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Penn Jillette

Penn Jillette sheds 105 pounds

Ann Oldenburg
USA TODAY
Penn Jillette (left, with Teller) on Jan. 14.

Legendary magician/actor/comedian Penn Jillette hasn't been joking around about his health in the past year.

The 6-foot-7 celeb, who is one half of the famous Penn & Teller team, has been on an extreme slimming program and has lost 105 pounds.

He tells Peoplehe decided to do something in December, when his doctor, who had him on six different blood pressure medications, told him that if he lost enough weight he would likely not need any meds.

In a matter of months, from December through March, Jillette consumed only about 1,000 calories daily and was able to lose an average of .9 pound a day, he tells People.

Penn Jillette in 2004.

He went from weighing 330 pounds to 225 pounds, reaching his goal weight on his 60th birthday, March 5.

Now he isn't on a calorie-restrictive diet, but consumes no animal products, no processed grains, and no added sugar or salt. "I eat unbelievable amounts of food but just very, very, very healthy food."

One big benefit beyond feeling better?

He has more energy for his wife, Emily, 49, and kids Moxie CrimeFighter, 9, and Zolten Penn, 8. "My relationship with my children has always been wonderful – I always spend a lot of time with them, but now they know that I'm a lot more energetic."

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