Jennifer Ann McCarthy-Wahlberg, known globally as Jenny McCarthy, has always been a lightning rod for attention, but the news surrounding her life in late 2024 and early 2025 is perhaps the most dramatic in years. The veteran actress and television personality, who is currently a judge on the hit show *The Masked Singer*, has faced a significant and intense health crisis that required multiple surgeries, while also celebrating a major marriage milestone and launching new career ventures. As of December 2025, Jenny McCarthy is navigating a complex period of recovery and professional reinvention. Her latest headlines range from deeply personal health struggles to a new talk show format, proving that the former Playmate of the Year continues to evolve and surprise her audience. This article dives into the most current and unique details of her life, career, and marriage to Donnie Wahlberg.

Jenny McCarthy: Complete Biography and Career Profile

Jenny McCarthy, born Jennifer Ann McCarthy, has built a multifaceted career spanning modeling, acting, television hosting, authorship, and controversial activism. Her journey from a *Playboy* model to a prominent TV personality is a testament to her enduring presence in American pop culture.
  • Full Name: Jennifer Ann McCarthy-Wahlberg (née McCarthy)
  • Date of Birth: November 1, 1972
  • Place of Birth: Evergreen Park, Illinois, U.S.
  • Spouse: Donnie Wahlberg (m. 2014)
  • First Husband: John Asher (m. 1999; div. 2005)
  • Child: Evan Asher (born 2002)
  • Career Start: Modeling for *Playboy* in 1993; named Playmate of the Year in 1994
  • Key Television Roles:
    • *Singled Out* (MTV dating game show co-host)
    • *The View* (Co-host)
    • *Two and a Half Men* (Courtney)
    • *The Jenny McCarthy Show*
    • *The Masked Singer* (Judge, 2019–Present)
    • *Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve* (Co-host, 2010–2020)
  • Notable Film Roles:
    • *The Mask* (1994)
    • *Scream 3* (2000)
    • *Scary Movie 3* (2003)
    • *Dirty Love* (2005)
    • *BASEketball* (1998)
  • Activism/Authorship: Author of several books, and a controversial figure due to her anti-vaccine advocacy, often linking vaccines to autism, a theory widely debunked by the scientific community.

The Shocking Health Crisis: Nine Surgeries and Eyeball Growths

One of the most concerning and recent developments in Jenny McCarthy’s life is a serious health battle she revealed in early 2025. This crisis was far more severe than a typical illness, requiring a staggering number of medical procedures. The root of the problem was traced back to a deep jawbone infection. This infection was reportedly caused by complications from ceramic dental implants. The severity of the issue led to her teeth and implants falling out, necessitating extensive reconstructive work. In total, McCarthy underwent nine surgeries to address the infection and resulting damage. The crisis was not limited to her jaw; she also disclosed that she developed growths on her eyeballs during this period, adding another layer of complexity to her recovery. This intense health scare has been a major focus for the star as she continues her work on *The Masked Singer* and other projects.

Why She Left New Year's Rockin' Eve and Her New Talk Show

For a decade, Jenny McCarthy was a staple of New Year's Eve television, co-hosting *Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve* from Times Square. Her absence from the 2025 special was noticeable and quickly explained by her desire for a quieter, more personal New Year's celebration at home with her husband, Donnie Wahlberg. This decision marked a shift from the high-energy, public-facing role she had embraced for years. The break from the New Year's Eve spotlight has allowed her to focus on new professional endeavors, including a return to the talk show format.

Developing a New Talk Show/Podcast Hybrid

McCarthy is currently developing a new show described as a video podcast and talk show hybrid. This project suggests a modern approach to the talk format, leveraging the popularity of digital media while keeping the intimate, conversational style she is known for from her time on *The View* and her own past shows. This new venture is a clear evolution in her career. It allows her to control the narrative and content, offering a fresh angle compared to her previous co-hosting roles. Given her outspoken nature and history of addressing controversial topics, the new show is expected to be a major platform for her views.

Life with Donnie Wahlberg: 10 Years and Counting

Her personal life remains a source of positive news. Jenny McCarthy and New Kids on the Block star Donnie Wahlberg celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary in 2024. Their marriage is one of the most visible and stable in Hollywood, often documented on social media and in interviews. The couple is known for their strong bond, which is frequently highlighted through their joint projects. Donnie Wahlberg, who also stars in the TV series *Blue Bloods*, has confirmed he is working on a new project alongside his wife. This collaboration further solidifies their status as a Hollywood power couple.

Family Life and *The Masked Singer* Connection

McCarthy's son, Evan Asher, from her previous marriage, is also becoming involved in the entertainment industry. She revealed that Evan is working as a production assistant on *The Masked Singer*, the show where she serves as a judge alongside Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, and Nicole Scherzinger. This behind-the-scenes family connection adds a warm, personal layer to her current high-profile television role. Her continued presence on *The Masked Singer*, which she has been a part of since 2019, remains her most consistent and popular television role, keeping her in the prime-time spotlight despite her other personal and professional shifts.