Melissa McCarthy Biography

Actress Melissa McCarthy brought a sugar-buzz sweetness to her turns as likable if occasionally over-excitable young women in series like "Gilmore Girls" (The WB, 2001-07), "Samantha Who?" (ABC, 2007-09) and "Mike and Molly" (CBS, 2010- ). A veteran stand-up and improvisational comic, she burst onto the scene as Sookie St. James, best friend to Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) on "Gilmore," and played variants of the role in subsequent series and feature films like "The Back-Up Plan" (2010) and "Life as We Know It" (2010). Melissa McCarthy starring turn on "Molly" as a an overweight teacher who finds herself in a relationship with a similarly rotund policeman (comedian Billy Gardell) was a fine showcase for her talents, and signaled the launch of her career as a leading woman.

Born Aug. 26, 1970, in Plainfield, IL, Melissa McCarthy's cousin was Playmate-turned-actress and author Jenny McCarthy, who provide her with her first screen credit in an episode of her short-lived sketch comedy series, "The Jenny McCarthy Show" (MTV, 1997). After graduating from Joliet Catholic Academy in Joliet, IL, she lit out for New York City, where she made a name for herself on the stand-up comedy circuit. While pursuing this career, she also studied dramatic acting at The Actors Studio, and made regular appearances in theater productions.

McCarthy eventually moved to Los Angeles, where she kept a hand in comedy by performing with the famous Groundlings troupe, while pursuing roles in films and television. A memorable performance as a young woman who enjoyed a gossipy phone relationship with the Lord in John August's film short "God" (1998) led to a supporting role in his indie drama "Go" (1999) which, amusingly enough, also featured her in a phone conversation. The following year, she landed her breakthrough role as Sookie on "Gilmore Girls.