Jenny McCarthy is a 53-year-old American model, actress, TV host, author, and autism advocate.
She first rose to fame as Playboy’s Playmate of the Year in the 1990s and later built a diverse career in entertainment.
Jenny is married to singer and actor Donnie Wahlberg and has one son from a previous marriage.
Keep reading to discover more about Jenny McCarthy.
Who is Jenny Mccarthy?
Jenny McCarthy is a model, actress, television host, and author who rose to fame in the early 1990s.
She first gained major attention as Playboy magazine’s Playmate of the Month in 1993 and was later named Playmate of the Year, which helped launch her career in entertainment.
Her unique wholesome Catholic girl image made her stand out in the modeling world. As an actress and television personality, McCarthy made a successful transition to the small screen.
She co-hosted MTV’s popular dating show Singled Out and starred in her own sketch comedy show as well as a self-titled sitcom.
Over the years, she has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. In addition to her work on screen, Jenny is a bestselling author.
She has written several books focusing on pregnancy, motherhood, and personal experiences. Jenny is also known for her advocacy work, particularly in autism awareness.
While her views and approaches have sparked debate and controversy within the medical community, she has been a prominent and passionate voice in raising awareness and support for families affected by autism.
Throughout her career, Jenny has maintained a strong presence in the entertainment world through hosting roles, reality TV appearances, and talk show engagements.
Her charisma and ability to engage audiences have made her a lasting and well-known figure in popular culture.
Early Life of Jenny Mccarthy
Jenny McCarthy was born on November 1, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Chicago. Her full birth name is Jennifer Ann McCarthy, and she is an American citizen.
She grew up in a working-class Catholic family that placed strong importance on faith, family, and hard work. Her father, Dan McCarthy, worked as a foreman at a steel mill.
Her mother, Linda McCarthy, was a housewife and also worked as a courtroom custodian. Jenny’s early life was shaped by love, discipline, and a deep connection to her family’s Catholic beliefs.
Jenny comes from a family with rich ethnic roots. She is of German, Irish, and Polish descent. She has three sisters: Lynette, Joanne, and Amy.
Jenny is the second oldest among them and grew up sharing a strong bond with each one through a close-knit family upbringing.
All four girls were encouraged to stay active in school through sports. Lynette was a track runner, Jenny played softball, and both Joanne and Amy played basketball.
Together, they also participated in gymnastics and bowling during their younger years.
Their parents supported them in staying busy and involved. For her education, Jenny attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School.
She was a cheerleader at nearby boys’ schools like Brother Rice High School and St. Laurence High School.
Despite her involvement in school activities, Jenny has said she felt like an “outcast” during high school.
She has openly shared that she was bullied by classmates and struggled to fit in socially, which made her teenage years emotionally challenging.
These early struggles with acceptance had a lasting impact on her personality and later shaped her bold and outspoken public image.
After high school, Jenny went on to study at Southern Illinois University.
She pursued nursing and psychology. Unfortunately, after two years, she had to drop out due to financial hardship.
Her family could not afford the rising cost of college, so Jenny left school before completing her degree.
This difficult turn pushed her to look for new opportunities, which later led her to modeling and television a path that would eventually bring her fame and success in the entertainment world.
Jenny Mccarthy Age
Jenny Mccarthy is 53 years old as of 2025 because she came into the world on November 1, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Chicago.
According to her birthday, she falls under the Scorpio zodiac sign.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Jenny McCarthy first rose to prominence in 1993 when Playboy magazine selected her as the October Playmate of the Month, chosen from over 10,000 applicants.
Her wholesome Catholic girl image, paired with a schoolgirl-themed pictorial, garnered significant attention and controversy, especially within her Catholic community.
The following year, she was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Year, earning a $100,000 contract, which launched her career in entertainment.
After relocating to LA, Jenny hosted Hot Rocks on Playboy TV, a show featuring uncensored music videos.
In 1995, McCarthy made a major career leap by co-hosting MTV’s popular dating show Singled Out, which became a cultural phenomenon and further solidified her television presence.
She also made notable appearances at WWF’s WrestleMania XI that year. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Jenny expanded her acting portfolio with roles in films such as BASEketball and Scary Movie 3.
She also starred in her own NBC sitcom Jenny in 1997 and guest-starred on popular TV shows including The Drew Carey Show, Two and a Half Men, and Charmed.
Her hosting credits include Party at the Palms and Love in the Wild.
Author, Activist, and Music Television
In addition to acting and modeling, McCarthy established herself as a bestselling author, drawing on her personal experiences as a mother of an autistic child.
Her books such as Jen-X: Jenny McCarthy’s Open Book, Louder Than Words, and Mother Warriors focus on motherhood, autism awareness, and alternative therapies, which positioned her as a vocal advocate in the autism community.
These works sparked both support and controversy but undeniably expanded her influence beyond entertainment.
While not a professional singer, Jenny became a recognizable figure in music-related television by joining FOX’s The Masked Singer as a panelist starting in 2019.
This role highlighted her playful personality and connection to the music industry.
Additionally, she hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards and appeared in commercials related to lifestyle products.
Jenny’s media presence extended to radio with The Jenny McCarthy Show on SiriusXM and a stint as co-host on ABC’s The View from 2013 to 2014, where she was praised for her intelligence and humor.
Her career reflects a dynamic evolution from Playboy model to multifaceted entertainer, author, and public figure.
Jenny McCarthy Movies and TV Shows
Some of Jenny McCarthy Movies and TV Shows are listed below:
Movies
- The Stupids
- BASEketball
- Diamonds
- Scream 3
- Scary Movie 3
- Dirty Love
TV Shows
- Hot Rocks
- Singled Out
- The Jenny McCarthy Show
- Jenny
- Stacked
- Charmed
- The Drew Carey Show
- The Masked Singer
Jenny McCarthy Book
Here are some of Jenny McCarthy’s books:
- Jen-X: Jenny McCarthy’s Open Book (1997)
- Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth (2007)
- Love, Lust and Faking It: The Naked Truth about Sex, Lies, and True Romance (2008)
- Bad Habits: Confessions of a Recovering Catholic (2010)
- Dear Jenny: I Know You’re Out There, and I’m Looking for You (2011)
- Mother Warriors: A Nation of Parents Healing Autism Against All Odds (2010)
- Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism (2010)
What did Jenny Mccarthy Get Famous for?
Jenny McCarthy first gained widespread fame as a Playboy Playmate. She was featured as Playmate of the Month in October 1993 and earned the title of Playmate of the Year in 1994.
Her pictorial stood out due to its unique wholesome Catholic girl theme, which contrasted with typical Playboy imagery.
This distinctive persona attracted significant public and media attention.
The boldness of her photoshoot caused controversy in her local community but also helped launch her career in the entertainment industry.
Following her Playboy success, McCarthy transitioned into television and film.
She co-hosted MTV’s popular dating show Singled Out, which gained high ratings and further increased her visibility.
She appeared in numerous television shows such as The Drew Carey Show and acted in films like BASEketball.
Jenny also hosted several TV programs and produced her own projects. Over time, she built a multifaceted career as an actress, TV personality, author, and model.
Is Jenna McCarthy a ‘Badass Tanya’?
Jenna McCarthy is not Badass Tanya. The character Tanya in the game Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 was played by Jenny McCarthy, an actress known for this role.
Fans often felt Jenny McCarthy’s portrayal lacked the original Tanya’s badass energy. Jenna McCarthy is a different person, an author, and not related to the Tanya character.
So, Jenna McCarthy is not Badass Tanya-that title belongs only to the character played by Jenny McCarthy in the game.
Jenny McCarthy Net Worth
Jenny McCarthy has an estimated net worth of $25 million as of 2025. She makes money through a diverse range of ventures spanning acting, television hosting, and modeling.
Her work as a judge on The Masked Singer and hosting gigs on radio and reality TV also contribute significantly to her income.
Beyond entertainment, Jenny has authored several bestselling books about motherhood and autism, which have added to her earnings.
She also runs a successful SiriusXM radio show, The Jenny McCarthy Show, and makes appearances in commercials and endorsements.
Although controversial due to her anti-vaccine activism, her advocacy and public speaking engagements have also become a notable part of her income sources.
Jenny McCarthy Husband and Children
Jenny McCarthy is currently married to Donnie Wahlberg, an American singer, actor, and producer.
Donnie is best known as a founding member of the boy band New Kids on the Block and for his role in the TV series Blue Bloods.
The couple began dating in 2013, got engaged in April 2014 on The View, and married on August 31, 2014.
Jenny and Donnie share a close and supportive family life together, though they do not have children as a couple.
Before marrying Donnie Wahlberg, Jenny was married to John Mallory Asher, an American actor, director, and screenwriter.
They met in 1998, got engaged in January 1999, and married later that year on September 11.
Together, they have one son, Evan Joseph Asher, born in May 2002. Jenny and John divorced in September 2005.
Prior to these marriages, Jenny McCarthy was in a relationship with manager Ray Manzella from 1994 to 1998.
She also dated actor Jim Carrey, with their relationship becoming public in 2006. They lived together but never married and split up in April 2010.
Jenny McCarthy Son
Jenny McCarthy’s son, Evan Joseph McCarthy, was born on May 18, 2002.
From a young age, Evan showed a keen interest in creativity and storytelling. He has developed a career as a YouTuber, video creator, director, and editor.
Alongside his video work, Evan is an aspiring writer and filmmaker. In early 2023, he expanded his creative pursuits by releasing his first original song, showcased his passion for music as well.
Evan faced health challenges early in life. At about two and a half years old, he began experiencing seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Around the age of three, he was also diagnosed with autism.
Jenny has been very open about Evan’s diagnosis and the journey they have taken together.
She detailed her experiences in her book Louder Than Words where she discusses the difficulties and hopes that come with raising a child on the autism spectrum.
Her advocacy for autism awareness stems from her personal experience with Evan’s diagnosis. As Evan grew older, he became more involved in the digital content world.
In 2017, he launched his own YouTube channel, where he focuses on gaming, comedy, and other topics. One notable project he shared was a Minecraft server he spent six years building.
Evan also explored filmmaking behind the camera, often directing and editing his own videos.
In May 2021, he graduated from high school and later completed his college education in Chicago in March 2024.
In the realm of music, Evan debuted his original song It Doesn’t Matter in 2023. Evan found inspiration for his song in his celebrity crush Selena Gomez.
At first, he planned to have his stepfather, Donnie Wahlberg, sing the track. Donnie Wahlberg encouraged Evan to perform the song himself.
This support boosted Evan’s confidence and helped him grow as a musician.
Does Jim Carrey Still See Jenny Mccarthy Son?
Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy ended their relationship in 2010 after being together for several years.
At that time, McCarthy shared that her son, Evan, missed Carrey and often asked about him.
She mentioned Evan was undergoing therapy to cope with the separation and that she had tried to facilitate contact between Carrey and Evan, though she handled it through intermediaries rather than direct communication.
Carrey expressed that he loved Evan and wanted what was best for him, but also noted concerns about protecting Evan’s privacy.
Despite his affection, Carrey did not maintain regular contact with Evan following the breakup. Since then, Jenny remarried Donnie Wahlberg, who has become a supportive stepfather to Evan.
Is Jenna McCarthy Related to Melissa McCarthy?
Jenna McCarthy is not related to Melissa McCarthy. The two are different individuals with the same last name.
Jenny McCarthy, another McCarthy in the entertainment industry, is actually cousins with Melissa McCarthy.
Jenna McCarthy, known as an author and speaker, has no known family relation to Melissa McCarthy, the actress and comedian.
Jenny McCarthy Height and Weight
Jenny McCarthy stands about 5 feet 6½ inches which is equal to 169 centimeters tall. She maintains a fit physique and weighs around 58 kilograms or 128 pounds.
Jenny’s vibrant and classic appearance helped launch her successful career in modeling, acting, and television hosting.
How does Jenny Mccarthy Loose so Much Weight?
Jenny McCarthy achieved a remarkable weight loss transformation by committing to a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. At her heaviest during pregnancy, she weighed around 211 pounds.
Over time, she managed to lose approximately 60 pounds, bringing her weight down to about 150 pounds.
This change was not the result of a single method but rather a combination of clean eating, regular physical activity, and selective cosmetic procedures to enhance her results.
Her diet focused on whole, nutritious foods including lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats, while limiting processed items and sugar.
She practiced portion control and implemented intermittent fasting to help regulate her metabolism and eating habits.
Alongside her dietary adjustments, Jenny followed a consistent fitness routine that included strength training, cardio exercises, and yoga to improve muscle tone and overall health.
In addition to her lifestyle changes, Jenny opted for cosmetic procedures like AirSculpt®, a minimally invasive fat removal and body contouring treatment.
She also had a fat transfer to her hands to maintain a youthful appearance.
These procedures complemented her hard work rather than replacing the need for diet and exercise.
Importantly, Jenny chose not to use medications like Ozempic, expressing her preference for permanent, medication-free solutions.
Her 60-pound weight loss journey showcases a balanced and realistic approach to wellness, highlighting that long-term commitment to health, rather than shortcuts, leads to lasting results.
Social Media Presence
Jenny McCarthy is very active on social media, with millions of followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Facebook.
She regularly shares updates about her career, personal life, beauty tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from her work.
Jenny McCarthy and Justin Bieber
At the 2012 American Music Awards, Jenny McCarthy made headlines when she presented Justin Bieber with the award for Favorite Pop/Rock Album.
During the on-stage moment, she surprised Bieber by grabbing him and kissing him on the neck, which visibly startled him.
The then 18-year-old pop star responded with a mix of shock and humor, joking, Wow. I feel violated right now, as he accepted his award.
After the incident, Jenny explained her actions were spontaneous and lighthearted, calling it a cougar scare moment.
She joked that she couldn’t resist the opportunity and playfully referred to the interaction as the cougar score of the century.
The incident sparked mixed reactions from viewers and media, with some finding it humorous while others criticized it as inappropriate due to the age difference. The moment remains a talked-about highlight from the award show’s history.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, Jenny McCarthy is a multifaceted entertainer and author known for her dynamic career in modeling, acting, and television hosting, as well as her influential voice in autism advocacy.
Her versatility and outspoken personality have kept her a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades.
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