Bob Harper Opens Up About Relationship with Jillian Michaels After Heart Attack
Remember the fiery duo from The Biggest Loser? Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels were the faces of motivation for 13 seasons, pushing contestants to their limits and inspiring millions at home. But behind the scenes, it seems things weren't always as chummy as they appeared. In a recent interview, Bob Harper revealed a surprising rift between him and his former co-star, Jillian Michaels.
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According to Harper, the silence from Michaels after a life-altering event spoke volumes. In 2017, Harper suffered a severe heart attack at just 51 years old due to an undiagnosed genetic condition. He was clinically dead for nearly ten minutes, a terrifying ordeal that he thankfully survived thanks to the quick action of a doctor present at his gym.
While many of his colleagues from The Biggest Loser reached out to offer support during his recovery, Harper noted that he never received a call from Michaels. "We weren’t besties, but we were partners on a television show for a very long time," Harper stated in an interview with The Guardian. "It spoke volumes to me" that she didn't reach out.
The Biggest Loser: A Look Back at a Fitness Phenomenon
Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels were instrumental in the success of The Biggest Loser, a show that captivated audiences with its dramatic weight loss transformations. For many years, the two served as the primary trainers, motivating contestants to shed hundreds of pounds through rigorous workouts and strict diets. The show's intensity and focus on rapid weight loss sparked considerable debate, and Harper addresses some of these controversies in a new documentary.
Jillian Michaels yells at a contestant on “The Biggest Loser” during season 13 of the show. / NBC / NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via
Harper is featured in the new Netflix documentary, Fit for TV, which examines the show's legacy and the controversies surrounding its extreme methods. While defending the show's intentions, Harper acknowledged the criticism and emphasized that he would never intentionally put anyone in harm's way. However, some former contestants have spoken out about the demanding and sometimes damaging aspects of the experience.
Where Are They Now?
Since leaving The Biggest Loser, both Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels have continued to pursue their fitness careers, albeit on different paths. Michaels has built a successful independent fitness brand, offering online programs and workout routines. She has also become involved in various health-related advocacy efforts and has made appearances on several podcasts and news programs discussing topics ranging from fitness to public health.
Harper has also remained active in the fitness world, offering his expertise on shows like The New Celebrity Apprentice and competing on the reality TV competition The Traitors.
Whether you were a fan of The Biggest Loser or not, the story of Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels serves as a reminder that even in the world of television, relationships can be complex and sometimes, surprisingly distant. It’s a fascinating glimpse behind the curtain of a show that had a significant impact on the world of weight loss and fitness. And it raises interesting questions about the nature of celebrity friendships and the pressures of the entertainment industry.