ANDREW MCCARTHY

Name, Age & Roots

Andrew Thomas McCarthy was born on November 29, 1962, in Westfield, New Jersey. He’s currently 62 years old. Raised as the third of four boys, Andrew spent his early years in Westfield before his family moved to Bernardsville, NJ, when he was around 15 .

Early Life & Education

Growing up, Andrew discovered his passion for the arts while at Pingry Prep and later Bernards High. He earned his first acting role in the school production of Oliver! playing the Artful Dodger . At 18, McCarthy entered New York University to study theater but left after two years — though that didn’t stop him from launching his acting career .

Breakthrough & Brat Pack Stardom

Andrew’s on-screen debut came at age 19 in the 1983 teen comedy Class. Soon he became a key member of Hollywood’s famed Brat Pack, starring in iconic ’80s classics:

• St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)

• Pretty in Pink (1986)

• Mannequin (1987)

• Weekend at Bernie’s (1989)

He also appeared in Less Than Zero (1987) and Heaven Help Us (1985), showcasing his range across both teen drama and edgy roles.

Career Evolution

In the 1990s, McCarthy broadened his scope. He moved between film and television, with notable roles in Fresh Horses, the indie hit New Waterford Girl, and “Kingdom Hospital” in 2004. He also guest-starred in Law & Order, Monk, Lipstick Jungle, White Collar, and Royal Pains .

Film & TV Director

Andrew transitioned behind the camera, directing nearly 100 hours of TV. His credits include critically acclaimed series like:

• Gossip Girl

• Orange Is the New Black

• The Blacklist

• The Resident

• New Amsterdam, among others .

Writing & Travel

McCarthy is a celebrated travel writer and editor-at-large for National Geographic Traveler, earning multiple Lowell Thomas Awards and the title Travel Journalist of the Year . He’s published:

• The Longest Way Home (2012), a New York Times bestseller

• YA novel Just Fly Away (2017)

• Memoirs Brat: An ’80s Story (2021) and Walking with Sam (2022) .

Personal Life & Sobriety

Andrew has been sober since 1992 after entering detox — he’s been open about beginning alcohol use at the age of 12 . He married college sweetheart Carol Schneider in 1999; they had son Sam McCarthy (born 2002), now an actor . The couple divorced in 2005. In 2011, he married Dolores Rice; they have two children, Willow and Rowan .

What He’s Up To Now

In recent years, Andrew has directed the documentary Brats (2024), exploring the legacy of the Brat Pack . He continues to act, direct, write, and share his experiences through his award-winning travel pieces and memoirs.