Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy are two of the most successful and popular actresses in Hollywood. They have both starred in numerous hit movies and TV shows, such as Bridesmaids, The Heat, Spy, The Masked Singer, and The View. They are also known for their outspoken views on various topics, such as autism, vaccines, and comedy. But did you know that they are also related? That’s right, Melissa and Jenny are cousins!
The Family Connection
According to Wikipedia, Melissa and Jenny share a bloodline connection through their grandparents, Michael and Anne O’Reilly. Melissa’s father, Michael Jr., and Jenny’s mother, Linda, are biological siblings. They are both from a large Irish Catholic family of 10 children who settled in Chicago, Illinois.
Melissa was born on August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois. She was raised on a farm and attended St. Francis Academy. She later moved to New York City to pursue a career in comedy and acting. She joined the Groundlings improv troupe and landed her first acting job on The Jenny McCarthy Show in 1997.
Jenny was born on November 1, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She was also raised in a Catholic household and attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School. She became a Playboy model in 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1994. She then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in TV and film. She hosted the MTV game show Singled Out and starred in her own sitcom Jenny.
The Professional Collaboration
Melissa and Jenny have not only supported each other as family members, but also as professional colleagues. They have appeared together in several projects over the years, such as:
- The Jenny McCarthy Show (1997): This was Melissa’s first acting role on TV. She played a guest on Jenny’s sketch comedy show.
- John Tucker Must Die (2006): This was a teen comedy film starring Jesse Metcalfe, Brittany Snow, Ashanti, and Sophia Bush. Melissa played a cheerleading coach and Jenny played a TV reporter.
- Dirty Love (2005): This was a romantic comedy film written by and starring Jenny. Melissa played her best friend.
- Santa Baby (2006): This was a TV movie starring Jenny as the daughter of Santa Claus who has to take over his duties. Melissa played one of the elves.
The Personal Bond
Melissa and Jenny have also maintained a close personal bond throughout their lives. They have attended each other’s weddings, birthdays, and other family events. They have also defended each other from critics and haters.
For example, when Jenny faced backlash for her controversial views on vaccines and autism, Melissa stood by her side and said: “I think she gets a bad rap … She’s not saying don’t vaccinate your kids … I think she’s saying do it responsibly.” [according to People]
Similarly, when Melissa faced criticism for her weight and appearance, Jenny praised her for her confidence and talent. She said: “She’s very open with being comfortable with her body … I think she’s beautiful … I’m very proud of her.” [according to E! News]
The Conclusion
Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy are more than just two successful celebrities; they are also cousins who share a strong family bond. They have supported each other through their personal and professional journeys and have shown that they are not afraid to speak their minds. They are both inspiring examples of women who have achieved their dreams despite the challenges they faced along the way.
