In 'The Boss,' Melissa McCarthy plays tycoon on the rebound

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- In "The Boss," Melissa McCarthy plays a wealthy, over-the-top business mogul whose world is shattered when she's busted for insider trading.

The character has been in McCarthy's wheelhouse for many years. Plus her two daughters ended up with cameos in the film.

"I came up with the Michelle Darnell character about 15 years ago at the Groundlings," McCarthy said.

"And I remember at the time I certainly had a fascination with Leona Helmsley and those kind of dominating women. I loved the thought of being all powerful, knowing what you want and going for it."

Michelle Darnell emerges from her prison stint desperate for a comeback. She finds it in the most unusual place: she creates a no-nonsense girls organization. Think "Girl Scout Brownies" meet "Guardian Angels."

Kristen Bell co-stars as a former assistant who's recruited to help.

For Bell, the set was nothing but fun.

"How do you share the screen with Melissa McCarthy and not laugh at all times?" Bell said.