In 2011, Melissa McCarthy had one of the best possible years as an entertainer: She picked up an Emmy for her starring role on the CBS hit “Mike & Molly” and an Oscar nomination for her role in the zany blockbuster smash “Bridesmaids.” For a comic actress who spent years in supporting and bit roles, the jump to big and small screen superstardom was both surprising and gratifying. As McCarthy has proven since that dramatic year, she just may be the best comic actor on the planet.
As we prepare to watch her new (and critically well-received) film “Spy,” let's remember why Melissa McCarthy is no flash in the plan and recall why she may be the best — and certainly our favorite — funny performer around.