Jenny McCarthy’s love life has played out in front of the public eye for over three decades, transitioning from early 1990s pop-culture stardom to high-profile Hollywood romances and a stable, long-term marriage. Unlike typical surface-level summaries that miss key timelines or blur public rumors with verified facts, tracing her romantic history reveals a clear evolution from tumultuous early partnerships to grounded domestic life.
Her relationships span two marriages, a heavily publicized multi-year romance, and several shorter-term high-profile connections. Understanding this timeline requires looking closely at how personal milestones, family dynamics, and public scrutiny shaped each chapter of her personal life.
Early Relationships and First Marriage: Ray Manzella to John Asher
Before stepping into mainstream acting and hosting, McCarthy's early career in the mid-1990s intersected with her relationship with talent manager Ray Manzella, whom she dated from 1994 to 1998. This foundational period coincided with her rise to fame following her work with Playboy and MTV's Singled Out.
Following her split from Manzella, McCarthy met actor and director John Mallory Asher. The couple married in September 1999 when they were both in their twenties.
- The Birth of Evan: In May 2002, the couple welcomed their son, Evan Joseph Asher.
- The Turning Point: Evan's subsequent autism diagnosis at a young age placed immense pressure on the marriage.
- The Divorce: McCarthy and Asher separated and finalized their divorce in 2005, remaining committed to co-parenting their son. McCarthy later noted that the extreme stress surrounding early autism intervention and medical advocacy strained their young partnership beyond repair.
The High-Profile Years: Jim Carrey
Later in 2005, McCarthy began dating actor and comedian Jim Carrey. This romance quickly became one of the most talked-about relationships in Hollywood, largely because of their shared public status and Carrey's active involvement in helping raise Evan.
Unlike her first marriage, McCarthy and Carrey never officially tied the knot, choosing instead to live together in a committed domestic partnership that lasted for five years.
- The Dynamic: The couple frequently appeared together on red carpets and advocated publicly for various health causes.
- The Split: In April 2010, the pair announced their amicable split on social media.
- Aftermath: While public speculation swirled regarding the reasons for the breakup, both maintained mutual respect, with McCarthy later describing the bond as a significant chapter of personal growth during a complex decade.
Transition and Brief Romances: 2010 to 2013
Following her separation from Carrey, McCarthy navigated a brief transition period involving several short-term relationships that attracted intense tabloid attention.
- Jason Toohey and Paul Krepelka: In 2010, she briefly dated fitness professional Jason Toohey, followed by businessman Paul Krepelka from late 2010 to early 2011.
- Brian Urlacher: In early 2012, McCarthy entered a high-profile relationship with Chicago Bears star linebacker Brian Urlacher. The romance lasted for several months before the pair amicably parted ways due to conflicting schedules and long-distance challenges between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Finding Stability: Marriage to Donnie Wahlberg
McCarthy's romantic trajectory shifted permanently when she met singer and actor Donnie Wahlberg of New Kids on the Block and Blue Bloods in 2013, while she was hosting a VH1 talk show.
- The Romance: The two hit it off immediately, blending their families—Wahlberg brought sons from a previous marriage, while Wahlberg embraced his role as a stepdad to Evan.
- The Wedding: After a whirlwind courtship and engagement, McCarthy and Wahlberg married on August 31, 2014, in an intimate ceremony in Illinois.
- Sustaining the Relationship: Over a decade into their marriage, the couple has remained vocal about the active steps they take to maintain their partnership, including daily communication boundaries and intentional relationship check-ins amidst demanding entertainment careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg get married?
Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg married on August 31, 2014, after dating for approximately one year. They have remained married since.
How long did Jenny McCarthy date Jim Carrey?
McCarthy and Jim Carrey dated for five years, from December 2005 until their public split in April 2010. They lived together during this time but never married.
Who was Jenny McCarthy's first husband?
Her first husband was actor and director John Mallory Asher. They married in 1999, welcomed their son Evan in 2002, and finalized their divorce in 2005.
Does Jenny McCarthy have children?
Yes, she has one son, Evan Joseph Asher, born in 2002 from her first marriage to John Asher. She is also a stepmother to Donnie Wahlberg's children from his previous marriage.
