Name: Andrew McCarthy Reflects On Life, Acting, And Walking Across Spain With His Son
Genre: Documentary
Rating: 9.0

Back in the '80s, Andrew McCarthy was one of the most beloved young actors around. As a member of the legendary "Brat Pack," he lit up the big screen in films like Class, Pretty in Pink, Less Than Zero, and St. Elmo’s Fire. "It was like being on a wild roller coaster," Andrew, now 60, shares with Closer. "Every day felt thrilling, even when I wasn’t sure what was coming next." Today, Andrew continues to thrive as an actor, starring in the 2023 thriller Grace Point, available on Prime Video. But that’s not all—this multi-talented man is also a loving husband, father, travel writer, director, and bestselling author. His newest memoir, Walking With Sam: A Father, a Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain, chronicles a once-in-a-lifetime journey he took with his 21-year-old son, actor Sam McCarthy, along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the summer of 2022.

What Was Behind This Life-Changing Pilgrimage?

When Andrew McCarthy decided to embark on a pilgrimage with his son Sam, he wasn’t just looking for a vacation. "I wanted to create meaningful, quality time together," Andrew explains. "It was important for me that Sam see me not just as his dad, but as a person. And for me, it was about seeing him not just as my son, but as an individual navigating his own path in the world. This kind of experience goes beyond the usual parent-child dynamic. It’s about reminding ourselves that our kids need to see us as real people, not perfect figures on a pedestal."

How did Andrew approach this unique adventure?

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Andrew admits that during the pilgrimage, there were moments of vulnerability that strengthened their bond. "There was one time when Sam had to wait for me because I couldn’t keep up with his energy. He’s physically stronger than me, and that reality was humbling. Another moment came when I fell, and he helped me up. It was powerful for both of us. As parents, we often want to shield our children from seeing our weaknesses, but sometimes showing them our imperfections can be incredibly empowering."

andrew mccarthy trek with son — Courtesy of Andrew McCarthy/Instagram

Why Does Andrew Love Walking?

Walking has a way of calming the mind and body, according to Andrew. "It’s such a simple act, but it can do wonders for your mental health. Walking helps me let go of tension and anxiety. It encourages self-acceptance and unlocks creativity. Some of my best ideas come to me while I’m out walking. I often pull out my phone to record voice notes—little snippets of inspiration that pop into my head along the way."

Was Social Media Part of the Journey?

Andrew wasn’t expecting the pilgrimage to gain traction on social media, but it did. "I was surprised by how many people followed our journey," he admits. "I’m not really a social media person, but posting updates about the trip resonated with others. It created a sense of connection and community. Though as the walk went on, technology became less important to both Sam and me. We realized that it’s not always necessary to document everything—we can just enjoy the moment."

Did Sam Enjoy the Trip?

Of course, Sam had his own highlights during the trek. "He loved taking coffee breaks in the middle of the day and even indulging in ice cream for breakfast!" Andrew laughs. "When you have adult children, they don’t always listen to you, and that’s okay. So, I wasn’t going to stop him from enjoying ice cream for breakfast. Why shouldn’t he? It’s part of the fun."

Did the Trip Bring Them Closer?

Even when they weren’t talking, Andrew and Sam found solace in their shared experience. "Walking together, whether silently or chatting, created a deep bond between us," Andrew says. "It’s a physical and intimate way to connect without needing words."

Revisiting the Brat Pack Era

Andrew is also working on a documentary about his time as part of the Brat Pack. "That era changed my life in ways I never anticipated," he reflects. "But until now, I’ve never had the chance to sit down with the other actors and talk about it. We were all part of something special, even though we didn’t fully realize it at the time. Now, looking back, I see how much that experience shaped us all."