Ever feel like the internet is just one big game of "Telephone" when it comes to celebrities? You search for Jenny McCarthy and sister and suddenly you're looking at photos of Melissa McCarthy. Let’s clear the air right now: Melissa is her cousin. A first cousin, sure, but definitely not her sister.
The real story involves three other women who grew up in the same house on the South Side of Chicago.
Jenny is the second of four daughters. Her sisters are Lynette, Joanne, and Amy. They aren't just background characters in a celebrity's life, either. These women have had some pretty wild careers ranging from professional sports to high-end photography. They grew up in a working-class Catholic family where their dad, Dan, worked double and triple shifts at a steel plant just to pay for private school. That kind of upbringing sticks to you. It creates a bond that most of the "Hollywood crowd" can't even touch.
Who Are Jenny McCarthy’s Sisters?
If you watched the reality show Donnie Loves Jenny, you’ve seen them. They aren't shy. Honestly, the dynamic is exactly what you’d expect from a group of Chicago girls. They’re loud, they’re loyal, and they definitely call each other out.
Joanne "JoJo" McCarthy: The Pro Athlete
Joanne is probably the one with the most "mainstream" claim to fame besides Jenny. She was a total beast on the basketball court. In the late 90s, she was the Midwestern Collegiate Conference Player of the Year. She played for the University of Illinois Chicago and even went pro with the Chicago Condors in the American Basketball League.
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But here’s the kicker. When the league folded, she didn't just sit around. She pivoted. Hard. She moved to L.A., and despite having a famous sister, she had to grind. She started doing makeup for $100 for a 16-hour day. Eventually, she became a top-tier makeup artist for shows like Dancing with the Stars and Pretty Little Liars. Talk about a career shift.
Lynette McCarthy: The Creative Eye
Lynette is the oldest. She stayed closer to her roots in Chicago but carved out a massive reputation as a photographer and art director. Her work is moody, cinematic, and honestly, a bit dark sometimes—very different from the bubbly blonde "Playmate" image the world has of Jenny.
They’ve collaborated on plenty of projects, but Lynette has her own MFA from Notre Dame and a style that’s strictly her own. During the reality show, there was some real-deal tension between her and Jenny when it came to decorating Jenny's house in St. Charles. It wasn't scripted drama; it was "I'm the big sister and I know better" drama.
Amy McCarthy: The Teammate
Amy is the youngest. She followed Joanne’s footsteps into basketball, and for a while, the two of them actually played together in the starting backcourt at UIC. Imagine being the opposing team and having to face two McCarthy sisters at once. Brutal. Today, Amy is heavily involved in the fitness and supplement world. She’s stayed a bit more private than the others, but she’s always in the mix during family reunions and those chaotic holiday dinners.
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Why the Melissa McCarthy Confusion Never Dies
It’s the name. Obviously.
Back in the 90s, Jenny was the one with the spotlight. She actually helped Melissa get her first acting gig on the sitcom Jenny. People saw the name and the Chicago connection and just assumed they were sisters.
Even though Melissa’s career eventually skyrocketed to Oscar-nominated levels, the "sister" tag stuck in the Google search algorithms forever. They are close, and Jenny has defended Melissa against some pretty nasty industry critics over the years, but if you're looking for the people who shared a bunk bed with Jenny, look toward Lynette, Joanne, and Amy.
The Chicago Bond and the "South Side" Mentality
What makes the relationship between Jenny McCarthy and sister (all of them) work is that they haven't forgotten where they started. They grew up in a two-bedroom house that their dad eventually expanded himself.
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The family is a mix of Irish, German, and Polish heritage. That "South Side" identity is something they wear like armor. When Jenny moved back to Illinois to raise her son, Evan, it wasn't just for the quiet life. It was to be near her sisters.
They’re frequently seen at Chicago Cubs games or just hanging out in the suburbs. There’s something grounded about them. They don't act like "celebrity siblings." They act like a pack.
How to Tell Them Apart (The Quick Guide)
- Joanne: The one who could probably still beat you at HORSE. Professional makeup artist.
- Lynette: The one with the camera. Dark, artistic, and based in Chicago.
- Amy: The fitness enthusiast and former college basketball star.
- Melissa: The famous cousin. (Stop calling her the sister!)
What You Should Take Away From This
If you're following the lives of the McCarthy clan, remember that the "Hollywood" version of Jenny is only one slice of the pie. The real story is about four women who were pushed by their parents to be athletes and artists.
If you want to keep up with the real McCarthy sisters, here’s what to do:
- Follow Joanne's makeup work: She often shares behind-the-scenes looks at major TV sets on social media. It’s a great way to see the "non-glamour" side of the industry.
- Check out Lynette’s photography: If you’re into fine art or high-concept fashion photography, her portfolio is actually really impressive. It’s not "celeb" photography; it’s legitimate art.
- Ignore the "Sisters" Tab on Gossip Sites: Most of them just pull from old, incorrect data. If an article says Melissa is Jenny's sister, close the tab. It’s wrong.
Knowing the difference between these women helps you see why Jenny McCarthy stays so connected to her Illinois roots. She isn't just a TV judge; she's a sister from a family that worked for every bit of what they have.
Next Steps for You: Check out Lynette McCarthy's official photography portfolio to see the creative depth of the family beyond the screen, or look up Joanne's credits on IMDb to see the massive list of shows she has worked on as a makeup artist. These women are proof that talent in the McCarthy family isn't limited to just being in front of the camera.