Comedy star Melissa McCarthy made a triumphant and talk-worthy return to the Saturday Night Live stage, marking her sixth time as host. The event on December 6 quickly became a major talking point online, but not just for her hilarious sketches. Fans were equally captivated by the actress's visibly slimmer physique, leading to a wave of reactions and resurfacing conversations about celebrity, body image, and unsolicited comments.
SNL Hosting Gig Sparks Fan Frenzy Over New Look
The 55-year-old actress, beloved for her roles in Gilmore Girls and Bridesmaids, took the stage in a sleek black velvet jumpsuit. While her trademark physical comedy had the audience in stitches, it was her dramatic weight loss transformation that dominated social media discussions following the show. Fans took to platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their admiration and surprise.
One excited user wrote, "Holy cr*p, Melissa McCarthy looks AMAZING on SNL," while another confessed, "Melissa McCarthy! Oh my!! I’ve had a crush on her forever — I had no idea she had lost this much weight. Still crushing!" The term 'snatched' was also used, with a fan noting, "Melissa McCarthy is literally snatched for this monologue." The overall sentiment was one of support and awe, with comments like "She's looking fantastic" and "So glad to see Melissa McCarthy back on the SNL stage — and she looks fabulous" flooding the internet.
The Shadow of Barbra Streisand's Ozempic Comment
This is not the first time McCarthy's weight has been a public topic. The online celebration of her appearance brought back memories of a recent controversy involving legendary singer Barbra Streisand. Earlier this year, after McCarthy posted photos from an event honouring choreographer Matthew Bourne with director Adam Shankman, Streisand commented on Instagram, "Give him my regards — did you take Ozempic?"
The comment, which was later deleted, was widely criticised as invasive and insensitive. Streisand subsequently offered an explanation, stating she had simply wanted to pay her friend a compliment and forgot her words were public. She said, "OMG — I went on Instagram to see the photos we’d posted of the beautiful flowers I’d received for my birthday! Below them was a photo of my friend Melissa McCarthy... She looked fantastic!... I forgot the world was reading!" McCarthy acknowledged the remark at the time, but the incident highlighted the intense scrutiny female celebrities face regarding their bodies.
McCarthy's Long History with Body Shaming and Self-Acceptance
Melissa McCarthy has been vocal for years about the constant probing and body shaming she has endured throughout her career. In a past interview with InStyle, she recalled an uncomfortable experience while promoting Bridesmaids, where a journalist repeatedly asked if she was shocked to be working in Hollywood at her "tremendous size."
She described how "all the blood drained out of [her]" but maintained her composure. McCarthy revealed that such invasive questions "happen all the time," showcasing the relentless pressure on women in the spotlight regarding their appearance. However, the actress has also spoken about reaching a point of peace. Back in 2015, she told CBS Morning that she decided to stop obsessing over weight loss.
"I finally said [to myself], 'Oh, for God's sake, stop worrying about it,' and it may be the best thing I've ever done," she shared. McCarthy added that loosening up and not being "so nervous and rigid about it" ironically worked well for her. Her journey reflects a broader public struggle with body image, making her SNL appearance—celebrated for both her talent and her person—a significant cultural moment.
