Andrew McCarthy, known for his roles in iconic films such as St Elmo’s Fire and Pretty in Pink, is delving into a new chapter of creativity. The 63-year-old actor is set to release a book titled “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” in 2026. McCarthy shared exclusive insights into the inspiration behind his upcoming book during an interview at the 24 Hour Plays Gala.
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Reflecting on his personal journey, McCarthy revealed that the idea for the book stemmed from a desire to reconnect with long-lost friends who had a significant impact on his life. He expressed, “I had dear friends I hadn’t seen in decades and I thought it was time I did that. I really missed their input in my life. They changed my life when I was young, as friends, and I just hadn’t seen them in so long.”
McCarthy’s book, “Who Needs Friends,” is set to explore the theme of male friendship through a series of road trips across America. From Appalachia to the Rocky Mountains, McCarthy embarked on a journey to reunite with old friends and engage in meaningful conversations about the dynamics of male camaraderie. The actor highlighted the rarity of such discussions among men, pointing out the prevalent issue of loneliness that often goes unaddressed.
During his interview, McCarthy emphasised the importance of reevaluating priorities as one navigates through life’s complexities. He shared, “You get busy with life and parenting, and work, and all sorts of things. You just lose track of what’s important. And then you get to be a certain age and you kind of go, ‘Oh, wait a minute, what’s the value? What’s important?’” These reflections serve as the foundation for his exploration of friendship in the upcoming book.
The 24 Hour Plays Gala, where McCarthy shared these insights, is an annual event aimed at supporting the nonprofit activities of the organization. The event features a unique format where talent writes, rehearses, and performs new plays within just 24 hours. McCarthy, alongside other notable actors like David Burtka and Elaine Hendrix, has been actively involved in this charitable endeavour.
In addition to his acting career, McCarthy has established himself as a versatile writer, with previous works ranging from fiction to travel literature. His upcoming book marks another milestone in his writing career, following the success of novels like “Just Fly Away” and memoirs like “Brat: An ’80s Story.” Set to be published by Grand Central Publishing, “Who Needs Friends” promises to offer a poignant exploration of friendship and male bonding.
As McCarthy prepares for the release of his book in 2026, fans and literary enthusiasts can already anticipate a thought-provoking and insightful read. With his unique perspective and personal anecdotes, McCarthy’s book is poised to resonate with readers who appreciate introspective narratives on human connection and companionship. Stay tuned for the official release of “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America” in March 2026.