Jenny McCarthy: Son Evan 'Saved Me'
Actress Jenny McCarthy has opened up about her 9-year-old son Evan after taking some time off to take care of him.
The 35-year-old blonde admitted that she had doubts of ever returning to show business after her son was diagnosed with autism in 2005. Ahead of her return to television with the upcoming series "Love in the Wild," McCarthy explained her absence while speaking with Celebuzz.
"When I was at my lowest point in my life, when my son was having seizures and cardiac arrest, I really thought I would ever be able to go back [to work] and do anything funny," said the model. "When your kid's sick, it's over."
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Evan's diagnosis with autism sent McCarthy on the trail for treatments and spreading awareness about the debilitating and under-researched disease. In 2007, she penned a book about her experience, entitled "Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism."
"Once he got better and was happy, then I started to enjoy life again," said the actress, according to Celebuzz. "People say, 'Oh my God, you saved your son!' But he really saved me. He brought a whole new perspective to me on what matters and what doesn't."
McCarthy shares Evan with her ex-boyfriend, actor Jim Carrey, with whom she had a high-profile relationship with for five years. Since her split from the "Ace Ventura" star, McCarthy has been rumored to be in a relationship with NFL star Brian Urlacher.
On NBC's "Love in the Wild," McCarthy will serve as host as the reality dating show that sees couples compete against one another for a trip around the world.
The new series taught McCarthy more about dating, and the actress offered one important piece of advice. She explained why couples should take weekend trips together.
"If you spend a few days with somebody, you really get to see that fake self drop away a little bit, that helps me know whether I want to move on or keep going," said the actress.
McCarthy has appeared on television shows in the past that include her own comedy sketch show, "The Jenny McCarthy Show," as well as "Charmed," "Just Shoot Me," and "Two and a Half Men."
She was named Playboy's Playmate of the Year, and recently announced that she would pose for the magazine again this year. McCarthy will appear in the July 2012 issue of the men's magazine.
