Actor, writer, and director Andrew McCarthy has spent decades in the public eye, first rising to fame as a member of the 1980s Brat Pack in films like St. Elmo's Fire and Pretty in Pink. Yet away from red carpets and movie sets, his domestic life with his wife, writer and director Dolores Rice, follows a much quieter rhythm. Married since 2011, the couple maintains a low-profile partnership that balances creative careers with family life across New York and Dublin.
Unlike many high-profile Hollywood unions, McCarthy and Rice rarely court tabloid attention. They choose to keep their relationship grounded, letting their individual artistic pursuits take center stage while preserving a solid boundary between their public personas and private world.
Who Is Dolores Rice?
Dolores Rice is an established creative professional in her own right, working primarily as a writer and theater director. Rather than existing simply as a celebrity spouse, Rice has built an independent artistic portfolio. Her background includes writing three feature-length screenplays and serving as a writer-in-residence at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center.
In the theater world, Rice wrote and directed the off-Broadway play The Apology, earning respect within New York's independent arts community. Her artistic sensibility aligns closely with McCarthy's later career shift toward writing and directing, as McCarthy is a successful travel writer and television director who has helmed episodes of shows like Orange Is the New Black.
Their Timeline and Marriage
The couple's relationship developed over several years before they officially married. They tied the knot in 2011 during a private ceremony, surprising many fans with the quiet nature of their nuptials. The marriage is McCarthy's second; he was previously married to Carol Schneider from 1999 until their divorce in 2005.
Since marrying Rice, McCarthy has frequently expressed deep appreciation for his wife in interviews and literary work. When McCarthy published his acclaimed memoir Brat: An 80s Story in 2021, he dedicated the book to Rice. In the dedication, he wrote that he was made grateful, awed, blessed, and humbled by her in equal measure.
Family Life and Children
Together, McCarthy and Rice share two children, balancing their demanding artistic schedules with raising a family. McCarthy also has an older son, actor Sam McCarthy, from his previous marriage with Schneider.
The family splits their time geographically, dividing their routines between New York City and Dublin, Ireland. This bi-coastal and international lifestyle allows them to step away from the relentless media pressure of Los Angeles, offering their children a more grounded upbringing.
Maintaining Privacy in the Spotlight
One defining characteristic of the McCarthy-Rice household is an intentional avoidance of social media and excessive publicity. While Rice steers clear of major digital platforms, McCarthy uses his online presence selectively, focusing on his photography, travel essays, and professional updates rather than domestic snapshots.
When they do attend public events—such as Broadway opening nights, film premieres, or literary functions—their appearances are understated. They treat red carpets as professional obligations rather than opportunities for personal branding, which has allowed their partnership to endure quietly out of reach of public scrutiny.
You can read more about Andrew McCarthy's career trajectory and literary projects on Wikipedia or explore his personal essays and updates via his official Author Website.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Andrew McCarthy and Dolores Rice get married?
They got married in 2011 during a private ceremony, after several years of dating.
What is Dolores Rice's profession?
Rice is a writer and director. She has written multiple feature-length screenplays, served as a writer-in-residence at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center, and directed off-Broadway productions, including her play The Apology.
How many children do Andrew McCarthy and Dolores Rice have?
They share two children together. McCarthy also has an older son, Sam, from his previous marriage.
Where do Andrew McCarthy and his family live?
The family divides their time primarily between New York City and Dublin, Ireland.
