The actor on shucking oysters, the sweet smell of skunks and having hobbit hands

Born in Illinois, Melissa McCarthy, 48, performed standup in New York and trained at the Actors Studio. She starred in Gilmore Girls from 2000-2007 and went on to win Emmy awards for her role in Mike & Molly and for her work on Saturday Night Live. In 2012, she gained an Oscar nomination for Bridesmaids. Her other films include Tammy, Spy, Ghostbusters and Can You Ever Forgive Me? which opens in cinemas on 1 February. She is married to the actor Ben Falcone; they have two daughters and live in Los Angeles.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

Gloria Steinem, because her whole life has been spent trying to help people.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

That I don’t process, count to 10 and then respond. I would love to have a little more of my husband’s temperament, where he really takes it in, thinks about it and then responds.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I was telling some guys building a fence for me what a great job they were doing. I had weird pants on, and then I realised they had fallen down and I was standing there complimenting them with my pants round my ankles.

What is your wallpaper?

My dog Gladys.

What would your superpower be?

I’d love the immediate ability to change someone’s mind.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I have the hands of a hobbit. I’d like long, more delicate hands, but if somebody needs a pickle jar opened, I’m your gal!

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The Great British Bake Off. I can’t get enough of it.

If you could bring something extinct back to life, what would you choose?

Democracy.

What is your favourite smell?

This will sound strange, but the smell of a skunk. It reminds me of growing up on a farm.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to make women’s clothing. I also said that I wanted to be an artist; I don’t think I ever said I wanted to be an actress, but I remember thinking that would be fun.

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What do you owe your parents?

My confidence, my self-esteem, my humour, the wherewithal to find a really great partner in my husband. Everything.

What does love feel like?

There is an ease to it. It’s not all butterflies and sky rockets, it’s more like absolute comfort.

What is the worst job you’ve done?

I shucked oysters for a day without the proper knife or gloves. I had to go to hospital as I’d ripped my hands up. I can’t recommend it as a career option.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

That in 2019 we’re still dealing with people hating people or people wanting to keep women down. That we haven’t evolved past that is a huge disappointment.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That I have strong, happy girls.

How would you like to be remembered?

Kindly.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That the little things are so important.