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Entertainment • Television

Jenny McCarthy

Jenny McCarthy is an American actress, model, television personality, and author.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jenny McCarthy is an American actress, model, television personality, and author. She first became known through *Playboy* in the 1990s and later built a career in television, film, and hosting. She is also known for her public anti-vaccine activism and related writing.

Early life and career beginnings

Jenny McCarthy was born in 1972 in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She began her career in the early 1990s as a model for *Playboy* and was named Playmate of the Year in 1994.

Television and film career

McCarthy gained mainstream visibility as co-host of MTV's *Singled Out* from 1995 to 1997. She later starred in the sitcom *Jenny* from 1997 to 1998. Her film credits include *BASEketball*, *Scream 3*, *Dirty Love*, *John Tucker Must Die*, and *Santa Baby*. She also hosted or co-hosted several television programs, including *The Jenny McCarthy Show* and *The View*, and began serving as a panelist on *The Masked Singer* in 2019.

Books and advocacy

McCarthy has written books on parenting and autism. She has promoted anti-vaccine claims, which has been a major part of her public profile.

Personal life

McCarthy is married to musician and actor Donnie Wahlberg.

Key facts

  • Began career as a *Playboy* model and Playmate of the Year in 1994.
  • Co-hosted MTV's *Singled Out* from 1995 to 1997.
  • Starred in sitcom *Jenny* and films like *BASEketball* and *Scream 3*.
  • Known for anti-vaccine activism and books on parenting and autism.
  • Married to Donnie Wahlberg.
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Canadian context

McCarthy is part of North American pop culture and has appeared in television and film that also reached Canadian audiences through broadcast, cable, and streaming distribution.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jenny McCarthy?
Jenny McCarthy is an American actress, model, television personality, and author best known for her *Playboy* fame, MTV hosting work, and later television appearances.
What was Jenny McCarthy's first major claim to fame?
She first became known as a *Playboy* model in 1993 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1994.
What television shows is she known for?
She is known for *Singled Out*, *Jenny*, *The Jenny McCarthy Show*, *The View*, and *The Masked Singer*.
What films has Jenny McCarthy appeared in?
Her film credits include *BASEketball*, *Scream 3*, *Dirty Love*, *John Tucker Must Die*, and *Santa Baby*.
Is Jenny McCarthy married?
Yes. She is married to Donnie Wahlberg.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenny_McCarthy
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, early *Playboy* career, TV and film credits
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/jenny-mccarthy
    Supports: Birth date, Playmate of the Year, hosting roles, books on autism, *The Masked Singer*
  3. People — https://www.people.com/tag/jenny-mccarthy/
    Supports: Career overview, *Singled Out*, *Jenny*, film roles, *The Masked Singer*
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/jenny-mccarthy/
    Supports: Birth date, birth place, spouses, major television roles