Jenny McCarthy

Jenny McCarthy is a multi-talented American actress, model, television host, and author. She first gained widespread recognition as a Playboy model before making a successful transition into television and film. Over the years, she has become a well-known personality, celebrated for her energetic on-screen presence, advocacy work, and outspoken views. From hosting top-rated TV shows to championing autism awareness, McCarthy has carved a unique niche for herself in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Education

Jennifer Ann McCarthy, widely known as Jenny McCarthy, was born on November 1, 1972, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, and raised in the nearby Chicago suburb of West Elsdon. She is the second of four daughters born to Linda McCarthy, a housewife and courtroom custodian, and Dan McCarthy, a steel mill foreman. Growing up in a working-class Catholic family, Jenny attended Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, an all-girls Catholic school on Chicago’s Southwest Side.

During her school years, Jenny was an active cheerleader at both Brother Rice High School and St. Laurence High School. She later attended Southern Illinois University for two years but eventually dropped out due to financial struggles and a desire to pursue a career in entertainment.

Personal Life

Jenny McCarthy has been known for her vibrant personality, outspoken views, and commitment to family life. Throughout her career, she has been candid about her experiences with relationships, motherhood, and health advocacy. She has often spoken about her personal struggles, including her journey with autism awareness and her advocacy for alternative medicine.

McCarthy has been in the public eye for her relationships, including a high-profile relationship with actor and comedian Jim Carrey from 2005 to 2010. She later found lasting love with musician and actor Donnie Wahlberg, a member of New Kids on the Block, whom she married in 2014. The couple continues to share their love story with fans and often posts about their life together on social media.

Family

Jenny McCarthy was raised in a large Irish-American family, with strong Catholic values influencing her upbringing. She has three sisters: Lynette, Joanne, and Amy McCarthy. Amy McCarthy also pursued a career in entertainment, following in her older sister’s footsteps.

McCarthy is a devoted mother to her son, Evan Joseph Asher, born in 2002 from her previous marriage to actor and director John Asher. Evan was diagnosed with autism at an early age, which led Jenny to become a passionate advocate for autism awareness. She has credited alternative treatments and dietary changes for helping her son, though her views have sparked controversy within the medical community.

Detailed Bio Table

Career

Modeling and Playboy Fame

Jenny McCarthy’s rise to fame began in 1993 when she posed for Playboy magazine. She was selected as Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for October 1993 and later named Playmate of the Year in 1994. Her appearance in the magazine helped her gain widespread recognition and opened doors in the entertainment industry.

Television Hosting and Acting

Following her success with Playboy, McCarthy transitioned to television. In 1995, she became the co-host of MTV’s dating show Singled Out, which boosted her popularity. Her comedic style and engaging personality made her a standout on the show, leading to numerous hosting and acting opportunities.

She went on to star in her own sketch comedy show, The Jenny McCarthy Show, in 1997, followed by a sitcom titled Jenny the same year. Although Jenny was short-lived, McCarthy continued to land roles in television and film, including appearances in movies such as BASEketball (1998), Scream 3 (2000), and Dirty Love (2005), which she also wrote and produced.

Advocacy and Writing

In the mid-2000s, Jenny McCarthy became a well-known advocate for autism awareness after her son’s diagnosis. She wrote several books on parenting and alternative medicine, including Louder Than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism (2007) and Healing and Preventing Autism (2009). While her advocacy brought attention to autism spectrum disorders, her outspoken support for alternative treatments and vaccine skepticism attracted significant criticism from the medical community.

Talk Shows and Reality Television

McCarthy expanded her television career by becoming a talk show host. In 2013, she launched The Jenny McCarthy Show on VH1, a late-night talk show that lasted for one season. The following year, she joined The View as a co-host, bringing her candid opinions and humor to daytime television.

In recent years, she has become a panelist on the popular Fox series The Masked Singer, where her lively personality and entertainment expertise make her a fan favorite.

Entrepreneurship and Podcasting

Aside from television, Jenny McCarthy has ventured into business and podcasting. She launched her own SiriusXM radio show, The Jenny McCarthy Show, where she interviews celebrities and discusses pop culture, relationships, and health topics. She has also been involved in various entrepreneurial endeavors, including a line of fitness and beauty products.

Latest News (2025)

As of 2025, Jenny McCarthy has been making headlines for her ongoing role as a judge on The Masked Singer, where she continues to entertain audiences with her enthusiastic personality. Recently, she was also in the news for celebrating her 10th wedding anniversary with Donnie Wahlberg, sharing heartfelt tributes on social media and giving fans a glimpse into their strong relationship.

Height and Physical Appearance

Jenny McCarthy stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters). She is known for her blonde hair, blue eyes, and vibrant personality. Over the years, she has maintained a fit physique and often shares her fitness and wellness routines with her fans. Her signature style includes glamorous yet approachable fashion choices, often seen in chic dresses and casual yet elegant attire.

Social Media Accounts

Net Worth as of 2025

Jenny McCarthy’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $25 million. Her income comes from various sources, including television hosting, acting, book sales, and endorsements. Additionally, she has multiple business ventures, including a partnership in the beauty and wellness industry. Her long-term career in entertainment and media has helped her sustain financial success over the years.