Andrew McCarthy Reflects on Embracing ‘The Brat Pack’ Label

Andrew McCarthy recently debuted his documentary ‘BRATS’, where he discusses himself and fellow 1980s movie co-stars who initially struggled with being labelled ‘The Brat Pack.’

The term ‘The Brat Pack’ was coined to describe actors like Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Anthony Michael Hall, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, and McCarthy himself, who starred in iconic films of the era. During a recent interview with ABC News Live while promoting ‘BRATS’, McCarthy delved into the origins of the term and the initial reluctance he and his colleagues felt towards it.

Also Read: Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore and Emilio Estevez Reunite in ‘Brats’ Trailer

Reflecting on the cultural landscape of the early to mid-’80s, McCarthy described it as a time when youth-oriented movies surged in popularity, marking a significant cultural shift. He recounted how a 1985 article in a New York magazine branded them ‘The Brat Pack,’ a label he found both witty and clever yet somewhat disparaging and negative. 

Initially resistant to being labelled as ‘brats’ and part of a ‘pack,’ McCarthy and his peers recoiled from the term. However, they eventually realized that the label symbolized their status as influential and trendsetting figures in Hollywood.

McCarthy’s documentary, ‘BRATS’, explores the journey of these actors who gained fame through films such as ‘16 Candles’, ‘The Breakfast Club’, and ‘St. Elmo’s Fire.’ The term ‘Brat Pack’ draws a parallel to the legendary group of singers known as the Rat Pack, which included Frank Sinatra and originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The documentary delves into how the actors reacted to and navigated the implications of this label, offering insights into their careers and cultural impact during that era.

– Farheen Ali