Melissa McCarthy Graces PEOPLE's Beautiful Issue Cover: "Beauty Is Owning Who You Are" | PEOPLE

When Melissa McCarthy heard the news that she had been chosen to grace the cover of PEOPLE’s 2023 Beautiful Issue, her first thought was, “Did my mom and my dad have the two main votes?”
All joking aside, the 'Little Mermaid' star admits she was "incredibly flattered" over the honor. "I thought the younger version of myself or everybody out there who isn't the youngest or whatever... I felt like it was saying something really lovely to my younger self, to my 20-year-old self," she tells PEOPLE in this week's cover story. "And maybe to other people, too."
Watch our exclusive interview with the hilarious star on why compassion is her superpower, how husband Ben Falcone has helped her feel comfortable in her own skin and the real-world advice she gives her two teen girls.
Subscribe to People ►► bit.ly/Subscrib...
#MelissaMcCarthy #BeautifulIssue #PEOPLE
Catch up on the latest celebrity news, top stories and more:
• Pippa Middleton Welcom...
PEOPLE goes behind-the-scenes with our cover stars for exclusive stories and in-depth interviews:
• Michelle Obama on Love...
PEOPLE goes in-depth with your favorite stars and celebrities to bring you exclusive stories and features:
• Meet 3 Doctors Who Are...
Go inside the homes of your favorite celebrities with exclusive house tours: • NCIS’s Sean Murray Ope...
Get exclusive access into the biggest celebrity weddings. From the dresses and rings to dances and surprises, PEOPLE covers it all: • Inside Real Housewife ...
Watch as your favorite couples reveal the secrets to love and happiness in celebrity love stories:
• Ted Danson and Mary St...
Stay up to date with The Royal Family: • Prince William Respond...
Watch kids interview your favorite celebrities with the most adorable questions you'll ever hear:
• Jimmy Fallon Answers K...
ABOUT PEOPLE
PEOPLE remains the trusted authority at the center of pop culture. The PEOPLE brand features a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time.
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
Web: people.com
Twitter: / people
Facebook: / peoplemag
Instagram: / people
Melissa McCarthy Graces PEOPLE's Beautiful Issue Cover: "Beauty Is Owning Who You Are" | PEOPLE
/ people

[@ashaanderson7971]

I love her so much. She is poised, honest, funny, and beautiful.

[@corazondejesus960]

i love Melissa McCarthy! she is so down-to-earth and absolutely adorable!

[@DLFH]

She's a fantastically well-spoken person who continues to bring love and life into all she does. Cheers to a kick ass lady and her comedic powers!!!!

[@gloriaemon6624]

seeing her feel herself during the photoshoot gives me lifeee. I love this women so much

[@ET-en8gi]

This amazing woman is my spirit animal! I am her in an alternate universe. Gorgeous, talented, funny, intelligent, funny, kind, and funny! You spread smiles wherever you go, Melissa. Thank you for being!

[@meelarno]

“Beauty is… strength, individuality, owning who you are [and] allowing other people to be who they are” loved loved that part.😍

[@bethrogers5656]

Congratulations to Melissa, truly beautiful inside and out! Thank People highlighting her beauty and abilities!

[@WrenIsPhoenix]

The essence of a person is where the beauty comes from, and she radiates such a light!

[@melindamullins9272]

shes so sweet and so relatable she has beautiful eyes

[@Cstylinn]

Love Love love Melissa!!! Happy to see her get this cover, what a celebration!🎉

[@hollydeitrick2515]

She is so stinking beautiful. No matter what she does, no matter what character she's in...Drop-dead gorgeous. And she seems like she would be the favorite friend in the group.

[@snaxicakes]

I couldn't agree more. Unique is beautiful.

[@masilomorake2876]

A beautiful woman on an iconic magazine cover.

[@marie-claudeborja7419]

I love Melissa! Funny, sweet and beautiful! 😍❤🙌🏻

[@stressmuffin]

Finally! It’s not the usual skinny bikini body actress, model, athlete or whatever famous A-lister female star. Melissa has this gorgeous face, with amazing style. Plus, she’s so multitalented and funny.

[@carolajones5195]

Melissa is phenomenal. She is filled with hope, caring, intelligence that matters, LOVE, waaaaaayyyyy funny and just the most precious selfless heart. You need her in your individual life all the time. God smiles ALL OF TIME when he thinks about, heard and sees her. Thank you Melissa McCarthy for being how, who and whose you are authentically and intentionally. I thank God for you!!! 10:31am Thursday, May 4, 2023.🎉 😍💕🌈🌅🌄🥴🙃☺️💐🎁🎂♾️🙏

[@lisalarosa4546]

Melissa and her husband, Ben, are two of the funniest comedians, I have ever had the pleasure to watch. Her clothes are beautiful! I wonder if she designed them herself.

[@victoria859]

I Love Them Both. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mandylandis8887]

Ms McCarty .... what a soul ! .. what a life ! ... what a Jewel ! ... what a BEAUT !!!

[@joannejohnson7006]

Melissa, your photo shoot is glorious and your kindness shows through your eyes and smile. We are all blessed to have you giving your everything to make us feel happy Sending you love 😊

[@uleducokc]

Melissa McCarthy is good people. She is a person who is beautiful inside and out. She is such a positive presence. I am grateful that she continues to share her gifts with the world - she makes it a brighter place.

[@katya_youstellar]

Omg! love Melissa so much, she is stunning and the most talented actress ❤

[@Sarah-JaneAllsopp]

Man, she's so awesome. Been a huge fan for many many years. Love everything about her. And now even more. Such a beaut storyteller too. So clever, witty, sassy and hilariously funny. A delightful wonderful person, inside and out.✌💜💙

[@Rochelny]

G-D I love this woman!!! She's so fabulous!

[@cathybynum6390]

She’s such a beautiful soul, what a blessing she is, she brings so much sunshine to all of us. God bless love. Congrats on a beautiful pic.🙏💜🥰

[@diamondpaintingpeacock9772]

I'm so happy that People chose Melissa. She is so beautiful! I love her! She is smart, hilarious and talented! Love her movies. Would love to see another SPY movie and to see her reunited with Sandra Bullock! They make such a great team. Love you Melissa!🎉❤

[@donellagallo7079]

What a gorgeous woman with so much talent! I watch everything she is in.

[@anniecrawford5911]

We are all so very blessed that you follow your own advice. Lead with kindness. Be comfortable with who you are. Be yourself. Love your creative honest, silly, real life, sense of humor. Wishing you happiness and success, always. Hello from Minnesota . 🌎

[@annagloria2332]

Melissa McCarthy is sooo beautiful! 😍🤗🤗 I always thought it's something about her bright big green eyes, because they do catch you of guard... But what always makes me marvel at her, is her heart. Everytime I listen to her, I either laugh or smile from the heart. I LOVEHER ENERGY!!! EVERY! TIME! A fan 😊

[@beth12ann]

Thanks for giving us so much fun and laughter. You are Amazing 🙂

[@diannleich6009]

She is just so real and over the top funny in her TV and movies. She’s the best actress I’ve seen in a long time.

[@sophierosebisou8420]

Along with loving everything about Melissa, I’m loving her in those sleeves!🥰

[@amyrice8128]

I love her so much! I have went through and binge watched a lot of her movies. I love her onscreen and when she’s just being herself.

[@shelliesykes3475]

Missy, thank you for your words. You're incredible!!

[@tammyharper4152]

Melissa is a beautiful woman

[@debispencer393]

She's gorgeous!!!

[@HeatherHotcakes]

I’ve always found her to be beautiful. She’s really made me laugh over the years. IMO, I watched Gilmore Girls for Sookie!!

[@cathyscott3690]

I love her! Funny and beautiful!

[@tracy_222]

Love Melissa she’s such a great actress and all together woman❤️ can’t wait to see her in the new little mermaid 🧜‍♀️

[@dolceitalia.]

Melissa, Kathy Bates, Julie Andrews...my most favorite actresses ever and the most beautiful inside and out. The perfect Hollywood role models to look up to 💖

[@peterlenham3180]

Melissa is gorgeous.

[@debrajosephs]

So Cool! omg...definitely the eyebrows. Mine don't show. Pouts. Great headbands. Your glam is on point. That purple dress with the flowers...love.

[@pameladelancey5834]

I love her, always have and always will!! Cannot wait to see the new Little Mermaid!!❤❤❤

[@nellytamayo3414]

Melissa is gorgeous!

[@itsmeAshley84]

She is such a funny actress and her confidence explodes onscreen ❤❤❤

[@gloria6441]

Melissa McCarthy is one of my all time favorite actresses. She's so beautiful, serious and hilariously funny, she is the entire package. Melissa's husband has done some cameos in a few of the movies Melissa has starred in. They are a power couple.💖❤

[@loraoflahrity130]

In my book Melissa is an inspiration and a beautiful person all at the same time! I can't wait to see her new movie 🤩

[@charles.e.g.]

We love you Melissa!!!❤️

[@babyshark154]

she is stuuuuuuunninnnggg

[@notaylorhere]

Damn right girl!

[@createful_heart]

"Guess who's getting a weiner dog?" "Midway Mom!" I have adored #MelissaMcCarthy since I first saw her. I bet she's even funnier in real life than any character she's ever portrayed.

[@SassieLassie0406]

I think she is absolutly beautiful just the way she is!!

[@nartarlyiatremaynne1239]

Melissa is joyous and incandescent which I find to be enchanting. 💝 Australia

[@craigfurlow7692]

WHAT MELISSA SAID!!!

[@PrincessaC_2223]

Love this so so much! I love how her career is just so alive and she's not fitting into that Hollywood norm! I'm keeping hope alive for Mike and Molly to come back!!! Congratulations #MelissaMcCarthy!

[@diannafreespirit]

She is so relatable. You have to love her.

[@vicki6155]

I so appreciate your authenticity, Ms McCarthy! You rock🙌🙌🙌💞

[@bethanyhudson7102]

A beautiful woman with a heart of gold! Everything she said in that interview about kindness and being who you are is correct. I've spent the past 11 years, from Y2 to the end of the first year of college, being bullied for my autism, my appearance, and for being asexual. Whenever I am down because no one will talk to me because I'm me, I always listen to her wonderful advise. An amazing actress and a kind, empathetic women, she deserves our praise! Melissa Mccarthy you are a true star and hero!

[@femmenutritionau]

She is one of the most down to earth Hollywood stars ever! Such a breath of fresh air!!!

[@charm_comomagick]

Always loved her- so pretty and so cool❤ can't wait to see her in the Little Mermaid too!!!

[@allykatt1849]

My favorite movie with her is The Boss, just hilarious! Congrats, Melissa! Love and blessings! ❤

[@michelebrown6374]

Love, love, love Missy!! 😜 my favorite actress, so funny and crazy and smart and down to earth and hilarious, enjoy her design work and fashion, a great role model for everyone...and gorgeous to boot!! Can't wait to see The Little Mermaid...and anything else she come out in! ❤

[@stueeyphoenix]

Your Beauty Melissa McCarthy arrives before you do then elevates us when you arrive and lingers long after you have left. X

[@joannajohnson696]

I am so happy Melissa is an icon of beauty for us full bodied women. In public I am shamed & dissaproved because I am not skinny. I definitely notice a difference from when I was once thin and now carry those unexpected pounds.

[@barbielarson7719]

I've always thought Melissa was beautiful, she has beautiful eyes and a very pretty smile. Glad she will be in this issue of people magazine.

[@michellekeith5602]

I think Melissa McCarthy is one of the most talented intelligent and versatile women in all of entertainment. I love that she did her thing in her own way and at whatever size that may be at the time maybe I'm biased because she has an incredible resemblance to my mother in many ways but I truly believe she has more than proven her star quality on and off the silver screen. Congratulations to you Melissa! ❤️❤️❤️

[@carleneletren7036]

😊 love the realistic Conversation. You are a beautiful soul.

[@gailvaldez1130]

Great for her, she is beautiful inside & out.

[@CaptainChapin]

❤❤❤❤

[@jo8726t]

Love Melissa!!

[@funwithFred]

Love her comedy, her interviews, and the type of person she seems to be. Melissa, DON'T GET ANY COSMETIC SURGERY WE'RE HAVING TROUBLE LOOKING AT THE FACES OF THOSE THAT HAVE DONE THIS.

[@veronicamozee]

You have a beautiful face! I love you!

[@Greyfoot]

Melissa McCarthy is MY IDOL 😍🤩 I LOVE HER SO MUCH! ❤ If I ever got the chance to meet her, I might have a heart attack lol

[@donnapollock]

I love you so much Melissa. I think you are about the sweetest, kindest, most honest person I know. You have always been 100% with everyone. I think now and have always thought you were a very Beautiful Woman and so funny too. Never change, please we love you just the way you are...

[@kimcunningham2107]

This woman is not only beautiful...she is brilliant! 💖💕

[@louannespada3035]

Absolutely Beautiful Sister

[@leahjagger1309]

Hard days, great days and fun and easy! I love you, lady! Beautiful, funny, and those outfits! Rock the world! 🎉

[@fairydust3630]

I love this woman, a great actress. So funny in all she does. Love all the shows even the commercials. Great job Melissa

[@freetomato]

She’s a sparkling gem. Her interview outfit is FABULOUS! Renaissance iridescent JuneBug queen!

[@dalehoward3704]

YAY for Melissa--- Beautiful, Funny and with Class❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@michellejames5953]

She’s hilarious, and also a really Beautiful Woman!

[@minamovasseli]

I will watch any movie she is in!!!! Wonderful, beautiful and talented!!!💝

[@angelathorpe1611]

Stunningly beautiful inside and out. Sometimes being your authentic self is accepting those pieces of yourself that aren’t perfect.

[@kathygray5048]

I really love this lovely lady so much! Shes one of my favorite actors, I would love to meet her!❤

[@amyhall2202]

She is SO FUNNY, LOVELY and REAL!!!

[@barbnorton]

Just Love her!!!❤🎉🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉💜💕 She’s the Best! 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 ~Thank you for doing this!🙏🏽🦋

[@benjaminlibertarianscorpio]

I would have loved to have seen Lady Gaga in this role, but Melissa McCarthy is so damn good. Lady Gaga would also make a great Disney villain.

[@MariaRibeiro-tg5rz]

Love her, she's amazing 👏

[@Mickeylover141]

Love her!❤

[@TrusellaLouise-ng3pl]

She is beautiful inside and out! I love this 💓

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

Love her, she deserves to be on the cover ❤️🙏🏻

[@candacesinclair6178]

I have watched "Life of the Party" soooo many times! She is so funny yet real in that movie. She can be funny then in an instant be serious about a scene... like in "The Heat" about her (movie) brother. She seems so down-to-earth in real life. LOVE her! You go, Missy!

[@postivevibes3030]

I love her

[@brunildamarrero2095]

Awesome! Melissa McCarthy ✨🩷✨

[@reginabrown5059]

Awe Desi looks so happy! ❤ So happy for you!! ❤

[@jeanchiusano2861]

You make me laugh and cry. You are so beautiful. So happy you’re happy with your life ❤

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

You are beautiful inside and out. You look a lot like your mom. I live right next to Plainfield, in Yorkville, Illinois. Best of everything to you.💕

[@aksez2u]

She really is beautiful, but also funny. And open minded and she seems kind. The whole package ❤.

[@Donna-cc1kt]

Beautiful face. Beautiful personality, beautiful health. Glamour is fleeting.

[@laurabrawner9072]

Love this lady!!! What a role-model for women everywhere!!!

[@clarkbennett2312]

Great stories, thanks for sharing. You are the best actress👏