An American actress, comedian, writer and fashion designer, Melissa Ann McCarthy gained fame after essaying the role of Sookie in the television show Gilmore Girls. She then landed a lead role on the show Mike & Molly, for which she won an Emmy. McCarthy was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Bridesmaids. In 2015, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the industry. McCarthy turned producer with On The Day Production and also designed women`s plus size clothing collection under the label of Melissa McCarthy 7.

Early Life
Born on August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois, Melissa Ann McCarthy is the daughter of Sandra and Michael McCarthy. She is the cousin of the famous basketball player Joanne McCarthy, and model and actress Jenny McCarthy. She completed her graduation from St. Francis Academy, Illinois and was a part of The Groundlings, a troupe based n Los Angeles, California. McCarthy trained at The Actor`s Studio in Illinois and performed in various stage productions there.

Personal Life
In 2005, McCarthy tied the knot with longtime boyfriend Ben Falcone. They have two daughters Vivian and Georgette. Along with her husband, she founded the production company On the Day Productions in 2013.

Acting career
McCarthy made her small screen debut with cousin Jenny McCarthy`s show Variety in 1997. She simultaneously did supporting roles in films like Charlies Angels The Third Wheel, and Charlie`s Angel: Full Throttle. In 2000, she bagged her career-defining role on the popular WB show Gilmore Girls, providing a fun and enthralling portrayal of the character Sookie St. James, a chef. While starring in Gilmore Girls, she also appeared in movies like The Nines, The Captain, and Pretty Ugly People.

From 2007 to 2009, McCarthy played the introvert best friend of Christina Applegate in the comedy series Samantha Who? McCarthy then essayed the fourth-grade teacher Molly opposite actor Billy Gardell on the CBS hit sitcom Mike & Molly, a role for which she received her first Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

In 2011, McCarthy landed another breakthrough role in the blockbuster film Bridesmaid. Directed by Paul Feig, this romantic comedy received worldwide acclaim and McCarthy bagged the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the movie.

She then appeared in movies like This Is 40, The Hangover Part 3, Spy and The Boss. Her 2016 releases include Central Intelligence and Ghostbusters. Her 2020 release includes the action comedy film Superintelligence. Her other notable works include Thunder Force (2021), The Starling (2021), Thor: Love and Thunder (2022) and The Little Mermaid (2023).