Multi-talented Melissa McKnight, a former model, appeared in the film Triangles and Tribulations and the television series VH1: All Access. She additionally made an appearance at the 31st People’s Choice Awards.
Melissa McKnight became well known for her marriage in addition to her job. Matt LeBlanc, best known for playing Joey Tribbiani in Friends, was her husband.
To learn more about her relationship with her ex-husband and kids, continue reading.
Melissa McKnight Started As A Model Early
On March 10, 1965, McKnight was born in England; at an early age, she emigrated to the United States. She is so both an American and an Englishwoman by nationality.
The stunning blonde had the ideal physique, blue eyes, and body to be a model.
She made a name for herself as one of the top models of the 1980s and 1990s after breaking into the industry at an early age, appearing on the covers of major fashion publications like Cosmopolitan, Elle, Vogue, and many others.
Early in the new millennium, the British-American model made the move to acting and made a few appearances in major motion pictures.
The former model’s history, including information about her parents, siblings, and education, is not publicly available, though. Given that, it is known that she is 57 years old as of this writing.
Melissa McKnight (Pinterest)Melissa McKnight Has Two Husbands, One of Them is Matt LeBlanc
McKnight’s first spouse was the director Anthony Esposito. She gave birth to Tyler Esposito and Jacqueline Esposito through the marriage.
Sadly, the couple divorced because the marriage was short-lived.
She first met Friends star Matt LeBlanc in 1997 after her divorce. Through their mutual acquaintance, Kelly Phillips and her husband Lou Diamond Phillips, the model got to know him.
The couple’s relationship accelerated quickly; in less than a year, they went from dating to engagement.
Five years later, they got married at one of Hawaii’s biggest celebrity weddings. 150 people were on the guest list, including Matt’s Friends co-stars, and their spouses.
The Friends actor’s union was his first. He could not stop raving about how his wife had brought some stability into his life.
LeBlanc said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly before their nuptials:
My friendships with McKnight and her kids helped me stay grounded. The kids are wonderful. It was a wonderful experience. I’m appreciative to have them in my life. Because I was out at bars and chasing girls all over the place before them, I had a bit of a reputation.
When the couple welcomed Marina Pearl McKnight as a daughter in 2004, they entered a state of pure marital bliss.
Melissa McKnight (Pinterest)Melissa and Matt LeBlanc’s Daughter Suffered From a Rare Brain Disorder
The LeBlanc family was traumatized by an occurrence 11 months following the birth of their daughter.
Their daughter was identified as having Cortical Dysplasia, a congenital condition that results in seizures.
Their daughter improved after receiving medication for a year, and it appeared as though the couple had survived the storm. That wasn’t the case, though.
Divorce of Melissa and Matt LeBlanc
McKnight had the misfortune of experiencing a second failed marriage after her first.
According to reports, her spouse, who had a reputation for being a womanizer, resumed his previous routine of randomly entering pubs.
He was on vacation with his five mates in British Columbia when he was caught touching a dancer at an all-nude bar.
The actor eventually expressed regret to his wife, but the damage had already been done.
The actor’s adulterous relationship with his co-star Andrea Anders was the icing on the cake.
So, in March 2006, he and McKnight officially filed for divorce, which was then finalized in September of the same year.
The couple rejected any requests for spousal support, but the Friends actor, who is worth $80 million, agreed to pay a monthly amount until his daughter turned 18.
What Is Melissa McKnight Up To These Days?
She and LeBlanc adopted joint custody of Marina following the divorce. They are both taking care of their daughter.
Recently, Marina has not been the center of attention. McKnight is known for keeping her personal affairs quiet and has refrained from letting the public focus on her kids or family.
On the other side, Aurora Mulligan, an Irish TV producer, and actress began dating LeBlanc, McKnight’s ex-spouse. The pair broke up in 2020.