Melissa McCarthy: ‘Criticism can still get to me, some things are so malicious’

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Melissa McCarthy covers this week’s issue of People, and that pleases me to no end. Last week’s People cover was Julianne and Derek Hough, for the love of God. Melissa is at least worthy of a People cover, and for the honor, Melissa talks bluntly about her self-image struggles, sexism, sizeism and making her way in Hollywood. You can read the full piece here, and here are some highlights:

Struggling with self-image: “In my 20s I used to cry about why I wasn’t thinner or prettier, but I want to add that I also used to cry about things like: ‘I wish my hair would grow faster. I wish I had different shoes … ‘ I was an idiot … It’s a decade of tears.”

Her comedy: “I’ll do almost anything for a laugh. I’m completely delighted by people who think, ‘I don’t care what anybody else thinks, I look great in this, and I rock it and I love it.’ It’s such a delightful sort of confidence.”

The criticism she still receives: “I’ve never felt like I needed to change. I’ve always thought, ‘If you want somebody different, pick somebody else.’ But sure, criticism can sometimes still get to me. Some things are so malicious, they knock the wind out of you.”

An article referencing her as “America’s plus-size sweetheart”: “It’s like I’m managing to achieve all this success in spite of my affliction … Would you ever put that in the headline for a male star?”

[From People]

I’ve said this before, and I will keep saying it – I like Melissa so much, and I love that she’s found a way to succeed in Hollywood. It’s difficult enough being a woman in Hollywood, it’s difficult enough for a female comedian to find work, and can you imagine how difficult it’s been for Melissa? I’m glad that she’s not glossing over the struggles she’s had, internal and external.

PS… Can I say something about those f—king hideous bangs?! Good God, Melissa!!!!

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Photos courtesy of WENN, People.

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31 Responses to “Melissa McCarthy: ‘Criticism can still get to me, some things are so malicious’”

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  1. Audrey says:

    I love her so much.

    I have since Gilmore Girls. You really saw her grow into her body on that show (I didn’t notice til like my fourth time through the series lol). She started out just a bit chubby, probably when she was trying to conform to what people wanted. Then grew into what seems to be her natural body type and it’s great that she’s grown comfortable with it.

    I like that she’s speaking up for women who are not naturally a size four. Though I do hope she’s still healthy

    • Steph says:

      I love her too. When I read what she says, it really resonates with me and makes me feel more confident.

  2. Loopy says:

    I was going to say why did they do such a close up shot and not show her body but i think People do tend to do close up covers.

    • Kenny Boy says:

      My first thought was how great her skin looks, so no hate. I would love to see a full-length family shot with her kids, though!

    • MaiGirl says:

      They do, and also, she has such pretty eyes, and great skins and hair. I know magazines tend to do head shots with larger ladies as a rule (which I do NOT agree with), but Melissa gives great face, so these kinds of shots suit her.

  3. Sara says:

    There is something so refreshing about her ambition and drive as well. She doesn’t pretend that her success is a fluke.

  4. kimber says:

    Loved her since Gilmore girls!

    • Rice says:

      That’s for d*mn sure!

      Can I just say that she looks really beautiful on the cover. I absolutely love her! Her performance in “The Heat” was incredible, especially when she beamed that crook with a melon!

  5. Lizzie says:

    THAT HAIR IS TRAUMATISING! People magazine….what are you doing??? It’s like the hair of a 3 year old pageant toddler. It’s horrible!!

    • eva says:

      Yes, this. I couldn’t put my finger on what it reminded me of, it’s so bad.

      I love her in Mike and Molly & Identity Thief, and vaguely recall her from GG, not that I watched it often.

      • kri says:

        +10000 on the hair styling. What were they thinking?? Who shot that-Sears Portrait Studio? Jesus. I love her, and she deserved better styling, dammit.

    • Mixtape says:

      Yes, again. The bangs aren’t half as bad as that Texas blowout.

    • Audrey says:

      Combining big hair with a giant popped collar was a bad styling choice but she does look gorgeous

  6. GoodNamesAllTaken says:

    I can’t imagine surviving in Hollywood under any circumstances, but I admire her very much.

  7. Sisi says:

    that cover is a liiiiitle bit too Paula Deen-ish for my taste.

    Lately I’ve been watching Gilmore Girls reruns on television, and dang, Sookie is such an entertaining character 😀

  8. MoxyLady007 says:

    I was upset when I saw the preview for Tammy. She is a strong and hilarious woman. Why does she always look like shit in her movies? Felt marginalizing and sexist. You can be funny. But not attractive.

    I was complaining about this to my husband. He said, “hmmmm. Well Jim Carrey looked like crap in all of his early movies too”. And it made me so happy for some reason.

    • QQ says:

      omg are you my twin?!? I was JUSt telling my bf after seeing that Trailer again…I want so much better for her..why doesnt she? She is a Treasure of a person, super funny, Why is she on her third movie playing the “Crude Rude stereotypical hickish Fat Chick”

      P.S: Jim Carrey and His Manic Teeth are still making Crap movies!

    • FingerBinger says:

      She’s not playing a lawyer or a doctor in this movie. Doesn’t she rob a fast food joint in the trailer? What exactly is she supposed to look like?

      • QQ says:

        The point is that she has the clout money and resume at this point to demand/make/write for herself MUCH better than “Fat Vaguely Assholish Vaguely Mannish butt of Jokes” she has more chops than this stuff

  9. Audrey says:

    That jumpsuit is awful though. The pleats run into her vagina and it’s awkward

    • Janey says:

      Uh… You are aware that vaginas are internal? Did you mean crotch or are you terribly afflicted in some way. Apologies if so.

      • Mitch Buchanan Rocks! says:

        Its like you’d wear a jumpsuit to prevent a yeast infection but this one is digging right in – same goes for those horrible black pants/leggings/tights whatever they’re called that are so popular nowadays – no circulation.

      • Audrey says:

        Way to nit pick.

        You know what I meant, the snarky attitude really isn’t needed

    • Ange says:

      Agreed. Whatever size you may be just say no to jumpsuits. Rompers too.

  10. taxi says:

    I’ve heard that she is difficult to work with. Things weren’t so great between her & sandra Bullock because MM was pretty unhelpful & a frequent no-show during promos for their flick.

    She’s quick with a quip but doesn’t look healthy to me.

    • Anita says:

      I sincerely doubt that is true, especially because sandra and melissa have been seen hanging out together with their kids several times since the film was made.

  11. yolo112 says:

    I really want to like her… I do. And I’ve tried…but man… I’m not a fan of the”hey, I’m fat and sloppy” humor. I’m not trying to be insulting or rude, but it seems like most of her roles have her playing some over weight, over the top obnoxious spaz that just doesn’t appeal to me. Kinda like Chris Farley. Can’t she find better roles?? Why isn’t she offered roles that allow her to be beautiful, smart, successful AND funny?? I watched 10 minutes of that movie she did with Sandy and just thought…wow… and now Tammy?! It makes me sad.

    • Sorella says:

      I totally agree . I really liked her as Sookie and what little I’ve seen of Mike and Molly (where I think she plays a schoolteacher?), but why the constant film roles as the big, sloppy, brash (and tiresome) gal. She deserves better roles!! I cringe seeing her in Tammy and The Heat (but that not my humor either). I’d like to see her play something more real like Sookie or a gritty , serious role. But this is Hollywood, she’ll likely need to write for herself.

  12. Mika302 says:

    Her husband wrote this and he directed it, she helped produce it. So it was something they did together.

  13. a pett says:

    I could care less about if she is fat, heavy or skinny. it is completely irrelevant.
    I just shake my head in bewilderment with what passes for comedy today.
    I just don’t find her funny at all period. and I don’t find Will Farrell funny either. I am so completely disappointed in the people who think they are comedians today. because if you like toilet humor without any intelligence behind it. Well that’s all your getting. and that is what is passing for humor today. I wish some one with some real talent would come along. but so far there are only a very few real comedians out there today. and well I’m sorry but she ain’t one of them.

  14. Kath says:

    Can I just add that her hubby is also hilarious? This last season of New Girl was DREADFUL, but he had a cameo as a bartender and was the only funny thing in that whole episode.