- Melissa McCarthy has received severe backlash for her weight over the years.
- Unbothered by criticism, she continues to extract sheer pride and joy from her roles as a loving wife and devoted mother.
- Even after so many years, McCarthy’s beloved spouse, whom she has known for over three decades, deems himself fortunate to have her.
Born on August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois, U.S., Melissa McCarthy grew up on her family’s corn and soybean farm. She embarked on her entertainment journey as a stand-up comedian in New York City, gracing renowned venues such as Stand Up New York and The Improv.
McCarthy initially had minor roles in films and television before gaining recognition as Sookie St. James in the series “Gilmore Girls.” She then appeared in supporting roles in several TV shows before landing the lead role in the sitcom, “Mike & Molly.” The show garnered critical acclaim, leading to Emmy nominations and a win for McCarthy in 2011.
Melissa McCarthy attends Diane von Furstenberg with The Academy Museum Celebrates Female Oscars Nominees at Private Residence on February 21, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Following the popularity of “Mike & Molly,” McCarthy received more opportunities. In 2012, she bagged an Academy Award nomination for her supporting role in the comedy film “Bridesmaids.”
They became friends upon completing their first class together.
Despite not fitting conventional Hollywood standards for leading actresses, McCarthy’s comedic talent propelled her to starring roles in movies. She portrayed an obnoxious scam artist in “Identity Thief” (2013) and a foul-mouthed Boston cop in the buddy comedy “The Heat” (2013) alongside Sandra Bullock.
Melissa McCarthy pictured outside the improv theater “The Groundlings” in Los Angeles | Source: Getty Images
McCarthy gained recognition for portraying Sean Spicer on “Saturday Night Live,” winning an Emmy Award. She showcased her versatility in films like “Life of the Party” and “The Happytime Murders.”
The “Ghostbusters” alum received widespread acclaim and secured her second Oscar nomination for her empathetic performance as disgraced celebrity biographer Lee Israel in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
Moreover, she joined the cast of “The Kitchen” and starred in “Superintelligence” in 2020. Her range as an actress and comedic talent has consistently garnered praise and made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Melissa McCarthy as seen in “Little Big Shots” season three | Source: Getty Images
Aside from her acting career, McCarthy ventured into the fashion industry by launching her own fashion line, “Seven7,” in 2015. While the collection was initially labeled as “plus size,” she disagreed with the notion that sizes 14 and above needed separate categorization.
The “Spy” actress aimed to challenge the fashion industry’s limited perspective by offering sizes ranging from four to 28 in her line. However, “Seven7” eventually closed down after a few years of operation.
Melissa McCarthy’s Weight Struggles & Facing Backlash
Over the years, McCarthy has received heavy backlash over her weight, with many people openly criticizing her on social media. [Hollywood]: there are only three fat actresses: [Melissa McCarthy], [Rebel Wilson] and [Scarlett Johansson] in a [fat suit],” wrote one Twitterati
[She] will lose weight in like 3 years like all the modern famous people who were known for being fat did. [Melissa McCarthy], [Rebel Wilson], [Adele].. just wait,” added a second Twitter user.
“[Is] [Melissa McCarthy] incapable of playing anything but a fat stereotype,” shared a third Twitter user. Another tweet suggested that overweight women in Hollywood often received little recognition until they lost weight.
However, once they did, they reportedly struggled to find jobs because they were typically typecast as the comedic relief. The Twitter user mentioned Melissa McCarthy, Rebel Wilson, and Gabourey Sidibe as examples.
Melissa McCarthy is seen in SoHo on June 07, 2022, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Actress Melissa McCarthy is honored with a hand/footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre on July 2, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Besides being slammed by the online community, McCarthy has received disapproving remarks from within the industry. New York Observer’s Rex Reed blasted her for her weight while giving her movie, “Identity Thief,” a negative review.
Reed allegedly referred to McCarthy as “tractor-sized,” a “screeching, humongous creep,” and a “female hippo.” He portrayed her career, which had encompassed winning an Emmy for “Mike & Molly” and receiving an Oscar nomination for “Bridesmaids,” as a case of “being obese and obnoxious with equal success.”
WeHo Pride Parade Icon Melissa McCarthy attends the 2023 WeHo Pride Parade, on June 04, 2023, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Unswayed by criticism, McCarthy has remained strong and steady, evident from her many public appearances, especially at award events and talk shows.
Back in 2015, the “St. Vincent” alum confidently showcased her 45 lbs weight loss as she sparkled in a sleek black ensemble, including a leather embellished jacket and form-fitting trousers.
Completing the polished look with strappy black heels, a black clutch, and bright red lipstick, she exuded confidence and elegance. McCarthy won the award for Favorite Comedic Movie Actress that night, among tough competition.
Melissa McCarthy attends the Build Series to discuss the new film ‘Can You Ever Forgive Me?’ at Build Studio on October 16, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
On another occasion, McCarthy acknowledged that weight discussions were an inevitable part of her public life. Reflecting on her past concerns, she questioned why she worried about her size when she was actually healthy and fit.
She expressed frustration with societal perceptions and emphasized the need to embrace diverse body types. When it came to her daughters, she prioritized protecting their self-esteem and advocated for body positivity.
McCarthy aimed to counter the damaging effects of unrealistic standards by promoting self-acceptance and emphasizing overall health.
Details about Melissa McCarthy’s Husband & Timeline of Their Relationship
McCarthy has known her husband, Ben Falcone, for nearly 33 years, and the pair have been blissfully wedded for 17 years. Falcone is an actor, comedian, and movie maker whose career began in comedy, which is how he crossed paths with his wife. Here’s a brief look at this sweet couple’s relationship timeline:
The 1990s: Meeting for the First Time
During an interview, McCarthy and Falcone shared that they had initially met in Illinois when she was a college freshman, and Falcone was in high school.
Falcone admitted to feeling intimidated by McCarthy back then, describing her as being very goth. He recalled how his friends had admired her unique style, wishing they could dress like her with their mothers’ approval.
Actress Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone arrive for the premiere of “The Nines” at the Eccles Theatre during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2007, in Park City, Utah. | Source: Getty Images
1998: Crossing Paths at a Comedy Class
McCarthy and Falcone crossed paths once more when they both joined a writing class at “The Groundlings,” an improv theater in Los Angeles.
During an interview, McCarthy shared that she found Falcone intriguing after he performed a skit about an inmate who had a liking for his new roommate. She mentioned being immediately drawn to his uniqueness. They became friends upon completing their first class together.
May 2003: Sharing the Screen for the First Time
McCarthy and Falcone had their initial on-screen collaboration in the popular TV series “Gilmore Girls.” She played the memorable character Sookie St. James, Lorelai Gilmore’s closest friend and the inn’s chef where they both worked.
Falcone made a guest appearance on the episode titled “Say Goodnight, Gracie” during the show’s third season, allowing him and McCarthy to share the screen briefly.
Actress Melissa McCarthy (L) and husband actor Ben Falcone attend the premiere of USA Pictures’ “The Boss” at the Regency Village Theatre on March 28, 2016, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
October 2005: Exchanging Vows
On October 8, 2005, Falcone and the “Life Of The Party” actress wed in a private ceremony. They later shared photos from their wedding day, featuring moments of them dancing together on a checkerboard dance floor.
May 2007: Welcoming Their First Baby
On May 5, 2007, McCarthy and Falcone celebrated the arrival of their first child, a daughter named Vivian. McCarthy’s pregnancy was cleverly written into the storyline of “Gilmore Girls,” where her character, Sookie, also experienced a pregnancy.
Actors Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy are seen on June 24, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
March 2010: Embracing Parenthood Again
March 22, 2010, marked the joyful moment when McCarthy and Falcone became a family of four with the birth of their second daughter, Georgette. Despite the recent arrival, McCarthy displayed her dedication by filming the pilot for “Mike & Molly” just four weeks after giving birth.
2013: Starting Their Own Production Company
Falcone and McCarthy founded “On the Day Productions,” their own production house. The company successfully produced various projects, including “The Happytime Murders,” “Life of the Party,” “The Boss,” and “Tammy,” among others.
Ben Falcone (L) and Melissa McCarthy attend the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Actress Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone arrive at the premiere of USA Pictures’ ‘The Boss’ at Regency Village Theatre on March 28, 2016, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
May 2017: Falcone Published a Book about Fatherhood
In May 2017, Falcone released his book, “Being a Dad Is Weird: Lessons in Fatherhood from My Family to Yours,” sharing his personal experiences as a father of two daughters.
February 2018: McCarthy Surprised Falcone with Deviled Eggs for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day in 2018, McCarthy surprised her husband with a thoughtful gift—a heart-shaped box filled with deviled eggs, knowing he truly desired it.
February 2023: Trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico
As a spokesperson for Booking.com, McCarthy collaborated with the company to organize a romantic trip to Santa Fe. Together with Falcone, the Bridesmaids star stayed at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado during their getaway.
Actors Melissa McCarthy and husband Ben Falcone arrive at the premiere of “Tammy” at TCL Chinese Theatre on June 30, 2014, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Melissa McCarthy (C) and their daughter arrive for the world premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on May 8, 2023. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2016 interview, McCarthy expressed her undying love for her husband, even after 11 years of marriage. Even the walls of their cozy home were reportedly adorned with magazine covers featuring them together.
McCarthy praised Falcone as the calmest, most reasonable, and funniest man in the world. Falcone, in turn, identified himself as a happy husband and father, with his career as an occasional actor and director.
On a subsequent occasion, Falcone called himself a “lucky fella” for marrying someone as kind, intelligent, beautiful, and funny as McCarthy.
The lovely duo will be celebrating 18 years of a happy married life in October 2023, and we wish them nothing but everlasting love and joy!
