Melissa McCarthy

Melissa Ann McCarthy (born August 26, 1970) is an acclaimed American actress, screenwriter, and producer. Garnering numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards, she has also received nominations for two Academy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. McCarthy's influence ranges both on and off the screen, being named as one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2016. She began her career in television in the late 90s, gaining recognition as Sookie St. James on the TV series Gilmore Girls. She later starred in the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly and Saturday Night Live. Critical acclaim came with her performance in the movie Bridesmaids. She also starred in commercially successful comedies including Identity Thief, The Heat, and Spy. In 2018, her portrayal of writer Lee Israel in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me? earned an Academy Award nomination. She co-founded the production company 'On the Day Productions' with her husband Ben Falcone and launched her own clothing line called Melissa McCarthy Seven7 in 2015.

Born in Plainfield, Illinois, McCarthy developed her career initially in stand-up comedy in Los Angeles and New York City. She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale and performed as a drag queen under the moniker Miss Y. Launching her television career, she made appearances on shows such as NBC’s comedy series Jenny and later landed a role in the Gilmore Girls. She transitioned into movie roles, including Go, Drowning Mona, and Disney's The Kid. In 2010, she played supporting roles in The Back-up Plan and Life as We Know It. She has since worked on numerous projects in various capacities. McCarthy continues to push boundaries and inspire through her extensive and diverse work in the entertainment industry.