Key Takeaways:
– Anthony Michael Hall turned down participation in Andrew McCarthy's Brats documentary.
– Hall remains focused on creating new projects, rather than looking back.
– Despite not appearing in the documentary, Hall holds no hard feelings and appreciates the career path sparked by John Hughes.
– Unconcerned about the ‘Brat Pack' label, Hall considers it a mere moniker and a motivation to keep progressing in his career.
Story Summary
In case you recently watched the fresh Hulu documentary, Brats, an exploration into the career of Andrew McCarthy and his Brat Pack contemporaries, you could've noticed some critical missing elements. A couple of big names from the era, namely Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, opted out from joining the project, a decision that was publicly stated. However, one actor missing who raised eyebrows was Anthony Michael Hall, absent with no mention.
Why Did Hall Skip Brats?
A well-established name from the 80s, Anthony Michael Hall, the actor well-known for his roles in cult classics The Breakfast Club and Weird Science, recently provided an explanation for his nonappearance. When questioned by The Wrap, Hall revealed that he had been approached by McCarthy for the documentary, but he had kindly declined. His reasons included being engrossed in developing new projects and an intent on focusing on the future.
Hall holds massive respect for his past body of work, especially the parts played in his career by renowned director John Hughes. Paying tribute to Hughes, Hall stated, “I wouldn't be on the phone with you if it was not for John Hughes.” Despite his intention, he hasn't watched the Brats documentary though he heard it was intriguing.
The ‘Brat Pack' Label: Hall's Stance
The term ‘Brat Pack' was born from a David Blum article, examining how it influenced McCarthy's career. Yet, Hall's reaction to this label is quite unlike McCarthy's. The label could've been potentially upsetting, or even career-damaging, but Hall considered it a mere nickname with no considerable meaning. He said he was more interested in the Rat Pack than the Brat Pack.
Impact on His Career
When probed further about the potential effects the ‘Brat Pack' label might have had on his profession, Hall was quite optimistic. He believes it spurred him to keep advancing in his career, underscoring the importance of determination in the entertainment industry. Hall, who entered into acting at a young age, was guided by industry giants like Hughes, Harold Ramis, and Lorne Michaels – a significant part of his early career.
The label is seen by Hall as a source of motivation and the courage he needed to proceed and advance further in his profession. He shared his gratitude for the opportunities and his enduring drive to press on with his career with no backup plan.
In conclusion, Anthony Michael Hall retains his focus on pushing his career forward, creating new content, and cherishing his journey thus far in the industry. His decision not to be part of Brats is not based on any negative feeling towards the project, the ‘Brat Pack' label, or his deep reverence for his past works. Instead, it is a testament to his unwavering commitment to develop and progress in his career.
