February 18, 1974 in Los Angeles, California, Jillian Michaels born to psychotherapist mother and her father a personal injury lawyer. Then Michaels endured a dramatic childhood. At age 5 Jillian was put into therapy because she suffered from severe night terrors. Then at age 13 her parents were going through a divorce, this caused Jillian to resort to junk food for comfort and caused her to grow to 5 feet 2 inches and 175 pounds. Jillian was bullied because of her size and physical traits.
Jillian‘s life started to turn around once she took martial arts classes at 14 years old. However, growing up, she didn’t make things easy on her mother. Jillian got into some trouble as a teenager and eventually was kicked out of the house. At 17 years old Jillian attended California State University then dropped out because of financial reasons. Jillian worked various jobs in her early 20s. Disliking most of her jobs, Jillian decided she wanted a career in personal training. Her passion for helping others and fitness was incorporated into her career. In 2002, when she was 28, she opened up Sky Sport & Spa with Jackie Warner.
Then a Hollywood agent told Jillian about The Biggest Loser and how it would be a great opportunity for her. Jillian gained fame for her tough love when motivating the contestants. Audiences fell in love with Jillian because despite her drill sergeant tactics she is a loving person who is genuinely rooting for every Biggest Loser contestant. Jillian’s success continued after leaving the Biggest Loser.
The success of the show has turned Jillian into a fitness tycoon. Her next project “Losing It with Jillian,” allowed her to take her weight loss tactics to families who are struggling with obesity and help build a healthier lifestyle. Jillian then spent Fall 2024 as an expert on The Doctors giving insight on health and exercise. She has launched her own company, Empowered Media LLC from which she produces workout DVDS, Wii games, diet supplements, meal delivery, fitness equipment, brand endorsements for GoDaddy, K-Swiss, and Nordic Track, and her online subscription program. Jillian is a New York Times Best Selling author and those titles include:
1. “Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life”
2. “Making the Cut: The 30- Day Diet and Fitness Plan for the Strongest, Sexiest You”
4. “The Master Your Metabolism Cookbook”
5. “The Master Your Metabolism Calorie Counter”
6. “Unlimited: How to Build an Exceptional Life”
Today, Jillian is single and living in Los Angeles, California. Although, she does not make regular appearances on television anymore, she gives back to the community. She volunteers for many charities which range from the American Cancer Society, PETA, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, and United Service Organizations. She is a family oriented person. She is in the process of finalizing an adoption and continues to have a strong relationship with her mother and siblings. Jillian’s belief in life is everything should be in moderation. Hard work and perseverance turned Jillian Michaels into a household name.