Melissa McCarthy Takes a Serious Turn in 'Can You Ever Forgive Me?'
There’s no laughing matter when Melissa McCarthy steps into her latest role in Can You Ever Forgive Me?. This time, she's ditching the comedy for a deeply moving biographical drama. In theaters starting October 19, Melissa gives a stunning performance as the late Lee Israel, a reclusive figure who shocked the literary world in the '80s by forging letters from famous writers. This is the kind of story that pulls you in and doesn't let go.
Closer Weekly had the chance to sit down with Melissa at the Toronto International Film Festival premiere, where she opened up about her decision to take on such a challenging role. "It's crucial to show women who are complex, sharp, brilliant, and unapologetically themselves," Melissa, 48, shared. "These kinds of characters don't come around often enough, and when they do, it's an opportunity to make a real impact."
A Career Built on Versatility
Though Melissa has made a name for herself with hilarious comedies like Spy and The Heat, her journey in acting began with a foundation in drama. "Before I became known for comedy, I spent a decade performing in dramatic plays in New York," she explained in an exclusive interview with Closer. "I've always toggled between the two, and this role felt like a natural progression of my craft."
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Despite the stark contrast between Melissa and the misanthropic Lee Israel, British actress Dolly Wells, who plays Melissa's love interest in the film, had nothing but praise for her co-star. "Melissa is a joy to be around—funny, warm, supportive, and just a delight," Dolly gushed. "Even when we were working on such heavy material, we managed to have plenty of laughs along the way."
Could Melissa Take Home an Oscar?
Melissa earned a supporting actress Oscar nomination for her breakout role in 2011’s Bridesmaids, and many believe she could earn her first best actress nod for Can You Ever Forgive Me? "There’s no doubt in my mind she’ll be nominated," said Richard E. Grant, who plays her clever accomplice in the film. "She’s absolutely extraordinary in this movie, and audiences are going to be blown away by her performance."
As a mother of two preteen girls, Melissa is particularly proud of the film’s unique perspective. "We can’t keep telling the same old stories from the same viewpoints," she remarked. "That gets boring, and it doesn’t reflect the world we actually live in. It’s important to me that we tell stories that resonate with everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from."
Check out the official trailer for Can You Ever Forgive Me? below:
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