Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels is a personal trainer, author and television personality best known for her role as a trainer on The Biggest Loser. Michaels grew up in Los Angeles. She studied at California State University, Northridge, while working as a personal trainer and bartender to support herself. After earning certifications in fitness and nutrition, she began building a career in the health and wellness industry.

Michaels rose to fame in 2004 when she joined The Biggest Loser as one of the show’s original trainers. Known for her tough but motivational approach, she became a central figure on the series, appearing on multiple seasons until 2014. She later starred in spinoffs such as Losing It with Jillian and Sweat, Inc., and launched her own fitness app. In addition to television, she has written numerous bestselling books on health, fitness and diet, including Winning by Losing: Drop the Weight, Change Your Life (2005).

Michaels entered a relationship with Heidi Rhoades in 2009, with whom she shares two children, daughter Lukensia (born in 2010) and son Phoenix (born in 2012). The couple ended their relationship in 2018. In July 2021, she announced her engagement to fashion designer DeShanna Marie Minuto, and the two wed in 2022.