Steve Willis

Steve Willis (born 5 June 1976), also known as Commando Steve, is an Australian personal trainer, author and television personality. He appeared on the Australian version of The Biggest Loser as a trainer from 2007 to 2015.

Steve Willis
Willis at the 2015 InStyle Awards
Born (1976-06-05) 5 June 1976
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Other namesCommando Steve
Occupation
  • Personal trainer
  • author
  • television personality
Known forThe Biggest Loser
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Children4

Early life

Willis was born in Brisbane, Queensland, but grew up in Redcliffe. He is the eldest of four brothers.[1]

Willis initially wanted to be a builder,[1] but he joined the army in the 1990s.[2] He started out in the Infantry, before being posted to the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment as a fitness instructor (later 2nd Commando Regiment).[1] Willis left the army in 2004 (The Second Commando Regiment was formed in 2009 on the 19th of June, according to the ADF) having never passed Commando Selection Course. While working as a labourer, he studied personal training and specialises in CrossFit. Willis also competes in CrossFit Games. During a 2009 CrossFit competition, he came fourth out of 75 male competitors.[2]

Television career

In 2007, Willis joined the cast of The Biggest Loser as a trainer.[3] Willis was known for wearing dark sunglasses, camo pants, and a black sleeveless shirt.[4] Rarely smiling on the show, his motto was "there are no excuses".[4] Speaking to Nick Galvin of The Sydney Morning Herald, Willis said, "When it comes to the training and my ethos, Steve Willis and the screen persona 'The Commando' are the same person. I believe passionately in what I do".[4] Willis chose to depart The Biggest Loser after the tenth season aired in 2015.[5]

In May 2018, Willis made his acting debut in television soap opera Home and Away, with a guest appearance as an AFP trainer.[6] Two months later, it was confirmed that Willis had joined the cast of Australian Survivor: Champions vs. Contenders, which began airing in August.[7] Willis became the 18th person eliminated from the show, and the 5th jury member.[8]

Personal life

Willis was in a relationship with fellow Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges.[9] Bridges gave birth to their first child, a son, in 2015.[10] Willis has three more children from previous relationships.[11]

Bibliography
  • Commando Steve: No Excuses! (2010)
  • Get Commando Fit (2015)
  • Get Commando Fit Cookbook (2015)

References
  1. Doherty, Megan (9 February 2014). "Steve Willis: A perfect fit?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  2. McInerney, Sarah (16 March 2010). "Commando Steve's training tips". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  3. Knox, David (20 January 2014). "Steve Willis, Commando with heart". TV Tonight. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  4. Galvin, Nick (8 March 2011). "Could you handle training on The Biggest Loser?". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  5. Dunk, Tiffany (11 September 2016). "The Biggest Loser will return in 2017 on Ten but with a new look, and weightloss focus". news.com.au. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  6. James, Faye (28 May 2018). "The Commando's huge Hollywood news". New Idea. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  7. Knox, David (23 July 2018). "Steve Willis joins Australian Survivor". TV Tonight. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  8. Burke, Tina (26 September 2018). "Exclusive: Commando Steve Willis becomes the 18th person eliminated from Australian Survivor". TV Week. Retrieved 26 September 2018.
  9. Sutton, Candace (27 January 2020). "Celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges confirms split with 'Commando' before drink-driving charge". News.com.au. Retrieved 27 January 2020.
  10. Clarke, Jenna (17 April 2016). "Michelle Bridges and Commando reveal how they fell in love". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  11. "Live chat with Commando Steve from The Biggest Loser". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
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