Andrew McCarthy rose to fame in the 1980s as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young actors, known especially for his roles in a string of iconic films such as St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, Mannequin, and Weekend at Bernie’s. He became associated with a group of young actors in that era dubbed the “Brat Pack” by the press — a label he later reflected on with complex feelings, as it both amplified his public image and shaped others’ perceptions of his career.
Born on November 29, 1962, in Westfield, New Jersey, McCarthy was drawn to performing from an early age and pursued acting as a young adult, studying theater at New York University before leaving to pursue professional roles — a common stepping stone for actors of his generation. His breakthrough came with the 1983 film Class, and his subsequent roles quickly made him a teen idol and a defining face of 1980s pop culture.
Although his early career brought widespread fame, McCarthy has acknowledged struggles behind the scenes, including battles with alcohol in the late 1980s and early 1990s before achieving long‑term sobriety. He has been open about entering a detox program in 1992 and maintaining his sobriety since that time. In the years that followed his early acting success, McCarthy co‑crafted a diverse and sustained creative career. He transitioned into television directing, helming episodes of shows such as Orange Is the New Black, The Blacklist, Gossip Girl, and others, showcasing a capacity behind the camera that matched his on‑screen work.
Alongside directing, McCarthy developed a second career as a travel writer and author, serving for over a decade as editor‑at‑large at National Geographic Traveler and earning recognition within the travel writing community, including being named Travel Journalist of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers in 2010. His writing has appeared in publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, and others. He has also authored several books, including travel memoirs and personal works such as The Longest Way Home and Brat: An ’80s Story, which revisits his early career with reflective honesty.
In his personal life, McCarthy has balanced his creative pursuits with family commitments. He has three children — his son Sam with his first wife, Carol Schneider, and two younger children, Willow and Rowan, with his second wife, Irish writer and director Dolores Rice. His son Sam has followed in his footsteps as an actor, illustrating a multi‑generational creative legacy.
More recently, McCarthy has continued to expand his body of work. In 2026 he announced a forthcoming book exploring male friendship and emotional vulnerability — reflecting his ongoing interest in personal narrative and social themes — and he remains active both in television and writing.
Today, McCarthy’s life reflects a multi‑faceted creative journey: from the boyish heartthrob of youth to a seasoned actor‑director and respected travel writer and author. His story underscores not only enduring presence in entertainment but also adaptability and personal growth shaped by introspection, sobriety, and an ongoing commitment to storytelling in many forms.
