Pictures of Sookie

A natural-born comedian with credits that include film, television, stand-up and theater experience, Melissa McCarthy returns for a third season as clumsy culinary genius Sookie St. James in Gilmore Girls.

Born and raised in Plainfield, Ill. just outside of Chicago, McCarthy first made her mark on the comedy stage, performing stand up in New York at The Improv and Stand Up New York. At the same time, she received dramatic training from The Actors Studio in New York and starred in a variety of stage productions throughout the city. Since moving to Los Angeles, McCarthy's quick wit gets a workout every weekend as a member of The Groundlings comedy and improv cast.

In addition to sketch comedy, McCarthy's upcoming feature film work includes The Life of Dave Gale with Kevin Spacey and Kate Winslett and the novel adaptation White Oleander with Michelle Pfeiffer. Her previous credits include Pumpkin with Christina Ricci and Go directed by Doug Liman. In addition, McCarthy starred in John August's independent short film God as a young woman having gossipy phone conversations and a short-lived spat with the Almighty.