(Photo Courtesy of People.com)

Melissa McCarthy may seem like a breakout star this year. One of the lead actresses in the widely successful “Bridesmaids” which critics are calling “the best comedy of the year”, she is also nominated tonight for her first Emmy as lead female in a comedy series for her work on “Mike & Molly.”

When McCarthy found out she was nominated on national television, she reacted by saying, "Okay, keep it together.” She did manage to, although it was apparent that the star just wanted to jump up and down and celebrate.

However, this Illinois native isn’t new to the spotlight. McCarthy has been creating loveable and humorous characters for many years.

McCarthy got her start doing stand up. “I had never done anything like it,” McCarthy said in an interview with the Daily Herald’s Ted Cox last year. “But I’d always told stories and made friends laugh. It seemed to be the direction I was going in.”

From there, McCarthy went on to do television. She got her breakout role playing Sookie St. James on the hit television show “Gilmore Girls” from 2001-2007. Following Gilmore Girls, McCarthy went on to play Dena on popular series “Samantha Who” from 2007-2009.

Now, in her first leading role on television, the star plays Molly Flynn, a fourth-grade teacher on CBS’s new show Mike & Molly.

The show revolves around a couple who meets in a weight-loss support group. In a show that runs the danger of getting bogged down by fat jokes, McCarthy brings a unique and insightful dimension to her role. McCarthy is immensely likeable; she has a particular brand of comedy that is both smart, but filled with heart. Her chemistry and timing makes her viewers root for Molly.

McCarthy jumped at the chance to get involved with Mike & Molly because of the writing. The script was written by Mark Roberts and Chuck Lorre, who also write for “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory.

“We get a really good script every week, and I'm pretty critical,” McCarthy said. “The cast is great. Even when we were shooting the pilot, people were like, ‘It feels like we're shooting our fourth year.'

“Zap to It” contributing writer, Mike O’Connell says, “CBS's  Mike & Molly rises above the token fat jokes in its new comedy by casting two relatable leads -- who just happen to be overweight. The series instead focuses on the awkwardness, romance and hilarity of new love, amplified by the adorable sheepishness of the title characters and told from the very beginning."

Mike & Molly has also been nominated for a People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy this year. Best of luck to Melissa McCarthy!

Reach writer Jackie Mansky here 

For complete coverage of the 2011 Emmy Awards, click here