Andrew McCarthy

Biography

Andrew McCarthy is an American actor, director, and writer best known for his work in 1980s films such as St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, Mannequin, and Less Than Zero. He later developed a successful career as a television director and travel writer.

Early Life

Andrew Thomas McCarthy was born on November 29, 1962, in Westfield, New Jersey, United States. He attended the Pingry School and later studied at New York University, although he left college before graduating to pursue acting.

Acting Career

McCarthy began acting professionally in the early 1980s. His breakthrough came with Class (1983), where he appeared alongside Rob Lowe and Jacqueline Bisset.

He soon became associated with the Brat Pack, a group of young actors who frequently appeared in popular coming-of-age films during the 1980s.

His major films from this period include:

• St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
• Pretty in Pink (1986)
• Mannequin (1987)
• Less Than Zero (1987)
• Weekend at Bernie's (1989)
• Weekend at Bernie's II (1993)

Less Than Zero

One of McCarthy's most significant dramatic roles came in Less Than Zero (1987), directed by Marek Kanievska and based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel.

McCarthy played Clay Easton, a college student who returns to Los Angeles for Christmas and discovers that his former best friend, Julian Wells, has become severely addicted to drugs. Robert Downey Jr. played Julian, giving one of the early performances that demonstrated his dramatic potential.

Television Career

During the 1990s and 2000s, McCarthy increasingly moved toward television. He appeared in series such as Law & Order, Kingdom Hospital, Lipstick Jungle, and White Collar.

He also became an accomplished television director. His directing credits include episodes of Gossip Girl, Orange Is the New Black, The Blacklist, Condor, Good Girls, New Amsterdam, and The Resident.

Travel Writing

McCarthy developed a second career as a travel writer and became particularly interested in long-distance journeys. His travel memoir The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down was published in 2012 and explored his travels and personal search for a sense of home.

He has also written for publications such as National Geographic Traveler.

Personal Life

McCarthy has been married twice and has three children. He has largely maintained a private personal life while continuing his work in acting, directing, and writing.

Awards and Recognition

McCarthy has received recognition for his work as a television director and was named one of the Top 10 Directors to Watch by Variety earlier in his directing career.