Hickory — Lenoir-Rhyne University will welcome actor, director and New York Times bestselling author Andrew McCarthy to campus on Thursday, Sept. 10, as the opening speaker in the university’s 2026–27 Visiting Writers Series.
McCarthy will discuss his newest book, “Who Needs Friends: An Unscientific Examination of Male Friendship Across America,” at 6:30 p.m. in P.E. Monroe Auditorium.
Known for iconic roles in films including St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink and Less Than Zero, McCarthy has built a multifaceted career as an actor, award-winning television director and acclaimed travel writer. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir “Brat: An ‘80s Story,” which inspired the 2024 documentary Brats, as well as the travel memoir “The Longest Way Home.”
In “Who Needs Friends,” McCarthy blends memoir, travel writing and cultural reflection as he journeys across the United States examining the nature of male friendship. Through conversations with old friends, new acquaintances and strangers encountered along the way, he explores how relationships evolve over time and why meaningful connection remains essential throughout life.
“The Visiting Writers Series is about creating opportunities for our campus and community to engage with writers whose work sparks meaningful conversations,” said Cat Niekro, vice president for advancement and communications at Lenoir-Rhyne University. “Andrew McCarthy’s exploration of friendship and connection is both timely and deeply relatable. We’re thrilled to welcome him to campus to begin another outstanding season of the Visiting Writers Series.”
Founded in 1988, the Visiting Writers Series brings nationally recognized authors to Lenoir-Rhyne each year for public readings, discussions and conversations with students. Following McCarthy’s appearance, the series will continue with novelist Patrick Ryan on Oct. 8, novelist Marjan Kamali on Oct. 22 and journalist and author Michael Finkel on Jan. 21, 2027.
All Visiting Writers Series events are free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Tickets may be reserved, and additional information about the series is available at lr.edu/visiting-writers-series. Tickets are available at tickets.lr.edu.
About Lenoir-Rhyne University:
Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private, co-educational, comprehensive institution founded in 1891, with its traditional campus located in Hickory, North Carolina, a city of more than 40,000. The university has an additional graduate center in Asheville, N.C. Situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir-Rhyne is less than an hour’s drive from Charlotte, and the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 365,000. The university now offers more than 45 undergraduate and 20 graduate degree programs to approximately 2,400 students. Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build community and promote responsible leadership for service to the world. Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Lenoir-Rhyne is open to people from all religious and non-religious backgrounds. Learn more at www.lr.edu.
