Dolores Rice: Andrew McCarthy's Wife Is a Writer & Director Like Him
Dolores Rice, married to the well-known actor, writer, and director Andrew McCarthy, leads a private life while significantly contributing to the creative world. Dolores steers clear of social media, letting her work portfolio do the talking.
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy's encounter at a hotel lobby marked the start of a transformative journey for both. Their relationship inspired the "Pretty in Pink" star's global adventure, resulting in a compelling book.
Beyond being married to a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, she excels in the artistic world. Rice and McCarthy distinguish themselves not just as a celebrity couple but as a dynamic duo, leaving a lasting imprint on the creative landscape.
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy at Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Readers' Choice Awards at the New York Public Library on October 15, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Dolores Rice Has an Impressive Background in the Creative Field
Rice is McCarthy's Irish wife and a powerhouse in her own right. She is a seasoned practitioner of theater directing, writing, and filmmaking and has left her mark on both the stage and screen.
She earned a master's degree in Theatre Directing from The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art, Dublin, directing "The Sugar Wife" by Elizabeth Kuti for her graduating production. She also assisted Wayne Jordan at The Abbey, Dublin, and directed Nancy Harris's "Somewhere Out There You."
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy at the NBC Entertainment & Cinema Society with Volvo premiere of "Smash" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on January 26, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In the writing world, Rice stands out with three feature-length screenplays and a stint as a writer-in-residence at The Tribeca Performing Arts Center. Here, she wrote and directed her play, "The Apology."
Beyond the written word, her talents also extend to directing off-Broadway productions. Rice has worked on at least three films as a filmmaker, which have played on the festival circuit.
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy attend the Opening Night Gala during the 2010 Doha Tribeca Film Festival at the Katara Opera House on October 26, 2010, in Doha, Qatar. | Source: Getty Images
Not confined to the backstage, Rice has a noteworthy history in acting. She trained in various theater techniques and graduated with a Diploma in Acting from Ecole Florent Paris, France.
Rice is an alumna of University College Dublin and Sorbonne University in Paris, and she has generously shared her expertise as a teacher at these institutions. Currently, she divides her time between New York and Dublin.
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy at The Weinstein Company with The Cinema Society & Forevermark premiere of "W.E." at the Ziegfeld Theater on January 23, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Dolores Rice And Andrew Mccarthy's Love Story
McCarthy is National Geographic Traveler's exceptional editor-at-large and an award-winning writer. The Society of American Travel Writers named him the Travel Journalist of the Year in 2010. His career led him to meet Rice.
The couple's love story began with a chance encounter while he was on a travel writing assignment in Ireland. Fate brought them together at a hotel lobby, where Rice, impressed by his short film featured in a local festival, offered a compliment.
With shared passions as writers, actors, and directors, Rice and McCarthy's deep connection was no surprise. After eight years together and a four-year engagement, they married in August 2011.
Andrew McCarthy and Dolores Rice attend Sony Pictures Classics Premiere Of "Standard Operating Procedure" at The Museum of Modern Art on April 7, 2008 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Before tying the knot, McCarthy set off on a worldwide adventure, documented in his 2012-published book "The Long Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down." The book was about him coming to terms with getting married. In dedicating the book to Rice, he wrote:
"I am made grateful, awed, blessed, and humbled by her in equal measure."
Dolores Rice and Andrew McCarthy attend the "Shrek Forever After" premiere during the 9th Annual Tribeca Film Festival at the Ziegfeld Theatre on April 21, 2010, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Dolores Rice Shares Two Children With Andrew Mccarthy
Before Rice, McCarthy married actress Carol Schneider, with whom he has a son named Sam. Meanwhile, Rice and McCarthy have two children: a daughter named Willow and a son named Rowan.
Willow, who celebrated her 17th birthday in July 2023, has been seen publicly with her father since she was young. In a notable appearance, they posed at the opening night party for "1984" on Broadway at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in 2017.
Willow and Andrew McCarthy at the opening night party for "1984" on Broadway at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on June 22, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
McCarthy also shares glimpses of Rowan on Instagram, including a photo of his son engrossed in the actor's latest book, "Walking with Sam." Willow has also shared bonding moments with her father and brother on her Instagram.
Rice values her privacy and maintains no visible social media presence, not appearing on McCarthy's Instagram or her daughter Willow's social media. However, she has a personal website displaying her portfolio.
Rice has also accompanied her husband on the red carpet for various events. They attended the 2012 premiere of "W.E." film, which starred Oscar Isaac and Andrea Riseborough, the Opening Night Gala of the 2010 Doha Tribeca Film Festival, and the 2008 Readers' Choice Awards.
They also attended the Sony Pictures Classics Premiere Of "Standard Operating Procedure" in 2008. In 2015, Rice and her husband graced the premiere of the Showtime original comedy series "HAPPYish," whose known actors are Kathryn Hahn and Ellen Barkin.