Actor Jon Cryer, known for starring in the popular sitcom Two and a Half Men, has recently opened up about his association with the 80s ensemble of young stars known as The Brat Pack. The subject of Andrew McCarthy’s latest documentary, The Brat Pack comprised young stars of the era such as Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, and Demi Moore, known for their frequent presence on the big screen.
While Cryer was also considered to be part of the group, and even makes an appearance in the upcoming documentary, Brats, the actor has recently shared that he did not perceive himself as cool enough to be classified as a core member.
The Two and a Half Men Star on His Association With The Brat Pack
While starring in the 1984 romantic comedy, No Small Affair, actor Jon Cryer and Demi Moore briefly dated, a topic Moore candidly discusses in her memoir, Inside Out. Although their relationship was short-lived, both found themselves associated with The Brat Pack.
Moore was considered significantly related to the group, especially following her appearance in the 1985 film St. Elmo’s Fire. However, Cryer considered his affiliation with the group more as that of a close associate rather than a core member.
“I didn’t perceive myself as part of the ‘Brat Pack’ because I didn’t think I was one of the cool kids,” he said, as per People. He also shared that he believed that certain films, which he wasn’t a part of, truly represented the essence of the group.
“And they were definitely the cool kids,” he said before adding, “I thought the two films that defined the group were The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire, neither of which was I in.” With time their careers also took significant turns.
While Moore would go on to star in notable films like Ghost, A Few Good Men, and Indecent Proposal, Cryer had his breakout alongside Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink. He would later go on to take on the Emmy-winning role of Alan Harper on the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men.
In the 80s Popular Group The Brat Pack
Emerging during the 1980s, The Brat Pack comprised a group of actors who defined the essence of that era’s cinema, starring in a diverse range of films. The ensemble included young stars, who captivated audiences with their coming-of-age movies.
Given by the New York magazine writer David Blum in June 1985, the label ‘Brat Pack’ was initially considered a disparaging connotation. However, it soon transformed into a new wave of Hollywood stars redefining the industry.
Notable members of the group included Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy, among others. These stars often shared the screen in various combinations in films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire. However, they never appeared together in a single film.
Despite that, their impact extended beyond the silver screen, shaping cultural perceptions of young Hollywood. However, views on the reputation that came with the label varied. While some embraced it, others such as Lowe, and Nelson, felt betrayed by Blum’s depiction of them in his profile.
However, despite their differences, the label stuck, making a place for itself in Hollywood history. In the years since rising to fame, several members of the Brat Pack have gone on to have successful careers in acting, directing, and writing.
The upcoming documentary by Andrew McCarthy promises an intimate exploration of The Brat Pack, featuring McCarthy, alongside his fellow Brat Packers like Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, and Rob Lowe.
Brats is scheduled to be released on June 13, 2024.
