Melissa McCarthy is undoubtedly one of the most uproarious and multi-talented comedy writers, producers, and performers of our time. Beyond her remarkable gift for stand-up comedy, she has triumphed as a celebrated Hollywood actress, a melodious singer, and an exceptional wife and mother.
Melissa and her husband, Ben Falcone, who is himself a highly accomplished actor, form one of the most cherished couples in the realm of entertainment. Their enduring marital bond, which began in 2005, is a testament to their unwavering love and admiration for each other. Ben consistently showers Melissa with affectionate words, never missing an opportunity to express his profound adoration. In a heartwarming gesture, he commemorated her birthday in 2021 by sharing a delightful photograph from a friend’s wedding, captured over a decade ago. Alongside the image, he penned a caption that resonated with affectionate sincerity, stating, “This moment captures a joyous occasion many years ago. We had an absolute blast. Yet, Melissa’s mere presence infuses everything with merriment. I consider myself immeasurably fortunate to be married to someone as intelligent, kind, beautiful, and ridiculously funny as she is. Happy birthday, Mooch! I love you!”
Their union extends beyond personal connections and spills into their professional collaborations. The duo’s creative synergy was evident in their joint appearance in the beloved film “Bridesmaids,” and their joint efforts as founders of On the Day Productions have yielded a plethora of cinematic gems. Notable among their productions are “Tammy” (2014), “The Boss” (2016), “Happytime Murders” (2018), and “Life of the Party” (2018). More recently, they joined forces on the Netflix apocalyptic comedy series “God’s Favorite Idiot,” an endeavor that showcases their unmatched chemistry.
Melissa’s extraordinary talent has garnered her well-deserved accolades and recognition. The New York Times bestowed upon her the honor of being named one of the 25 Greatest Actors of the 21st Century, while in 2016, she was included in the esteemed list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. Unfortunately, the entertainment industry is not devoid of harsh critics who target appearances. However, Melissa’s husband is always there to fiercely defend her against body-shaming comments, reminding everyone of the incomparable value she holds in his life.
In a particularly scathing review of the film “Identity Thief,” film critic Rex Reed resorted to derogatory remarks, referring to Melissa as a “tractor-sized Melissa McCarthy” and labeling her a “gimmick comedian” who had supposedly built her career on being overweight and obnoxious. Jenny McCarthy, Melissa’s cousin, a respected actress, model, and TV personality, stepped up to defend her against such hurtful and unjustified criticism. Speaking to E! News, Jenny condemned the derogatory comments, stating unequivocally that they were wrong, hurtful, and served no constructive purpose. She fervently championed Melissa’s immense talent and boldly asserted, “He can go to hell.”
Melissa herself has confronted discussions surrounding her weight, particularly when she made adjustments for a role in the film “The Boss,” a project she co-wrote with Ben. Reflecting on her fluctuating weight and the scrutiny it attracts, she acknowledged, “I have [lost weight], but I’ll be back again. I’ll go up, I’ll go down—it’s probably going to be a lifelong journey. The thing is, if that becomes the most fascinating aspect of my identity, then perhaps I should abandon this career and open a lavender farm in Minnesota.”
Highlighting the significance of valuing women beyond physical appearance, Melissa emphasized, “There must be so much more to explore. Women possess countless captivating qualities that extend far beyond their physical attributes. It shouldn’t be the default question or even a question at all… Can you imagine if they asked my male colleagues, ‘How do you maintain such an attractive backside?'” Challenging societal stereotypes, she sought to eliminate the harmful practice of constantly categorizing and compartmentalizing women. Melissa expressed her desire to dismantle the construct of unrealistic ideals and narrow representations, asserting that the media’s obsession with a minuscule percentage of women is absurd.
Irrespective of her weight, Melissa McCarthy has achieved resounding success and garnered immense adoration from audiences worldwide. As her husband once eloquently proclaimed in an Instagram post, “I tell her I love her every day, but today I love her more than ever.” Melissa’s profound statement about the multifaceted essence of women resonates deeply, emphasizing that there are countless enthralling facets to explore beyond mere physical appearance. And in wholeheartedly endorsing her sentiments, we wholeheartedly agree.
