History of Jillian Michaels in Timeline

Jillian Michaels is a prominent American fitness trainer, nutritionist, businesswoman, media personality, and author. She gained widespread recognition through her role on NBC's 'The Biggest Loser,' where she served as a trainer. She has also appeared on 'The Doctors'. Michaels expanded her television presence by hosting and co-judging 'Sweat, INC.' on Spike in 2015, and later starred in her own reality series, 'Just Jillian,' which premiered on E! in 2016. Through these ventures, she has established herself as a leading figure in the fitness and wellness industry.

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Full Timeline

February 18, 1974: Jillian Michaels' Birth

On February 18, 1974, Jillian Leigh McKarus, known professionally as Jillian Michaels, was born. She later became a fitness trainer, nutritionist, businesswoman, media personality, and author.

1990: Acknowledging Sexuality

In 1990, Jillian Michaels credited the music video for Madonna's song "Justify My Love" with helping her acknowledge her sexuality.

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2002: Opening of Sky Sport & Spa

In 2002, after a brief stint as an agent with International Creative Management, Jillian Michaels opened the sports medicine facility Sky Sport & Spa in Beverly Hills.

October 2004: Debut on The Biggest Loser

In October 2004, Jillian Michaels debuted as a trainer on the reality series The Biggest Loser, assuming the role of Red Team trainer.

2006: Departure from The Biggest Loser

In 2006, Jillian Michaels departed from The Biggest Loser and was replaced by Kim Lyons.

2007: Return to The Biggest Loser

In 2007, Jillian Michaels returned to The Biggest Loser as the Black Team trainer.

2008: Training in Australian Version of The Biggest Loser

From 2006 to 2008, Jillian Michaels was also a trainer in the Australian version of The Biggest Loser.

2008: Launch of Empowered Media LLC and Fitfusion.com

In 2008, Jillian Michaels launched her company, Empowered Media LLC, and released her fitness video membership website called Fitfusion.com.

2009: Start of Relationship with Heidi Rhoades

In 2009, Jillian Michaels began a relationship with Heidi Rhoades.

June 1, 2010: Debut of Losing It with Jillian

On June 1, 2010, NBC debuted Losing It with Jillian, a spin-off of The Biggest Loser, where Jillian Michaels visits family members at home and in the workplace for a week.

July 2010: Losing It with Jillian Airs on NBC

Losing It with Jillian originally aired on NBC in June and July 2010.

December 7, 2010: Announcement of Last Season on The Biggest Loser

On December 7, 2010, Jillian Michaels announced via Twitter that the eleventh season of The Biggest Loser would be her last.

2010: Lawsuit for False Advertising

In 2010, Jillian Michaels and Basic Research LLC were sued in a class action suit for false advertising related to the marketing of Jillian Michaels Maximum Strength Calorie Control.

February 2011: Hosting "Keeping It Real" Podcast

In February 2011, Jillian Michaels began hosting a weekly podcast called Keeping It Real through iTunes.

May 6, 2011: Joins The Doctors as Co-Host

On May 6, 2011, CBS Television Distribution announced that Jillian Michaels had signed a multi-year deal to become a co-host of the panel-discussion show The Doctors, and also to serve as a special correspondent on Dr. Phil.

May 24, 2011: Final Appearance on The Biggest Loser

On May 24, 2011, Jillian Michaels made her last appearance on The Biggest Loser.

December 2011: "Keeping It Real" Wins Award

In December 2011, Jillian Michaels' podcast, Keeping It Real, was honored by Apple in its App Store Rewind 2011, winning in the Best New Audio Podcast category.

January 2012: Losing It with Jillian Episodes Available Online

As of January 2012, all eight episodes of Losing It with Jillian became available for viewing online.

January 2012: Leaves The Doctors

In January 2012, Jillian Michaels left The Doctors after half a season because the arrangement "wasn't the fit both the show and I hoped for".

May 2012: Adoption of Daughter and Birth of Son

In May 2012, Jillian Michaels and Heidi Rhoades adopted a two-year-old daughter, Lukensia, from Haiti, and Rhoades gave birth to a son, Phoenix.

September 4, 2012: Return to The Biggest Loser Announced

On September 4, 2012, it was announced that Jillian Michaels would return to The Biggest Loser in Season 14.

2012: PETA Animal Rescue

In 2012, Jillian Michaels helped PETA rescue a racehorse from a slaughterhouse.

2012: Publicly Comes Out

In 2012, Jillian Michaels publicly came out and stated that she believes in healthy love, regardless of gender.

October 15, 2013: Premiere of The Biggest Loser Season 15

On October 15, 2013, Jillian Michaels returned for Season 15 of The Biggest Loser, which premiered on NBC.

2014: Departure from The Biggest Loser

In 2014, Jillian Michaels did not return for Season 16 of The Biggest Loser.

2015: Hosting Sweat, INC.

In 2015, Jillian Michaels hosted and co-judged the series Sweat, INC. on Spike TV.

2016: Political Comments on Mike Pence

In 2016, Jillian Michaels labeled President-elect Donald Trump's running mate Mike Pence "the number one anti-gay politician in the country right now."

2016: Premiere of "Just Jillian"

In 2016, Jillian Michaels' reality television series Just Jillian premiered on E!.

June 2018: End of Relationship with Heidi Rhoades

In June 2018, Jillian Michaels and Heidi Rhoades announced the end of their relationship.

2018: Began relationship with Deshanna Marie Minuto

In 2018, Jillian Michaels began a relationship with fashion designer Deshanna Marie Minuto.

November 2021: Engagement to Deshanna Marie Minuto

In November 2021, Jillian Michaels became engaged to fashion designer Deshanna Marie Minuto.

July 2022: Marriage to Deshanna Marie Minuto

In July 2022, Jillian Michaels married fashion designer Deshanna Marie Minuto.

2024: Support and Vote for Donald Trump

In 2024, Jillian Michaels expressed support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign and later announced she had voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

2025: Controversial Statements on CNN

In 2025, Jillian Michaels appeared on a CNN talk show and expressed support for Trump's executive order regarding the Smithsonian, causing heated reactions and support from figures like Megyn Kelly.

2025: Quitting Her Take after heated debate

In 2025, Jillian Michaels was co-hosting Her Take, an online talk show. However, in late September, Michaels quit the show after getting into a heated debate about Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.