For years, Melissa Mccarthy has brought so much laughter to our screens. But her life off-screen and her future projects are just as interesting. The beloved actress recently celebrated 19 years of marriage with her husband, Ben Falcone. They have a shared life, a busy career, and a surprising morning habit that might make you feel a bit better about your own early wake-ups. Now, she is taking on a role that will show us a very different side of her acting abilities.
Melissa and Ben tied the knot in 2005. Their story started way back when they were teenagers in Illinois. She was a "very, very goth" college freshman, and he was still in high school. They reconnected later in the theater scene in Los Angeles. Both were taking a writing class at the famous improv comedy school, The Groundlings. They became friends, then fell in love. It is a sweet origin story for a couple who have now been together for nearly two decades.
Their partnership extends far beyond their marriage. Melissa and Ben have worked on many projects together, creating a real Hollywood power team. They started their own production company called On the Day Productions. They even invested in a whiskey company, Big Nose Kate. Their first time sharing the screen was on Gilmore Girls, where McCarthy played Sookie St. James. In recent years, they have co-produced and starred in a string of films, including The Happytime Murders, Life of the Party, Superintelligence, and 2021's Thunder Force. They also worked together on the Netflix series God's Favorite Idiot. Falcone also has experience in voice acting, lending his voice to characters like Henery Hawk and Barnyard Dawg on The Looney Tunes Show. Their collaboration seems to be a huge part of their success.
Melissa McCarthy's Surprisingly Early Morning Routine Involves Coffee And Classic TV ShowsDiscover Which Beloved 70s And 80s Series Help The Comedic Star Start Her Day Right
You might think a busy Hollywood star would have a strict, intense morning routine. But Melissa McCarthy has a surprisingly relatable ritual. She wakes up at 4:30 in the morning. And it is not for an intense workout or meditation session. Instead, she uses that quiet time to make coffee and watch classic TV shows from the 70s and 80s. She calls it her unique way of "treating herself right" before her busy personal and professional day with Ben Falcone truly begins.
McCarthy shared details about her morning habit in an interview with The New York Times. She turns to Knight Rider and the original The Incredible Hulk for her comfort viewing. She spoke with a lot of joy about the old shows. She said of The Incredible Hulk: "I watch Lou Ferrigno freak out, throw a clearly rubber tree. Bill Bixby's high-waisted super chambray-colored pants. They're always so pristine. Even though he's backpacking in the woods, he's so freshly laundered." It is clear she has a soft spot for the slightly campy aspects of these older series. She thinks everyone should be rewatching the 80s classic Knight Rider. It is sweet to see that the star known for making us laugh on Gilmore Girls and in her many comedies finds her own comfort in these nostalgic shows.
Both Knight Rider and The Incredible Hulk make for perfect comfort viewing. As someone who grew up in the 70s, McCarthy feels a personal connection to them. But they offer a sense of ease for anyone. Knight Rider gives viewers a dose of wish fulfillment with KITT, the talking, self-driving, crime-fighting car. It brings a sense of childhood wonder. The show's mix of adventure, real friendship, and uplifting messages continues to charm people. The Incredible Hulk also provides comfort. It is a reminder of a time before huge CGI effects. The story was the main thing. Lou Ferrigno's honest portrayal of the green giant offers a heartwarming contrast to his great power. The often sad music score wraps viewers in a soothing sense of familiar drama. This makes The Incredible Hulk a tender and comforting escape where understanding and quiet strength win out.
Melissa McCarthy Steps Into a Bold New Role Playing Patsy Ramsey In An Upcoming True-Crime Series

A Look At How The Star Is Moving Away From Comedy For A Challenging New Dramatic Performance
Melissa McCarthy is taking a serious turn for her next TV role. She will play Patsy Ramsey in a limited true-crime series about the infamous murder of child pageant star JonBenét Ramsey. This is a big departure from her usual bright and bubbly comedic roles. The show, called Unspeakable: The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey, will focus on the experiences of JonBenét's parents before, during, and after the murder. Most of the time, the JonBenét Ramsey case has been covered in documentaries. A recent 2024 Netflix series even included John Ramsey's involvement. But a dramatic, scripted production of this kind is rare. It is certainly a brave move for McCarthy.
As one of Hollywood's most popular comedic stars, this role is a significant creative challenge for McCarthy. She has charmed audiences for decades in her best movies and television roles. While Patsy Ramsey's involvement in the world of pageantry might suggest some comedic elements, the role will generally be very serious. McCarthy has already shown she can handle serious roles. Her critically praised performance as Lee Israel in Can You Ever Forgive Me? proved she is willing to challenge herself dramatically. This new role continues that trend, letting her show off her range beyond comedy.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, McCarthy hinted at how her character will be handled. She felt for the Ramseys, saying her "heart goes out" to them. She described a human approach to the upcoming series. It seems likely her performance will show a side of Patsy that the public did not want to acknowledge when JonBenét died. At that time, both grieving parents were under intense media scrutiny. While the role is "quite a challenge," McCarthy clearly feels a lot of care for the real person. Viewers can expect a thoughtful performance from her. It will be interesting to see her bring this complex figure to life on screen. This role highlights her dedication to her craft and her desire to explore different kinds of stories.