Jenny McCarthy was born on November 1, 1972. She is an actress, model, activist, and television personality, and began her career as a naked model for “Playboy” magazine in 1993, when she was named ‘Playmate of the Year.’ McCarthy then went on to have a successful television and movie acting career, starting as a co-host on an M.T.V. game show and featuring in several films. McCarthy also hosted her own television chat show in 2013, and became a co-host of a popular ABC talk show until 2014. McCarthy has been a judge on Fox Broadcasting Company’s musical talent competition “The Masked Singer.” Join us to celebrate her special day right here.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Jennifer Ann McCarthy
Nickname:
Jenny
Birth date:
November 01, 1972
Age:
51 years, 5 months
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
5' 7"
Relationship Status:
Married
Net Worth:
$25.0 million
Background
Jenny McCarthy was born Jennifer Ann McCarthy on November 1, 1972, to a working-class Catholic family. Linda, her mother, was a housewife, and Dan McCarthy, her father, worked in a steel mill. McCarthy became a cheerleader at high school before attending Southern Illinois University for two years.She began her modeling career in 1993, when “Playboy” magazine selected her from among 10,000 candidates to pose as the ‘October Playmate of the Month.’ McCarthy was photographed in her high school sweater, and Hugh Hefner, publisher of “Playboy,” noted that her “Catholic school girl” persona set her apart from everyone else. Despite disapproval from the religious and local communities, McCarthy became an incredibly successful model. She was named the “Playboy” ‘Playmate of the Year’ in 1994, and later hosted the magazine’s television show “Hot Rocks,” which aired uncensored music videos.In 1995, McCarthy co-hosted the M.T.V. dating game show “Singled Out,” and was approached by the World Wrestling Federation (W.W.F.) to appear in the pay-per-view event, “WrestleMania XI.” She quickly received numerous offers from film and television producers, including for a star role in “The Stupids,” a 1996 British-Canadian-American adventure comedy film. Later that year, she made an appearance in two episodes of “Baywatch,” and as Dani in the sitcom “Wings.” McCarthy returned to M.T.V. for the variety program “The Jenny McCarthy Show,” which landed her an NBC sitcom, “Jenny.” She appeared in the third installment of the horror film “Scream” in 2000, and in its parody, “Scary Movie 3,” in 2003. In 2004, McCarthy was hired as a substitute for Elisabeth Hasselbeck to co-host ABC’s “The View.” She also starred as Jenny in the comedy television series “Return of the Mac,” in 2017 and, from 2019 to 2022, hosted the reality game show “The Masked Singer,” the Korean-inspired singing contest.
Career timeline
McCarthy begins her modeling career after "Playboy" magazine offers her $20,000 and selects her from among 10,000 aspirants.
McCarthy receives a $100,000 contract with the magazine and is labeled ‘Playmate of the Year.’
McCarthy hosts the music show’s European award category, which takes place in Assago, near Milan, Italy.
McCarthy appears in "Scream 3" as Sarah Darling, a 35-year-old actress playing Candy Brooks, a 21-year-old character in the canceled trilogy finale "Stab 3: Return to Woodsboro.
McCarthy co-stars with her husband Donnie Wahlberg in the comedy series "Return of the Mac.
McCarthy appears twice as a guest on the talk show.
Jenny McCarthy FAQs
How does Jenny McCarthy stay in shape?
McCarthy practices hot yoga. She does two 90-minute sessions per week, holding each pose for one minute or more and not resting in between.
How did Jenny McCarthy meet Donnie Wahlberg?
McCarthy and Wahlberg first met on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” but Wahlberg later admitted that he was hesitant to make a move.
Are Jenny McCarthy and Melissa McCarthy friends?
McCarthy and her cousin spent their childhood years together with their large family, and they have kept in touch but are rarely seen together in public.
5 Surprising Facts
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She is related to Melissa McCarthy
McCarthy is the cousin of the famous actress.
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She is an accomplished writer
McCarthy has published numerous best-selling books about pregnancy, parenting, autism, relationships, and other topics.
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Her marriage before Donnie Wahlberg
McCarthy wedded actor and director John Mallory Asher in 1999, and remained with him until their divorce in September 2005, before marrying Wahlberg in 2014.
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She attended nursing school
McCarthy was a nursing student but dropped out to pursue a career as an actress.
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She had a relationship with Jim Carrey
McCarthy began dating Carrey in December 2005, but they did not publicly announce their relationship until June 2006, and their relationship ended in 2010.
Why We Love Jenny McCarthy
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She brings attention to autism
McCarthy's son, Evan, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, prompting her activism. She is author of a book on the subject, "Louder Than Words," and board leader of Generation Rescue, a non-profit organization that helps families impacted by autism spectrum disorders.
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She empowers women
McCarthy has become a symbol of women's empowerment throughout her career. She has come a long way to get to where she is today and has persevered through the trials of life, making her an inspiring role model for women all over the world. She uses her social media following and T.V. programs to help women navigate their love lives and pregnancies, and also maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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She spreads love and kindness
McCarthy believes that spreading love and generosity is among the essential things that she can accomplish. She opposes prejudice and violence against others and believes that people should coexist in peace and harmony. McCarthy opens up about her life and activities to her followers, so that they can learn and be inspired by her actions and selflessness.
Jenny McCarthy’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 1 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 1 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
