Surprising Facts About Melissa McCarthy: Learn About the Actress

Melissa McCarthy is known for starring in hit movies like Bridesmaids, The Heat and Tammy, but there are so many facts you might not know about her. Long before she appeared on our TV screens, the legendary actress worked her butt off to rise through the ranks to Hollywood superstardom.

Melissa was born on August 26, 1970. The Spy actress grew up in Plainfield, Illinois, but it wasn’t long before she moved to New York City where she started her work as a stand-up comedian.

Then, in the mid-90s, Melissa packed her bags and moved to Los Angeles, where she became a member of the iconic comedy group The Groundlings. The TV personality’s success only skyrocketed following her role on Gilmore Girls in 2000.

Melissa’s character of Sookie St. James in the popular drama series led to gigs in 2002’s White Oleander, 2003’s Life of David Gale and more. In 2007, she starred opposite actor Ryan Reynolds in the mystery film The Nines.

As she solidified her status as a Hollywood heavyweight, Melissa’s personal life was also flourishing. In 2005, she walked down the aisle with her husband, Ben Falcone. The couple welcomed their eldest daughter, Vivian, in 2007, followed by their youngest daughter, Georgette, in 2010.

While juggling her new responsibilities as a mom, Melissa continued to pursue her acting career. Not only did she star in the hit sitcom Mike & Molly — a part for which she received her first Emmy Award — from 2010 to 2016, but she also landed roles in 2011’s Bridesmaids, 2013’s Identity Thief, 2018’s Life of the Party and 2019’s The Kitchen, among many more.

Throughout her illustrious run in showbiz, Melissa has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, SAG Awards and Golden Globes. Despite taking home accolades like her Emmy, the Can You Ever Forgive Me? star said her marriage and daughters are her proudest accomplishment.

“[Melissa is] home most nights and makes sure they have [a family] dinner, which she cooks, together,” an insider told Closer Weekly in 2017. “She’s a very hands-on mom.”

Scroll through the gallery below to learn five fun facts about Melissa!

Her Daughters Aren’t Spoiled

Even though Melissa is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished stars and has a net worth of over $80 million, she certainly doesn’t act like it when it comes to Vivian and Georgie.

“Her daughters are far from spoiled and have to earn their allowance by doing chores around the house,” an insider told Closer in 2019. “It’s what Melissa did when she was growing up and she tells them it taught her to appreciate what she has today.”

She Has a Secret to Her and Ben’s Happy Marriage

For Melissa and Ben, the secret to their happy marriage is being on the “couch with their feet up, watching TV and drinking hot chocolate,” the source shared with Closer in 2019.

The proud hubby also dished why their relationship is stronger than ever. “We sort of surround ourselves with just really great friends,” he gushed to Closer. “And we have a lot of barbecues. It’s really fun!”