You probably know Lavell Crawford as Huell Babineaux, the guy who could make a scene iconic just by lying on a pile of money in Breaking Bad. Or maybe you’ve seen his stand-up, where he’s basically a force of nature. But behind the "landslide" jokes and the TV fame, there is a partnership that actually kept him alive. Literally.
When we talk about Lavell Crawford and wife DeShawn Crawford, we aren’t just talking about a red-carpet couple. We’re talking about a duo that navigated a massive, life-altering health transformation together. It’s one of those rare Hollywood stories that doesn't involve a messy divorce or a cheating scandal. Honestly, it’s just a guy who realized he wanted to stay on the planet for the people he loves.
Who is DeShawn Crawford?
People always want the "who, what, when" on the woman standing next to the funniest man in the room. DeShawn Crawford isn't a comedian. She isn't an actress. She’s a businesswoman who has mostly stayed out of the blinding glare of the spotlight, which is probably why their marriage has actually lasted.
They met back in 2007.
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At the time, Lavell was a rising star in the comedy world. They dated for about two years before getting married in 2009. That was right around the time Lavell’s career was shifting into high gear with roles in Breaking Bad. They have one son together, and honestly, that’s where the real story begins.
The Transformation That Changed Everything
If you’ve seen Lavell recently, he looks like a different human being. He used to weigh somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 pounds. In 2016, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery, and the results were jaw-dropping. He lost over 120 pounds, and then just kept going.
But why do it?
Lavell has been very open about this. He didn't do it to look better in a suit or to get more roles in Hollywood. He did it because of his family. He was 47 at the time and realized he had a five-year-old son and a wife he didn't want to leave behind. He famously told Sway in the Morning that he didn't want to leave his wife "hanging."
"I’m 47 and I’ve got a beautiful 5-year-old son that I want to be around for. I’ve got a beautiful wife that I want to be here for."
That’s a heavy realization to have. It’s one thing to want to lose weight for a New Year’s resolution; it’s another to do it because you’re afraid you won’t see your kid grow up. DeShawn was the backbone during this entire process. Recovery from weight loss surgery isn't just physical; it's a massive mental shift. You have to change how you relate to food, how you move, and how you see yourself.
Marriage in the Spotlight (But Not Really)
One of the most interesting things about Lavell Crawford and wife DeShawn is how they handle fame. They show up to events, like the Hoodie Awards or various premieres, looking happy and grounded. But you don't see them on a reality show. They aren't airing their grievances on Instagram Live.
It seems like they’ve mastered the art of being public figures without letting the "public" into their living room.
The couple celebrated 15 years of marriage recently. In the world of entertainment, that’s basically a century. Staying together while one partner goes through a massive physical transformation and a career explosion is no small feat. Usually, when one person in a marriage changes that much, the dynamic shifts. For the Crawfords, it seems to have brought them closer.
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What Most People Get Wrong
There’s a misconception that weight loss surgery is the "easy way out." Anyone who has actually done it—or lived with someone who has—knows that is complete nonsense.
Lavell had to commit to a total lifestyle overhaul. We're talking portion control, nutrient-dense foods, and regular exercise. He’s mentioned using things like walking, jogging, and strength training to keep the weight off. It’s a daily grind. And having a partner like DeShawn who supports those new habits instead of enabling the old ones is usually the difference between success and failure.
They’ve also had to deal with the "New Look, Same Funny" aspect of his career. Some fans actually worried that if Lavell got skinny, he wouldn't be as funny. It’s a weird thing people do with comedians. But he proved them wrong. His 2019 special literally addressed this head-on. He’s still the same sharp, observational comic—just with more energy to move around the stage.
Actionable Takeaways from Their Journey
If you're looking at Lavell and DeShawn as inspiration for your own life or relationship, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Identify Your "Why": Lavell didn't lose weight for his fans; he did it for his son and wife. Finding a "why" that is bigger than yourself is usually what makes a change stick.
- Privacy is a Choice: You don't have to share every detail of your relationship to be successful. Keeping some things behind closed doors can actually protect the bond.
- Support Goes Both Ways: DeShawn stayed through the 500-pound years and the transformation years. That kind of loyalty is built on more than just physical appearance.
- Health is a Family Affair: When one person in a household decides to get healthy, it works best if the whole family is on board.
Lavell Crawford and wife DeShawn continue to be one of the most stable, albeit quiet, couples in the comedy world. They’ve survived the pressures of fame and the literal life-and-death stakes of extreme weight loss by keeping their focus on what actually matters: each other and their son.
To keep up with Lavell's latest work, you can check out his specials on platforms like Amazon Prime or Comedy Dynamics. His journey shows that while the "New Look" is great, the "Same Funny" is what keeps the audience coming back.