Jenny McCarthy, the multi-hyphenate star known for her candid personality and decades-long career, has faced one of her most challenging years to date, as of December 2025. The former Playboy Playmate and current *The Masked Singer* judge recently opened up about a grueling, year-long health battle that required multiple invasive procedures, while simultaneously launching exciting new career ventures alongside her husband, Donnie Wahlberg. Her resilience and ability to pivot between personal crisis and professional success continue to define her public life.
The latest updates on McCarthy are a mix of surprising personal revelations and anticipated professional moves, providing a fresh look at the star's life in late 2025. From serious medical issues to developing a new talk show format, she remains one of Hollywood's most dynamic and talked-about figures, constantly reinventing her role in television and media.
Jenny McCarthy: Complete Biography and Profile
Full Name: Jennifer Ann McCarthy-Wahlberg (née McCarthy)
Born: November 1, 1972 (Age 53 as of late 2025)
Birthplace: Evergreen Park, Illinois, U.S.
Spouses: John Asher (m. 1999; div. 2005), Donnie Wahlberg (m. 2014)
Children: Evan Joseph Asher (from first marriage)
Notable Career Milestones:
- 1993: Began modeling for *Playboy* magazine.
- 1994: Named *Playboy* Playmate of the Year, launching her mainstream career.
- 1995–1997: Host of the MTV dating show *Singled Out*.
- 1997: Starred in her own sketch comedy series, *The Jenny McCarthy Show*.
- Film Roles: *BASEketball* (1998), *Scream 3* (2000), *Scary Movie 3* (2003), *Dirty Love* (2005), *John Tucker Must Die* (2006).
- Television Roles: *The View* (Co-host, 2013–2014), *Donnie Loves Jenny* (Reality TV, 2015–2016).
- Current Role (Since 2019): Panelist/Judge on FOX's *The Masked Singer*.
- Author: Best-selling author of several books, including *Belly Laughs*, *Baby Laughs*, and *Louder Than Words*.
- Activism: Known for her controversial stance and activism regarding vaccine safety and autism.
The Year-Long Health Crisis: Nine Surgeries and a Bone Infection
In a candid and emotional revelation in late 2025, Jenny McCarthy shared the details of a terrifying health battle that spanned an entire year, underscoring the star’s personal struggles outside the spotlight of *The Masked Singer*. The crisis began with a recurring mouth infection that escalated into a severe medical emergency, leading to a diagnosis of a bone infection.
The infection became so aggressive that it required McCarthy to undergo a staggering nine separate surgeries throughout the year. She detailed the harrowing experience of dealing with the infection, which caused a significant amount of weight loss and led to further complications.
The severity of the medical issues extended beyond the bone infection. McCarthy bravely disclosed that the crisis resulted in her teeth falling out and the development of growths on her eyeballs, symptoms that highlight the body-wide impact of the systemic infection. Her public discussion of this private health battle, including the need for extensive medical intervention, resonated with many fans, showcasing her vulnerability and strength in the face of a major health challenge.
Her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, was a pillar of support throughout the ordeal, a dynamic that fans of their reality show *Donnie Loves Jenny* have come to expect. While the experience was undoubtedly traumatic, McCarthy’s decision to share her story is a powerful example of transparency, offering an updated perspective on the reality of celebrity life and the importance of medical attention for severe infections.
Current Projects and Career Reinvention in 2025
Despite her health struggles, Jenny McCarthy has maintained a relentless pace in her career, solidifying her status as a media personality and judge. Her professional life in 2025 is marked by a clear focus on new media formats and collaborations with her husband, Donnie Wahlberg, demonstrating her continued ability to evolve with the entertainment landscape.
The Masked Singer and iHeartRadio
McCarthy continues her high-profile role as a judge on the popular FOX musical competition show, *The Masked Singer*. Her presence on the panel, alongside Robin Thicke, Ken Jeong, and Nick Cannon, has been a key component of the show's success for multiple seasons. Her participation in the show, including appearances at events like the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, keeps her firmly in the public eye.
Developing a New Talk Show/Podcast Hybrid
Leveraging her extensive experience in talk television, from *The View* to her own radio show, McCarthy is currently developing a new daytime show that is described as a video podcast hybrid. This project signals her move into the increasingly popular world of integrated digital and broadcast content, allowing her to connect with audiences in a more intimate and unfiltered manner. This format allows for the deep-dive conversations and candid commentary her fans appreciate, further establishing her topical authority in the talk show space.
Hosting *Very Scary Lovers* with Donnie Wahlberg
One of the most anticipated new projects for the Wahlberg-McCarthy household is the true-crime spin-off series, *Very Scary Lovers*. Set to premiere on February 2, 2025, the show will be co-hosted by Jenny and Donnie Wahlberg. This new venture capitalizes on the couple's on-screen chemistry and the current popularity of the true-crime genre, adding a new dimension to their joint career portfolio. The title itself suggests an exploration of relationships gone wrong, a theme that promises to answer the audience’s curiosity with compelling, dramatic narratives.
The Enduring Appeal of Jenny McCarthy
From her early days as a *Playboy* Playmate of the Year to her time hosting MTV's *Singled Out*, and her later roles as an author and talk show host, Jenny McCarthy has always been a figure of reinvention. Her ability to transition through different facets of media—modeling, acting, comedy, reality TV, and serious commentary—is a testament to her enduring appeal and business acumen.
Her recent health revelations, while difficult, have only added another layer to her public persona: that of a survivor. As she moves forward with her new talk show and the *Very Scary Lovers* project, McCarthy continues to defy expectations, proving that a multifaceted career can thrive even in the wake of significant personal challenges. Her story in 2025 is one of professional ambition fueled by personal resilience, cementing her legacy as a determined and outspoken television personality.
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