Who Is Melissa McCarthy? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Melissa McCarthy, born on August 26, 1970, is a renowned American actress, comedian, producer, and writer. With a career spanning over two decades, McCarthy has become one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. She rose to fame with her role as Sookie St. James on the television series Gilmore Girls and has since starred in numerous hit films and shows. As of 2025, Melissa McCarthy is 54 years old, continuing to charm audiences with her humor and versatility.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Plainfield, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Melissa McCarthy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Melissa McCarthy is celebrated not just for her talent, but also for her unique body positivity. Standing at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm), her weight is reported to be around 198 lb (90 kg). Known for her curvy figure, her body measurements are estimated to be 44-37-46 inches (112-94-117 cm). McCarthy has frequently spoken about body image and self-acceptance, making her a role model for many.
In 2010, McCarthy was cast in a leading role on the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly. Television critic Lucy Mangan from the Guardian commended McCarthy and her co-star Billy Gardell on some “unfeasibly delicate and charming work”, while decrying the show itself for hanging every one of its gags on the subject of their weight.
In 2011, McCarthy had a breakout performance in the comedy film Bridesmaids alongside Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper. She received wide critical acclaim and press coverage for her performance. McCarthy received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
She received BAFTA, Critics' Choice and Screen Actors Guild Awards nominations, as well as won Boston Society of Film Critics Award, New York Film Critics Online Award for Best Supporting Actress, Women Film Critics Circle Award for Best Comedic Actress, and MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance.
One of McCarthy's most memorable scenes in Bridesmaids was improvised, according to director Paul Feig. In fall 2011, after achieving fame from Bridesmaids, she received her first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role on Mike & Molly.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Melissa McCarthy is known for her intriguing roles on screen, her personal life remains just as compelling. She has been happily married to actor Ben Falcone since 2005. The couple shares two daughters, Vivian and Georgette. Their relationship is often highlighted as a partnership that blends both personal and professional realms, with Falcone frequently collaborating with McCarthy on various projects.
McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone are the founders of the production company On the Day Productions, under which they have collaborated on several comedy films including Super Intelligence (2020), and Thunder Force (2021). In 2015, she launched her own clothing line for plus-sized women, named Melissa McCarthy Seven7, and she received a motion picture star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Melissa McCarthy's estimated net worth is around $80 million. Her substantial earnings are derived from her successful acting career, including major blockbuster films and television shows. Additionally, she has ventured into producing and writing, which further contributes to her impressive financial portfolio. McCarthy’s influence as a brand ambassador and her own clothing line, Melissa McCarthy Seven7, have also played a significant role in her wealth accumulation.
In May 2015, McCarthy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In August 2015, Forbes ranked her as the third highest-paid actress of 2015, with earnings of $23 million.
Also in 2015, McCarthy played the lead in frequent collaborator Paul Feig's spy comedy Spy, a role that earned McCarthy her first Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The film received positive reviews from critics and grossed $235 million worldwide against a $65 million budget.
McCarthy's performance was praised by critics. Richard Roeper of The Chicago Sun Times called her "as funny and as winning as anyone in the movies these days".
Tom Russo of The Boston Globe credited the film's success to McCarthy, writing, "part of what makes the action comedy such a loopy blast is the identity shifts she pulls on the audience." Bill Goodykoontz of Arizona Republic called the film McCarthy's return to form, writing "Finally, after the promise shown in Bridesmaids, but sold short since by
weak scripts in films like Tammy and Identity Thief, Melissa McCarthy gets a movie vehicle worthy of her talents."
Career, Business and Investments
Melissa McCarthy's career has been marked by her ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama. After her breakout role in Bridesmaids (2011), McCarthy starred in various successful films such as Spy, The Heat, and Ghostbusters. She is not only an actor but also a producer and writer, showcasing her diverse talents. In 2025, McCarthy continues to work on film and television projects while expanding her business ventures, including a focus on women’s fashion and lifestyle products.
Her career started with stand-up comedy in Los Angeles, and later in New York City. McCarthy is an alumna of The Groundlings, an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, California. She also performed in New York City as a drag queen under the moniker Miss Y, including at the Wigstock festival.
Social Network
Melissa McCarthy is active on several social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her personal and professional life. With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, McCarthy uses her influence to promote body positivity, humor, and her various projects. Her relatable posts resonate with her audience, fostering a strong connection with her fanbase.
In 2019, McCarthy played the lead in the crime film The Kitchen. It received mostly negative reviews from critics and was a box-office bomb. Variety's Owen Gleiberman described the film as "just like Widows, except not as good." Gleiberman was critical of the script but praised McCarthy's fierce performance.
The following year, she returned to comedy with the leading role in the Superintelligence. In 2021, she starred in the superhero comedy film Thunder Force, and the comedy-drama film The Starling; both were released on Netflix.
Education
Melissa McCarthy attended Southern Illinois University, where she studied fashion design, although her passion for performing arts led her to pursue acting. Her education laid a foundation for her successful career in Hollywood, which combines elements of performance with her inherent creativity in producing and writing.
