Actor Anthony Michael Hall reveals his reasons for not participating in Andrew McCarthy's "Brats" documentary, which explores the iconic '80s celebrity group known as "The Brat Pack." Hall expresses his desire to focus on the present and create new experiences, rather than dwelling on past successes.
Actor Anthony Michael Hall, the youngest member of the legendary "Brat Pack," has shed light on his decision to decline participation in Andrew McCarthy's "Brats" documentary. The Hulu film, which explores the actors' feelings about the "Brat Pack" label coined by New York Magazine in 1985, features interviews with key members such as Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez. However, Hall chose to abstain.
In an interview with TV Insider, Hall stated, "I was asked to be a part of it, but you know what, I'll tell you my attitude is you have to wish everyone success. It was just something I chose not to do because I'm always trying to move forward and make new things and do new stuff."
Anthony Michael Hall Declines "Brats" Documentary: "Always Trying to Move Forward
Hall's decision stems from his desire to leave behind the "John Hughes period" of his career and embrace fresh challenges. While grateful for the opportunities and recognition it brought, he believes it's crucial to avoid being defined solely by past accomplishments.
"The truth is, I've had to embrace that period of my life all my career, and I'm happy to do so, obviously, as I've hopefully relayed here. It's never been an issue for me. But I also think time has taught me you have to wish everyone success," Hall explained.
Anthony Michael Hall Declines "Brats" Documentary: "Always Trying to Move Forward
Furthermore, Hall acknowledged the challenges of being thrust into fame at a young age. In 2022, he told Fox News Digital that the sudden recognition associated with the Brat Pack was "challenging" and required "some adjusting."
"The idea of being recognized, it's awkward for adults. But it's magnified at that age when you're already dealing with all kinds of insecurities. It was very challenging," Hall said.
Anthony Michael Hall Declines "Brats" Documentary: "Always Trying to Move Forward
Hall's absence from the documentary is not the only noticeable omission. Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, two other prominent members of the Brat Pack, also declined to participate. Nelson explained to Us Weekly that he "politely declined" due to his reservations about revisiting a period in his life that he did not particularly enjoy.
"It's like, why kind of rebirth something that wasn't necessarily fun?… How can we be experts on something that didn't ever really exist?" Nelson questioned.
Anthony Michael Hall Declines "Brats" Documentary: "Always Trying to Move Forward
Ringwald, in a 2016 interview with Fox News Digital, expressed her dislike for the "Brat Pack" moniker. "It didn't feel like a positive or fair moniker for sure. I found it objectifying," she said.
Despite his absence from the documentary, Hall expressed admiration for McCarthy's accomplishments. "I think he's carved out a great career for himself. He's a writer, and he directs TV. He's a cool guy. He's a father, too," Hall said.
McCarthy's "Brats" documentary delves into the actors' complex experiences with the Brat Pack label, which initially evoked negative reactions from both the industry and the individuals it encompassed, but has since evolved into a symbol of nostalgia and affection.
