Melissa McCarthy

Who Is Melissa McCarthy?

Melissa McCarthy is a celebrated American actress, comedian, writer, and producer, widely recognized for her dynamic career in television and film. Known for her impeccable comedic timing and versatility, McCarthy first gained widespread fame with her portrayal of Sookie St. James on the beloved TV series Gilmore Girls in the early 2000s. Her career continued to soar after she joined the cast of Mike & Molly, earning an Emmy Award for her role. McCarthy’s performance in Bridesmaids earned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s top comedic talents. She has since starred in a number of successful films, including The Heat, Tammy, Spy, and Can You Ever Forgive Me?, the latter earning her another Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Early Comedy Career

Born on August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois, Melissa Ann McCarthy is the daughter of Irish-Catholic farmers Sandra and Michael McCarthy. She graduated from St. Francis Academy (now Joliet Catholic Academy) in Joliet, Illinois, in 1988. Soon after, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in stand-up comedy, performing at notable venues such as Stand Up New York and The Improv. While in New York, McCarthy also trained at The Actor’s Studio and participated in various stage productions, honing her craft.

In the late 1990s, McCarthy relocated to Los Angeles, where she became a member of the prestigious improvisation and sketch comedy troupe, The Groundlings. Over the next nine years, she developed her skills as a main-stage performer while making numerous television and film appearances. McCarthy’s early on-screen career included roles in films such as The Kid, Charlie’s Angels, and Go, further establishing her presence in Hollywood. Her acting journey also included a notable guest appearance on her cousin Jenny McCarthy’s 1997 variety show, marking her screen debut.

Television Roles: “Gilmore Girls,” “Mike & Molly,” and More

Melissa McCarthy’s career took off in 2000 with her breakout role as the endearing chef Sookie St. James on Gilmore Girls, a role that showcased her charm and comedic timing. McCarthy quickly became a fan favorite, contributing to the show’s success until it ended in 2007. Her genuine friendship with co-star Lauren Graham extended off-screen, with Graham attending McCarthy’s performances at The Groundlings, a comedy theater where McCarthy honed her craft.

Following Gilmore Girls, McCarthy continued to explore television roles, including playing the socially awkward best friend in Samantha Who? (2007–2009), opposite Christina Applegate. In 2010, McCarthy solidified her place in television comedy with Mike & Molly, a CBS sitcom in which she starred as Molly, a fourth-grade teacher. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 2011, marking a milestone in her career. Mike & Molly ran until 2016, further cementing McCarthy’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s top comedic talents.

In more recent years, McCarthy has showcased her versatility in the 2021 Hulu miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers. Based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, McCarthy portrayed Frances, a novelist struggling with her career and personal life, alongside an all-star cast including Nicole Kidman and Michael Shannon. McCarthy not only starred but also served as an executive producer on the project, further expanding her role in the entertainment industry.

Film Roles: “Bridesmaids,” “Tammy,” and “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

The 2010s marked McCarthy’s successful transition to film, beginning with her scene-stealing role in Bridesmaids (2011). Directed by Paul Feig, the comedy saw McCarthy play Megan, a character whose boldness and unique sense of humor earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film was both a critical and commercial success, and McCarthy’s performance solidified her as a leading comedic actress.

McCarthy’s box office appeal continued with The Heat (2013), a buddy cop comedy in which she starred opposite Sandra Bullock. The film was another success, grossing over $230 million globally. McCarthy also began collaborating closely with her husband, Ben Falcone, on a series of comedy films, starting with Tammy (2014), in which McCarthy starred as the title character. The couple later worked together on The Boss (2016) and Life of the Party (2018), where McCarthy continued to play larger-than-life characters.

Her collaboration with Feig extended to the espionage parody Spy (2015), where McCarthy played an unlikely secret agent, and the all-female Ghostbusters (2016) reboot, where she teamed up with Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon.

In 2018, McCarthy earned critical acclaim for her dramatic turn in Can You Ever Forgive Me?, based on the memoir of Lee Israel. She portrayed a struggling writer who resorts to forging letters from deceased literary figures. McCarthy’s performance was widely praised, earning her both Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. The following year, McCarthy starred in The Kitchen (2019), a crime drama in which she played one of three women who take over the criminal enterprises of their husbands.

Recent Projects: “The Little Mermaid” and Beyond

One of McCarthy’s most high-profile recent roles came in 2023 when she played the villainous sea witch Ursula in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid. McCarthy, a longtime fan of the animated classic, described the role as a dream come true, reflecting her deep connection to the character.

Through a combination of standout performances and a diverse range of roles, McCarthy has proven herself as one of Hollywood’s most dynamic and accomplished performers, earning accolades for both her comedic and dramatic work across television and film.

Net Worth

Melissa McCarthy, a renowned Hollywood star and household name, has amassed an estimated net worth of $90 million through her successful roles in both film and television productions.

“SNL” Host

Following her breakout performance in Bridesmaids, McCarthy gained significant popularity as a host on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where her spot-on impressions, particularly of White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, captivated audiences. In May 2017, McCarthy hosted SNL for the fifth time, earning her membership in the coveted “Five-Timers Club,” which includes notable personalities such as Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, Candice Bergen, Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake, Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey, and Scarlett Johansson. McCarthy’s impeccable comedic timing and unforgettable performances led to her winning an Emmy Award for Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2017.

Husband and Children

McCarthy and her husband, actor and director Ben Falcone, first met as teenagers in Indiana in 1988, but their paths truly crossed a decade later in a comedy writing class at The Groundlings theater in Los Angeles. The couple wed on October 8, 2005, and welcomed their first daughter, Vivian, on May 5, 2007. (McCarthy’s pregnancy was written into the final season of Gilmore Girls.) Their second daughter, Georgette, was born on March 22, 2010. The McCarthy-Falcone family resides in Los Angeles.

Clothing Line

In 2015, McCarthy launched Melissa McCarthy Seven7, a clothing line designed to offer stylish options for women of all sizes, ranging from 4 to 28. According to People, McCarthy’s motivation for the line stemmed from a desire to “build a better closet” for women. However, by 2018, Seven7 ceased production.

Tattoos

In 2021, McCarthy appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with small hand tattoos of various symbols, including an ice cream cone and arrows, which led to speculation among viewers about their authenticity. While McCarthy expressed her fondness for the designs, she revealed that the tattoos were temporary henna stickers, applied for a role in a Netflix show written by her husband.