How Melissa McCarthy became one of Hollywood's biggest stars

It's time to give the comedian the credit she deserves

Melissa McCarthy.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Where have all the movies stars gone? As has happened regularly for the past decade or so, a film-industry publication is alarmed over a perceived lack of A-listers. This time it's The Hollywood Reporter, asking: "If Jennifer Lawrence can't open a movie, who can?"

The answer is Melissa McCarthy.

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Jesse Hassenger

Jesse Hassenger's film and culture criticism has appeared in The Onion's A.V. Club, Brooklyn Magazine, and Men's Journal online, among others. He lives in Brooklyn, where he also writes fiction, edits textbooks, and helps run SportsAlcohol.com, a pop culture blog and podcast.