Famously recognized as Matt LeBlanc‘s ex-wife, Melissa McKnight is a renowned actress and former model. She is most notable for her roles in Triangles and Tribulations (2001), VH1: All Access (2001), and The 31st Annual People’s Choice Awards (2005).
Melissa McKnight Bio Summary
Full name: Melissa Sue McKnight
Nickname: Missy McKnight
Famous as: Matt Leblanc’s ex-wife
Date of birth: 10th March 1965
Place of birth: England, United Kingdom
Zodiac sign: Pisces
Age: 59 years old (as of 2024)
Profession: Model and Actress
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: White
Marital status: Divorced
Ex-husbands: Anthony Robert Esposito (1990 -1996), Matt LeBlanc (2003-2006)
Children: Tyler Esposito, Jacqueline Esposito, and Marina Pearl LeBlanc
Height: 1.78 m
Hair color: Blonde
Eye color: Blue
Early Life & Career
Melissa McKnight, who was born in England on 10 March 1965, relocated to America during her childhood and became a dual citizen. Despite being in the public eye, she chooses to keep her personal life private and has not revealed any information about her family or upbringing to the press.
Melissa McKnight’s professional journey began in the modeling industry. She gained recognition for her appearances in numerous beauty campaigns for renowned brands and graced the covers of notable magazines like Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue.
After gaining popularity as a model, she ventured into the world of film. It was not until 2001 that she landed her first role in Triangles and Tribulations. Her exceptional performance in VH1: All Access (2001) received praise from both viewers and critics. She also made an appearance at The 31st Annual People Choice Awards in 2005.
Relationship With Matt LeBlanc
Melissa McKnight rose to fame after tying the knot with famous Friends star, Matt LeBlanc. Before LeBlanc, she had been married to filmmaker Anthony Esposito, in an intimate ceremony in 1990.
The pair had two kids together, a son named Tyler Esposito born in 1991, and a daughter named Jacqueline Esposito born in 1995. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 1996 due to irreconcilable issues.
In 1997, Melissa McKnight was introduced to Matt LeBlanc by a mutual acquaintance, Kelly Phillips, and her husband, Lou Diamond Phillips. They hit it off immediately and began a romantic relationship.
After only a year of dating, the couple got engaged in 1998. They exchanged vows on May 3, 2003, in Hawaii, in what was considered one of the most lavish celebrity weddings at the time.
At first, Matt LeBlanc was deeply in love with her and stated that McKnight brought him the stability he needed in life. On February 8, 2004, their daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc, was born and at eight months old, she was diagnosed with a rare brain condition known as “cortical dysplasia.”
Marina endured severe seizures as a result of her condition. It took a treatment regimen lasting one year for her to fully recover. However, during this time, her parents’ relationship deteriorated and they officially divorced on October 6, 2006.
According to reports, the reason for their divorce was LeBlanc’s consistent unfaithfulness and tendency to pursue other women, as he was dating Andrea Anders at the time. At present, it is understood that Melissa McKinight is not in a relationship and shares custody of her daughter with LeBlanc.
Net Worth
Online sources state that Melissa McKnight’s current net worth is 60,000 USD. Currently, she and Matt LeBlanc have joint custody of their daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc. Despite no longer being in the public eye, Missy will forever be remembered as the woman who captured Matt’s heart.
