Molly Ringwald Slams ‘Brat Pack’ Label: “It Was Pejorative!”
At a recent panel reunion for “The Breakfast Club,” Molly Ringwald didn’t hold back on her feelings about the term “Brat Pack.” Coined by journalist David Blum in the mid-80s, it referred to a clutch of actors — including Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, and Emilio Estevez — who starred in iconic teen movies like “Pretty in Pink” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” But let’s face it: that catchy label didn’t sit right with the stars it described.
Ringwald, now 56, shared her thoughts, saying the phrase “Brat Pack” minimized the artistic work they were doing. She likened it to the glamorized “Rat Pack” and stressed that while they were certainly popular, reducing their efforts to mere partying vibes frankly undercuts their artistry. Talk about being misrepresented! During a panel discussion at MegaCon Orlando, she lamented, “we all sort of fell under this banner,” emphasizing that it felt dismissive of their serious contributions to the film industry. Can you imagine busting out your best performances and being labeled as just a bunch of spoiled kids? Ouch.
Andrew McCarthy, another prominent figure of the crew, echoed her sentiments, expressing resentment over the term in a 2024 interview. He admitted that while they were definitely privileged, the portrayal in Blum’s article made it seem like they were only interested in fame rather than honing their craft. He recounted how that characterization felt unfair and inaccurate to those trying to make a genuine impact in Hollywood amid a turbulent cultural shift.
Blum, on the flip side, defended the term, declaring it was intended to capture a moment in time rather than sabotage anyone’s career. He maintained that labels like “Hollywood’s Brat Pack” were meant to be catchy headlines rather than judgments of character. His retrospective view? “…I have no regrets. I’m glad it lived on forever.” That’s a bold claim, but perhaps Blum didn’t realize the can of worms he was opening with that moniker.
Interestingly, this discussion circles back to broader themes in Hollywood, where labels can become both currency and curse — think terms like “It Girl” or “the Next Big Thing.” The challenge remains: how can artists break these molds while still thriving in a world that loves a good label? Just like in the films of the Brat Pack era, the tension between identity and expression remains ever relevant.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Vulture
