Melissa McCarthy, an illustrious figure in Hollywood, continues to captivate audiences with her versatile acting skills and infectious humor. Born on August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois, McCarthy first made her mark in the entertainment industry with her role as Sookie St. James on the beloved series “Gilmore Girls.” However, it was her scene-stealing performance in the 2011 film “Bridesmaids” that truly catapulted her to stardom, earning her an Academy Award nomination and cementing her status as a leading lady in comedy.
McCarthy married her longtime boyfriend, Ben Falcone, an actor and alumnus of The Groundlings, on October 8, 2005.
Since “Bridesmaids,” McCarthy has showcased her range in both comedic and dramatic roles. She starred in hits such as “Spy” and “The Heat,” and received critical acclaim for her performance in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” where she played the real-life figure Lee Israel. This role not only demonstrated her adeptness in drama but also earned her further Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominations.
Beyond the screen, McCarthy is also a fashion icon and entrepreneur. She launched her clothing line, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, which is designed to be inclusive for women of all sizes, promoting body positivity and self-acceptance. Alongside her husband, Ben Falcone, she manages their production company, On the Day Productions, producing content that often features strong, quirky female protagonists, much like herself.
Melissa McCarthy’s ability to blend comedy with depth in her performances, coupled with her off-screen initiatives, underscores her influence and resilience in Hollywood. She continues to be an inspiration, breaking barriers and bringing laughter and sincerity to her roles.
Melissa McCarthy Filmography as an actress
Go (1999) – Sandra
Charlie’s Angels (2000) – Doris
The Third Wheel (2002) – Marilyn
The Life of David Gale (2003) – Nico the Goth Girl
White Oleander (2002) – Paramedic
Chicken Party (2003) – Tot Wagner
The Nines (2007) – Margaret / Melissa / Mary
Cook-Off! (2007) – Amber Strang
Just Add Water (2008) – Selma
Pretty Ugly People (2008) – Becky
The Back-up Plan (2010) – Carol
Life as We Know It (2010) – DeeDee
Bridesmaids (2011) – Megan
This Is 40 (2012) – Catherine
Identity Thief (2013) – Diana
The Hangover Part III (2013) – Cassie
The Heat (2013) – Det. Shannon Mullins
Tammy (2014) – Tammy
St. Vincent (2014) – Maggie Bronstein
Spy (2015) – Susan Cooper
The Boss (2016) – Michelle Darnell
Ghostbusters (2016) – Abby Yates
Office Christmas Party (2016) – cameo
Life of the Party (2018) – Deanna
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018) – Lee Israel
The Happytime Murders (2018) – Detective Connie Edwards
Superintelligence (2020) – Carol Peters
The Starling (2021) – Lilly Maynard
Thunder Force (2021) – Lydia Berman
The Little Mermaid (2023) – Ursula
