Was one of the nine original members of the 1980s "brat pack", along with Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham, Anthony Michael Hall, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy

When the ending to Pretty in Pink (1986) was re-shot, all of the principal actors had to be called back. Andrew McCarthy had already lost a substantial amount of weight and shaved his head for a new role in a New York play called "The Boys of Winter." Although he wore an auburn wig, he's noticeably more gaunt in the reshot scenes.

He grew up in Westfield, New Jersey.

Was one of the nine original members of the 1980s "brat pack", along with Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham, Anthony Michael Hall, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez and Ally Sheedy

Has worked alongside fellow actor James Spader in three previous films: Pretty in Pink (1986), Mannequin (1987) and Less Than Zero (1987)

Is an avid and competent pool player.

Has a son named Sam McCarthy, with Carol Schneider, born in 2002.

Ended up marrying his college sweetheart, Carol Schneider, 20 years after they first dated.

As soon as filming had finished for the movie Pretty in Pink (1986), he was signed on to play the lead in Less Than Zero (1987). As it happened, at the last moment, John Hughes (director of Pretty in Pink (1986)) decided he wanted to change the ending at the last minute (to what it currently is), but Andrew had already shaved his head for his next role. To solve this problem, Mr. Hughes had him don a wig for the last scene of Pretty in Pink (1986).

Brother of writer/director Justin McCarthy

Started smoking during the filming of St. Elmo`s Fire (1985) (his character smoked). Has since quit.

He appeared in John Parr`s "St. Elmo`s Fire (Man In Motion)" music video.