Plainfield Native Melissa McCarthy Among Highest-Paid Actresses

PLAINFIELD, IL — Melissa McCarthy is one of Plainfield's best-known natives, and according to Forbes, she may be among the richest. Last week, the magazine released its 2017 list of the highest-paid actresses in showbiz, and the "Bridesmaids" star is among the most sought-after talent in Hollywood, judging by her paycheck. McCarthy, whose most recent work includes a memorable portrayal of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer on "Saturday Night Live," came in an No. 4, with an estimated earnings of $18 million this year.

McCarthy is in good company, holding her own among A-listers Emma Stone (No. 1, $26 million), Jennifer Aniston (No. 2, $25.5 million), Jennifer Lawrence (No. 3, $24 million), Mila Kunis (No. 5, $15.5 million) and Julia Roberts (No. 8, $12 million). The cutoff to be on the list was $11.5 million, according to Forbes.

McCarthy attended St. Mary Immaculate school and is a graduate of the former St. Francis Academy, now Joliet Catholic Academy. In 2011, she famously gave Plainfield a shout-out in 2011 while accepting her Emmy for best lead actress in a comedy series for "Mike & Molly."

"I'm from Plainfield, Illinois, and I'm standing here and it's kind of amazing," she said. In a 2010 interview with Patch, she named a former St. Mary's teacher as the inspiration for her character on the since-cancelled show. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Read Forbes' full list of highest-paid actresses.

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Main photo: Melissa McCarthy accepts a People's Choice Award in January 2017. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Invision/AP)