Who is Mellissa McKnight?
Melissa McKnight (also known as Missy McKnight) is an English-American actress famous for her roles in the American mockumentary Trials and Tribulations, the 2001 TV series VH1: All Access, and the 2005 31st Annual People’s Choice Award.
Before her acting career, Melissa thrived in the modeling industry, where she walked several shows and covered for various elite brands. Although she was successful in both aspects of her career, her name gained more recognition during her relationship with the FRIENDS star Matt LeBlanc.
This article will shed more light on the now-reserved actress’s life, past marriages, age, children, career, net worth, and more. But before we dive deeper, here’s a quick stop at her profile.
Quick Facts About Melissa McKnight
| Full Name | Melissa Sue McKnight |
| Career | Actress |
| Age | Born March 10, 1965 (age 58) |
| Nationality | English-American (dual citizenship) |
| Net Worth | $60 000 |
Melissa McKnight Biography, Wiki
Melissa was born on March 10, 1965, to English parents Nancy McKnight and Regis McKnight in their home country, England. Melissa’s parents raised her there briefly before moving to America.
Her relocation to America granted her dual citizenship. And based on her statements in interviews, Melissa has no siblings. However, she has made enough good friends to last her a lifetime while having the support of her family and kids.
Although Melissa has never revealed her educational background, she attended a local private school in her neighborhood but never confirmed if she attended college.
Melissa picked up her modeling career after her education ended.
Melissa McKnight Career
Melissa entered the Fashion and Entertainment industry through modeling. She worked so hard that she graced the covers of several big-name brands like Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Elle, and more.
Eventually, she saw the need to diversify her talents and picked up acting. She garnered so much fame and success in this career that she decided to focus solely on it.
Her acting career took off when she starred in the 2001 Trials and Tribulation movie as a walking girl. It’s good to know that in 2005, she also featured in The 31st Annual People’s Choice Award. By 2006, she aired as herself on the TV series VH1: All Access in the Celeb Breakups and Scandals episode.
After these movies and shows, Melissa went on a hiatus (possibly because of her daughter’s illness at the time and marriage complications). She has since then lived a low-key life with little to no online presence.
Melissa McKnight Movies and TV Shows
Melissa McKnight can boast about three movies she featured in before taking her break. They are:
- 2001 Trials and Tribulation movie – she played a walking girl.
- The 31st Annual People’s Choice Award show in 2006 – she starred as herself.
- VH1: All Access episode titled Celeb Breakups and Scandals – where she also starred as herself.
Melissa McKnight and Matt Leblanc
Melissa and Leblanc first met through a mutual friend, Kelly Phillips, and her husband, Lou Diamond Philips, in 1997. They hit it off instantly but decided to stay friends (who were they kidding :). Shortly after, they began dating, and he proposed a year later in 1998.
They remained engaged for about five years before tying the knot on May 3rd, 2003. It was an intimate, joyous occasion with only 150 people in attendance. Among these attendants were Leblanc’s FRIENDS co-stars like Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Fox, and Lisa Kudrow.
Their wedding took place in a dreamy venue in Kauai, Hawaii. After the wedding vows and a lovely honeymoon, the couple settled in their home in Encino, California. Almost immediately came their bundle of joy daughter, Marina Pearl Leblanc, in 2004.
Sadly, Marina developed a rare brain disorder, which she later overcame.
Melissa McKnight Divorce
Marina’s illness, amongst other things, caused a rift between Melissa and Leblanc’s relationship. Both of them took it hard. They ended up pressing pause on their secular life.
Matt Leblanc even said: “I didn’t feel like being funny. I had a lot going on in my personal life….and I knew I wasn’t missing out on anything. I had dabbled with the celebrity world. I’d partied a bit. But there wasn’t anything there that could fulfill me. I mean, I have beers in the fridge at home.” This statement in the interview confirmed the turmoil he had going on.
Sadly, Leblanc decided to end things. They finalized their divorce on the 6th of October, 2006.
After being together for nine years and married for three, the two called it quits. However, the divorce was rumored to be because of Leblanc’s continuous infidelity. Melissa’s friend, Kelly, stated in an interview how “the divorce totally blindsided Melissa.” And how she was gradually taking time to heal.
The divorce ended on good terms. People’s magazine later released Melissa and Leblanc’s settlement. It contained the agreement that Leblanc would pay $15,000 child support monthly and share custody of Marina till she turns 18. Leblanc also had to fully fund her medical costs and tuition.
Melissa and Matt Leblanc have been co-parenting amicably and remain good friends. Following her divorce, Melissa has kept her relationship status and personal life away from the internet.
Matt Leblanc, on the other hand, has maintained a few relationships after his divorce. However, his recent relationship with Aurora Mulligan ended after five years, and he has remained anonymous about his relationships ever since.
Melissa McKnight Other Relationship
Before marrying the renowned actor Matt LeBlanc, Melissa was formerly married to the filmmaker Anthony Robert Esposito in 1990.
During this marriage, she gave birth to Tyler and Jacqueline Esposito. Their marriage ended in 1996 after six years due to irreconcilable differences.
Melissa McKnight Children
Melissa has three children. She had two with Anthony Robert Esposito, namely, Tyler Esposito and Jacqueline Esposito.
Her other child is Marina Pearl LeBlanc, who she had with Matt Leblanc in 2004. Marina was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia, a rare brain disorder that affects one’s speech and movement and causes seizures.
Her parents noticed she would fall when crawling at eight months until it progressively got worse by 11 months when she developed seizures. Her father expressed how hurtful it was to watch her in pain and constantly spoke about how he would always love her (even if she broke his Ferrari).
Thankfully, Marina’s parents were able to manage her health successfully, and now she’s over the condition. She enjoys quality time with her parents by engaging in activities they all enjoy.
Melissa McKnight Net Worth
Through her career as a model and actress and from divorce settlements, Melissa boasts of about $60,000 net worth. She uses this money to take care of her kids and herself.
Melissa McKnight Height and Weight
With her modeling background, it is obvious Melissa has an excellent physique that she has achieved through good genes, proper diet, and exercise. She stands tall at 5’7ft and weighs about 55kg.
She has lovely blue eyes and blonde hair that graces the internet from time to time.
Melissa McKnight Social Media
Due to her reserved nature towards the internet, Melissa is rarely active on social media. However, she has a private account on Instagram where she updates her closest friends and relatives.
| Social Media | Account/Handle |
| @missy.mcknight |
Other FAQs About Melissa McKnight
How old is Melissa McKnight?
Melissa McKnight is 58 years old.
When was Melissa McKnight born?
She was born on March 10, 1965.
Where was Melissa McKnight born?
Melissa was born in her homeland in England, but she moved to America at a very young age. So, she holds dual citizenship of English and American descent.
What is Melissa McKnight’s birth name?
Melissa’s birth name is Melissa Sue McKnight. However, she is also known as Missy McKnight.
Is Melissa McKnight married?
No! Although Melissa was married to her first ex-husband, Anthony Robert Esposito, for six years and to her second ex-husband, Matt LeBlanc, for three years, Melissa is not involved with anyone right now.
Was Matt Leblanc’s wife on friends?
Matt LeBlanc is famous for his role as Joey Tribbiani in the NBC sitcom FRIENDS. Although he and Melissa met during the era of this role, she never starred in the series at any point in time.
What is Melissa McKnight known for?
Melissa McKnight is known for her role in the 2001 Trials and Tribulation movie as a walking girl. She’s also known for featuring in The 31st Annual People’s Choice Award in 2005. And when she aired as herself on the TV series VH1: All Access in the Celeb Breakups and Scandals episode.
She’s also famous for being the ex-wife of Matt LeBlanc, the FRIENDS TV series star.