Biography

Michele Pillar was born on July 26, 1955 in Long Beach, California, USA. She is an actress, known for Christian Artists United to Save the Earth: Do Something Now (1985), The Simpsons (1989) and Hour of Power with Bobby Schuller (1970). She has been married to Larry Carlton since 1987.

When you've spent your life singing, touring and recording, and something like this happens, it's like turning a light switch off. It was time to stamp out the fire of my wants, needs and even my music. I had to put everything into the hand we'd been dealt. The whole family had to pull together; otherwise the situation would have taken us all out. For me that meant not allowing myself to think, 'I want to continue to sing.' Singing wasn't an option I afforded myself.

[Of Larry Carlton]: Larry taught himself to play guitar again, from scratch - he couldn't lift his left arm for months - but because of what he'd been through and because of who he is, he became a much better player than before. More aggressive, more beautiful. That comes from finding the truth that before you're a musician, before you're a singer, you are who you are and nothing can take that away from you. Through faith, knowing that God had pulled Larry through, serving my family, loving Larry and allowing him to love me, I came through this stronger than I was before, as well.

[Who founded Closer to Home, in honor of her mother]: I was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet. When there was a bump in the road, mom had a difficult time putting food on the table.

I was raised by alcoholic parents, and suffered physical and emotional abuse. In my early years of ministry, I shunned my past; tried to ignore it. That was a mistake. Now, I know that God ordained my childhood, it wasn't some kind of horrible joke. In hindsight, I see that all things do work for the good to those who love God. I have a grateful heart and love for those who suffer. My roots made me very thankful to have the safety of God the Father. He gave me a new beginning and untangled my heritage. For me, that was like being raised from the dead.