Andrew McCarthy, Actor, Is Also A Writer

The actor Andrew McCarthy is more known to those from my generation (*ahem-ahem*, no "old" comments, please), but I didn't know that he had a way with the written word, too. It seems he's been busy also as a travel writer, and has won an award to boot. Here's an excerpt, and a short sample of his work, from the article:

Eighties heartthrob Andrew McCarthy has a second career as a travel writer, and he's a surprisingly successful one at that: The actor has been named the 2010 Travel Journalist of the Year in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Competition.

McCarthy, the ex-Brat Packer and upper-class suitor of Molly Ringwald in "Pretty in Pink," was singled out for his articles in National Geographic, Bon Appetit, Islands, Afar and Travel + Leisure, Poynter Online reports. (You can read McCarthy's stories all in one place on his official blog.)

On top of that, his work has been commended not once but twice in the "Best American Travel Writing" series in the 2007 and 2008 editions (for the stories, "The Longest Way Home" and "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.")

In his 2,835-word piece "The Longest Way Home," the actor returned to his Irish roots on an expedition for National Geographic Traveler. His writing in the piece is no-nonsense yet evocative, describing foggy countryside and friendly natives in sparse, elegant detail. McCarthy wrote of his journey through Ireland:

"There's a certain moment in every memorable journey, often recognized only in hindsight, when the trip you are on presents itself, and the one you thought you were taking or had planned is jettisoned. It's then that you begin really traveling, not merely touring."