What Happened to Andrew McCarthy?
Andrew McCarthy, a prominent actor of the 1980s 'Brat Pack' era, has successfully transitioned into a multifaceted career as a director, award-winning travel writer, and New York Times bestselling author. His recent work includes directing for television and publishing several acclaimed books, with his latest, "Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America," released in March 2026, sparking a nationwide book tour.
Quick Answer
Andrew McCarthy, known for his iconic 1980s acting roles, is currently a successful author and director. As of March 2026, he released his new book, "Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America," which explores male friendship through a personal journey across the U.S. He is actively promoting the book with a series of events and discussions across the country.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Stars in 'St. Elmo's Fire'
Andrew McCarthy gains widespread recognition for his role in the iconic 'Brat Pack' film 'St. Elmo's Fire,' solidifying his status as a young Hollywood star.
Appears in 'Pretty in Pink'
McCarthy stars in another defining 80s film, 'Pretty in Pink,' further cementing his 'Brat Pack' image and appeal.
Stars in 'Less Than Zero'
McCarthy takes on a more dramatic role in 'Less Than Zero,' showcasing his versatility beyond romantic comedies.
Stars in 'Weekend at Bernie's'
McCarthy co-stars in the cult classic comedy 'Weekend at Bernie's,' which remains a memorable part of his filmography.
Begins Directing Television
McCarthy transitions behind the camera, beginning a successful career directing episodes for various television series.
Becomes Editor-at-Large for National Geographic Traveler
McCarthy serves for twelve years as an editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler magazine, establishing himself as an award-winning travel writer.
Directs Episodes of 'Orange is the New Black'
McCarthy directs multiple episodes of the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'Orange is the New Black,' showcasing his continued success as a television director.
Publishes Memoir 'Brat: An '80s Story'
His memoir, 'Brat: An '80s Story,' is released and becomes a New York Times bestseller, reflecting on his experiences as a 'Brat Pack' actor.
Releases 'Walking with Sam'
McCarthy publishes 'Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain,' another New York Times bestseller exploring a personal journey.
Publishes 'Who Needs Friends'
Andrew McCarthy's latest book, 'Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America,' is released, exploring male friendship through a cross-country road trip.
Book Event at Book Passage
McCarthy is scheduled to promote 'Who Needs Friends' at Book Passage in Corte Madera, California, as part of his book tour.
Book Event at Rio Theatre
He is slated to discuss 'Who Needs Friends' at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz, California, including a talk, Q&A, and photo opportunity.
Book Event at Athena Books
McCarthy will hold a conversation about his new book at Athena Books in Greenwich, CT.
Book Event at The Skokie School Auditorium
McCarthy is scheduled to discuss 'Who Needs Friends' at The Skokie School Auditorium in Winnetka, IL, in conversation with author Christie Tate.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Andrew McCarthy first rose to prominence in the 1980s as a key member of the 'Brat Pack,' starring in seminal films like 'Pretty in Pink,' 'St. Elmo's Fire,' and 'Less Than Zero.' His earnest and likable on-screen presence defined a generation of youth-oriented cinema. After his initial acting success, McCarthy consciously diversified his career, moving behind the camera to direct numerous television shows, including episodes of popular series such as 'Orange is the New Black' and 'Gossip Girl.'
Beyond acting and directing, McCarthy established himself as an accomplished travel writer. He served for a dozen years as an editor-at-large at National Geographic Traveler magazine and is an award-winning author in the genre. This period showcased his talent for narrative beyond fiction and screenplays, laying the groundwork for his later success as a memoirist.
The 2020s have seen a significant resurgence in McCarthy's public profile as an author. His 2021 memoir, 'Brat: An '80s Story,' became a New York Times bestseller, offering a reflective look at his early career and the cultural phenomenon of the 'Brat Pack.' This was followed by another bestseller in 2023, 'Walking with Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain,' which explored his personal journey with his son.
His most recent and highly anticipated work, 'Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America,' was released on March 24, 2026. This book, inspired by a question from his son about his own friendships, chronicles McCarthy's 10,000-mile road trip across 22 states to explore the complexities of male bonds in modern America. The book has been met with significant interest, leading to a series of promotional events and discussions scheduled throughout March and April 2026, solidifying his status as a thoughtful cultural commentator and author.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Andrew McCarthy made different choices?