Melissa Ann McCarthy (born August 26, 1970) is an American film and television actress, comedian, writer and producer. McCarthy first gained recognition for her role as Sookie St. James on the television series Gilmore Girls, where she starred from 2000 to 2007. From 2007 to 2009, she portrayed Dena on the ABC sitcom Samantha Who?. McCarthy was then cast as Molly Flynn on the CBS sitcom Mike & Molly. For her portrayal of Molly Flynn-Biggs, McCarthy earnered an Emmy Award, and has been nominated again for the same role. McCarthy was also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her work as host on Saturday Night Live. McCarthy achieved major success and fame for her breakthrough role in the 2011 comedy hit Bridesmaids, which garnered her numerous award nominations including an Academy Award nomination, a BAFTA nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She has also appeared in films including The Nines, The Back-up Plan and Life as We Know It.