This Hollywood star’s real-life story is far more gripping than any of his movies

In the 1980s, he was the actor everyone admired — the charming teen idol whose face filled posters and magazines. With messy dark hair and a gentle smile, he made young fans feel seen, even though fame was much heavier behind the scenes.

Born in 1962 in Westfield, New Jersey, Andrew McCarthy grew up far from Hollywood glamor. He loved performing but never felt he fit in at school. After being expelled from NYU for skipping classes, he unexpectedly landed his first big role in Class — going from student to sharing scenes with Jacqueline Bisset in a matter of weeks.

That breakout led to major ’80s hits like St. Elmo’s Fire and Pretty in Pink, and soon he was labeled part of the “Brat Pack.” While the world saw him as a sensitive, soft-spoken heartthrob, McCarthy was hiding a growing alcohol problem. He later admitted he filmed scenes in Pretty in Pink while badly hungover.

By the late ’80s, his drinking had escalated. He quit alcohol before Weekend at Bernie’s, but a relapse later pushed him into years of struggle. At 29, he entered rehab, beginning a long journey toward sobriety and rebuilding his life.

As he matured, McCarthy transitioned from teen star to respected director and writer. He worked on shows like Orange Is the New Black and earned awards for travel journalism, calling storytelling his creative anchor.

His personal life brought two marriages and three children. Today, he lives quietly in New York, reflecting less on fame and more on family, creativity, and staying grounded.

Despite the turmoil of his early career, McCarthy emerged stronger — proof that reinvention is possible, even after fame’s harshest years.