddie Gorodetsky, Al Higgins, and Beth McCarthy-Miller (pilot only) are Executive Producers for Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Billy Gardell starred with Melissa McCarthy in the hit series Mike & Molly as Officer Mike Biggs from 2010-2016. The series continues to air in syndication. Also, he had a recurring role as Herschel Sparks on Young Sheldon, and starred as Col. Tom Parker on the series Sun Records. In 2016 he received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host on Monopoly Millionaires’ Club.
Prior to Mike & Molly, Gardell co-starred in the critically acclaimed series Lucky. His other television credits include Yes, Dear, Judging Amy, My Name is Earl, The Practice, Monk, and Gary the Rat, among others.
He made his major motion picture debut alongside Anthony Quinn and Sylvester Stallone in Avenging Angelo, and had a memorable scene with Billy Bob Thornton in the Cohen Brothers’ film Bad Santa. Also, he appeared in You, Me & Dupree.
As a stand-up comedian, Gardell took the long road to Hollywood, stopping at every small-town lounge, military base, and comedy club along the way. His comedy act took him to Los Angeles where his dedication to acting and stand-up comedy allowed him to grow consistently in both arenas. His stand-up show is a powerhouse with its grounded, down-to-earth point of view that strikes a strong chord with American audiences. Stories about his rough childhood, wild adolescence, and new family life are executed with the skill of a master craftsman.
In 2011 his comedy special, Billy Gardell: Halftime, premiered on Comedy Central. His next special, Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs, premiered on Showtime in 2013.
A native of Pittsburgh, Gardell currently lives in Los Angeles. He loves Steeler football, stand-up comedy and his wife, Patty, and son, Will. His birthday is August 20. He can be followed on Twitter @BillyGardell and Facebook @billygardell.
McCarthy-Miller directed the pilot from a script by Lorre, Gorodetsky, Higgins, and Gina Yashere. Bob Hearts Abishola stars Billy Gardell as Bob, Folake Olowofoyeku as Abishola, Christine Ebersole as Dottie, Matt Jones as Douglas, Maribeth Monroe as Christine, Shola Adewusi as Auntie Olu, Barry Shabaka Henley as Uncle Tunde, and Travis Wolfe Jr. as Dele.
Growing up in Nigeria as the youngest of 20 children, Folake Olowofoyeku always dreamed of delving into the arts. Her parents, Chief Babatunji and Chief Mrs. Felicia Olowofoyeku, however, insisted she enter the family professions of law and politics.
Though they expected her to study economics and then attend law school, Olowofoyeku began studying acting at the City College of New York and graduated with a B.A. with honors in theater. While at university, she developed a love for basketball, competing in the NCAA Women’s Division III for the Beavers. Additionally, she received a diploma in audio engineering from the Institute of Audio Research and taught herself to play guitar.
Olowofoyeku’s feature film credits include When They Could Fly, which earned her a Best Actress award at the prestigious ReelHeART International Film Festival in Toronto, Central & Broadway, for which she won Best Actress in a Fashion Film at the CinéFashion Film Awards, Female Fight Club, The Bride, The Child Within, and Hellbenders-3D, among others.
Her television credits include a recurring role on Transparent and guest roles on The Gifted, Modern Family, How to Get Away with Murder, Westworld, Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, among others.
A native of Nigeria, Olowofoyeku moved to New York City for college where she lived for several years and currently resides in Los Angeles. Her birthday is Oct. 26. She can be followed on Twitter and Facebook @TheFolake and on Instagram @the.folake.
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