The Daily Citizen, Dalton, GA

Education

March 4, 2010

Dalton State College presents “Biggest Loser” contestant and comedian

DALTON — Kelly MacFarland, a former “Biggest Loser” contestant and stand-up comic, will entertain an audience at Dalton State College on Wednesday, March 10, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Goodroe Auditorium of Memorial Hall.

Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, the event is free and open to the public.

MacFarland, a native of Maine, appeared on season one of “The Biggest Loser” and competed in 10 episodes before leaving the show. During that time, she lost more than 40 pounds and became a fierce proponent of exercise. Her weight loss continued long after her appearance on the show.

“Many people may remember her days on NBC’s reality show, ‘Biggest Loser,’ during which time she adopted many positive eating and fitness habits,” said Jane Taylor, director of Public Relations for Dalton State. “But some may not know that she is an experienced stand-up comedian who has appeared in comedy clubs, theaters and colleges throughout the country. In fact, just last year, she was the first runner-up in the Boston Comedy Festival.”

MacFarland has opened as a comedy act for Melissa Etheridge and Leann Rimes, and she has appeared with a number of entertainers including Bob Marley, Joan Rivers and Loretta LaRoche. She has also worked alongside Fred Willard as part of the rambunctious news team of “TV Network” on Turner Entertainment’s broadband site SuperDeluxe.com. And she has appeared on Larry King Live, Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend,” “The Today Show” and “The View.”

During her act, MacFarland talks about fitness and health, sharing her long journey to becoming an athlete through weight loss and self-acceptance.

Of her time on “The Biggest Loser,” MacFarland has said it was the “best experience of my life,” noting that she lost 42 pounds during the stint through diet and with the help of a personal trainer, and then lost an additional 21 pounds in the months following.

“Now I know how to train and work out, and I’ve found a determination I never even knew had existed,” MacFarland said.

 

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