What Andrew McCarthy Really Thought of Jon Cryer’s Dance in “Pretty in Pink ”(Exclusive)

Andrew McCarthy, the renowned actor and author, recently opened up about the nostalgic and often humorous dynamics of friendship, particularly his bond with fellow ‘Brat Pack’ member Jon Cryer. As he prepares to release his new book, *Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America*, McCarthy reflected on a memorable scene from their 1986 film, *Pretty in Pink*, where Cryer’s character, Duckie, delivers an unforgettable dance to Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness”.

Looking back four decades, McCarthy described the initial discomfort he felt while watching Cryer perform. “When I first saw Jon do that dance, I thought, ‘Wow, this is really embarrassing for him,'” he admitted. However, as the scene progressed, his perception shifted. “Then I kept watching, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is really great of him,'” he added. This transformative moment was not just about Cryer’s performance; it became a personal revelation for McCarthy about embracing vulnerability.

In *Who Needs Friends*, McCarthy embarks on a cross-country journey that spans over ten thousand miles, exploring the landscapes of Appalachia, the Mississippi Delta, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rocky Mountains, all while reconnecting with old friends. The book delves into the themes of male friendship, an area that McCarthy argues is fraught with complexity and often neglected. He noted that many men struggle to maintain deep connections, stating, “We’re really bad at this kind of thing and communicating, or letting people know that they’re important to us.”

The actor’s exploration of friendship was sparked by a poignant question from his son, Sam. “You don’t really have any friends, do you, Dad?” was the simple yet impactful query that prompted McCarthy to reassess his relationships. “When my son asked me that, I felt a drop in my stomach. I went, ‘Huh. Yeah, good point, Sam,'” he recounted. This moment of introspection propelled him on a journey not only to reconnect with friends but also to evaluate the significance of these relationships in his life.

McCarthy noted that life events, including having children and pursuing a career, had made him feel somewhat isolated despite being surrounded by family. “I was aware of feeling quite alone,” he explained. “I have a family, so I’m never lonely in that regard, but I felt separate and alone in certain ways.” This realisation highlighted the importance of rekindling friendships, particularly with those he trusted outside of his immediate family.

His relationship with Jon Cryer has been marked by its ups and downs, with the two having had notable conflicts during the filming of *Pretty in Pink*. However, the pair reconciled in 2012 while backstage at *The View*. Cryer acknowledged that their tumultuous friendship stemmed partly from misunderstandings during a challenging period in McCarthy’s life. “I had no idea he was already dealing with an alcohol addiction,” Cryer acknowledged. He reflected on how his perception of McCarthy as “haughty and remote” might have changed had he known what his friend was grappling with.

As McCarthy’s book illustrates, the path towards mending these relationships is often paved with self-discovery. “As I was driving, I felt like I was earning my friendships back,” he shared, finding value in reconnections that fortified his sense of belonging.

The long-held belief that men struggle to maintain friendships resonates throughout McCarthy’s narrative. He expresses a newfound dedication to fostering these bonds. “I have gotten to a certain age where I realised that friendship is important to me, and I need to do something about it,” he remarked, highlighting a transformative journey that transcends mere nostalgia.

*Who Needs Friends* is not just an examination of male friendships; it’s a personal testament to the significance of human connection in every stage of life. With an official release date set for March 24, 2026, McCarthy’s reflections offer insight into the complexities of friendships, particularly in an age where genuine connections can often feel fleeting. The book is poised to resonate with many who have experienced similar challenges in maintaining friendships and seeking a deeper understanding of their value.