American actress and producer Melissa McCarthy has divulged she once had to endure a toxic work environment that left her sick and other crew members weeping.
McCarthy shared that working in the “hostile, volatile” set taught her to stand up and advocate for herself.
The actress’ ordeal has inspired her and her husband, Ben Falcone, to run a “crazy check” on a potential castmate before hiring for a role, noting that they don’t just expect kindness on their sets, “We demand it.”
Read on for more details.
A Toxic Set Left Melissa McCarthy ‘Physically Ill’
Melissa McCarthy, 52, opened up about a profoundly distressing experience on a movie set that left her physically ill and other crew members in tears. McCarthy, known for her comedic genius and infectious charm, shed light on the toxic environment she endured, highlighting the need for empathy in workplace conditions.
The acclaimed actress, famous for her roles in movies such “Bridesmaids” and “Spy,” spoke candidly during a recent interview with The Observer, recounting the traumatic events that unfolded behind the scenes of a film she worked on.
She revealed that the set was plagued by hostility and volatility, ultimately taking a toll on the mental and physical well-being of everyone involved. The toxicity of the group was so intense that it affected her health, leaving her physically ill and emotionally drained.
“I did work for someone once who ran such a volatile, hostile set that it made me physically ill,” McCarthy said. “My eyes were swelling up, absorbing all of this nuttiness.”
She added, “People were weeping, visibly so upset by this one person, and I think that’s why the manipulation worked because to get to me, this person would fire people I loved, which kept me quiet. It was very effective.”
Melissa McCarthy Learned To Advocate For Herself
According to the publication, the beloved comedic star also spoke about how her hostile and volatile environment helped her learn to advocate for herself in the face of adversity and opposition.
McCarthy disclosed that the hostile work environment eventually resulted in physical illness, leaving her no choice but to take a step back and reevaluate her situation. She recognized the need to prioritize her well-being and committed to advocating for herself, even in the most challenging circumstances.
“Then one day, I was like, ‘It stops today!’ I just kept saying to them; it stops, it stops. And I know now I’ll never keep quiet again,” she recounted.
Since her trying experience, McCarthy has taken on roles in projects where she feels supported and cherished. She continues to captivate audiences with her unmatched talent and zest for life, proving that resilience and self-advocacy can pave the way for a brighter future.
Melissa McCarthy Has A ‘Crazy Check’ Casting Process
The “This Is 40” actress shared details about the unconventional method she and her husband, Ben Falcone, employ to assess potential hires for roles in their upcoming projects.
The comedic duo, who both run a production company called, On the Day Productions, have been conducting what they playfully refer to as a “crazy check” to gauge a person’s niceness before bringing them on board, noting that they “demand it” on their sets.
“You know, we were so shocked, and grateful at getting to build our little worlds, we were like, ‘We have to build the one we’ve always talked about, where everybody gets to have an opinion, and everyone is nice. It will run a lot better with no screamers or crazy egos bumbling around. Why would we risk destroying that?'” she explained.
McCarthy and Falcone, who have been married since October 2005, share two daughters: Vivian, 16, and Georgette, 13.
Melissa McCarthy Stuns For Sydney Premiere Of Her New Movie
Halle Bailey, Rob Marshall e Melissa McCarthy na premiere de ‘A Pequena Sereia’ que aconteceu ontem em Sydney, na Austrália! 🌊🧜🏾♀️#APequenaSereia #TheLittleMermaid pic.twitter.com/BEBygj1SLm
— Disney Live-Actions Brasil 🧚🏾♀️🧜🏾♀️ (@DisneyLABR) May 22, 2023
The blue carpet was excited as McCarthy graced the Sydney premiere of her highly anticipated film, “The Little Mermaid,” alongside Halle Bailey.
Dressed in a dazzling tunic dress with sparkling purple sequins through the front, McCarthy radiated elegance and confidence as she stepped onto the blue carpet. The floor-length dress, made of silk fabric, also featured bright patterned, intricate sequin detailing, adding a touch of glamour to her ensemble. She paired her outfit with sparkling earrings and a diamond necklace.
McCarthy’s choice of attire not only showcased her impeccable fashion sense and paid homage to her role in the live-action adaptation of the Disney classic, the sea witch Ursula.
