About
Jenny McCarthy is a well-known American actress, model, television host, and author. Over the years, she’s worn many hats in the entertainment industry—from posing for magazines to starring in movies and hosting talk shows. Jenny is also recognized for her outspoken personality, quirky sense of humor, and her advocacy work, particularly related to autism awareness. With a career that has spanned decades, she’s remained in the spotlight through her charm, boldness, and ability to connect with her audience.
Before Fame
Long before she appeared on television or walked red carpets, Jenny McCarthy grew up in a working-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. She was born on November 1, 1972, and attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, a Catholic all-girls school. Her early life was pretty typical—filled with family, school events, and dreaming of bigger things.
After high school, she went to Southern Illinois University, but college life didn’t keep her interest for long. In 1993, she took a big step and posed for Playboy magazine, which gave her national exposure. It wasn’t just the photo shoot that got people’s attention—it was her playful personality that stood out. That opportunity opened the door to a career in the spotlight, and she quickly transitioned into television and film.
Trivia
Here are a few fun facts about Jenny McCarthy that you might not know:
- She was Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Year in 1994.
- Jenny had her own sketch comedy show on MTV called The Jenny McCarthy Show.
- She’s appeared in several films, including Scary Movie 3 and John Tucker Must Die.
- Jenny has authored multiple books, some of which talk about her personal life, motherhood, and health.
- She’s known for her candid opinions and has never been afraid to speak her mind—whether on talk shows, in interviews, or through her writing.
- Aside from entertainment, she has been involved in public discussions about vaccines and autism, often drawing both support and criticism for her views.
Family Life
Family has always played a big role in Jenny’s life. She was born into a large, Irish-American family and is one of four sisters. Her cousin is none other than actor and comedian Melissa McCarthy—yes, the hilarious star of Bridesmaids and Spy. The two are often compared for their humor and strong on-screen presence, though they’ve taken very different paths in their careers.
Jenny is a proud mom to her son, Evan, whom she had from a previous relationship. Her love for Evan and his autism diagnosis sparked her involvement in autism awareness and advocacy, a cause she’s been very vocal about for years.
In 2014, Jenny married Donnie Wahlberg, an actor and member of the boy band New Kids on the Block. The two often share glimpses of their fun and loving relationship on social media and through interviews. Their bond seems strong, and they’ve even worked together on some projects, including reality TV.
Associated With
Jenny McCarthy’s career has brought her into contact with many well-known figures. Early on, she worked with MTV, where she shared the screen with rising stars of the 1990s. In her acting and hosting roles, she’s appeared alongside celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and Jim Carrey—whom she dated for several years.
In recent years, she’s become widely recognized as a panelist on the popular show The Masked Singer, where she sits next to judges like Robin Thicke, Nicole Scherzinger, and Ken Jeong. Her playful banter and bold guesses make her a fan favorite.
Outside of Hollywood, Jenny has collaborated with several health advocates and organizations through her autism work. Whether it’s in entertainment or activism, she’s continued to make connections that keep her both relevant and relatable.
