From Dead To Me To Horror: Sam McCarthy's 5 Most Surprising Movies And TV Shows Revealed

The world knows Sam McCarthy as Charlie Harding, the darkly comedic, internet-savvy son of Christina Applegate's character on the hit Netflix series Dead to Me. However, as of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the young actor is actively shedding his breakout persona with a string of incredibly diverse and often surprising roles across film and television, including a high-profile horror project and a co-starring role in a major streaming franchise. His latest work showcases a deliberate shift toward more challenging and varied material, cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most promising young talents.

This article provides the most up-to-date look at Sam McCarthy’s career, detailing his famous family background, his breakthrough performances, and the newest projects—from a highly anticipated Disney+ series to a controversial, viral horror sequel—that define his current trajectory in the entertainment industry.

Sam McCarthy: A Biography and Profile

Sam McCarthy has quickly risen through the ranks of young Hollywood, but his lineage ties him to one of the most iconic film groups of the 1980s. Born on March 15, 2002, in New York City, he is the son of two industry veterans.

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• Full Name: Sam McCarthy
• Date of Birth: March 15, 2002
• Age (as of December 2025): 23
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, USA
• Father: Andrew McCarthy (Actor, Director, and Travel Writer, famous for his roles in the "Brat Pack" films like Pretty in Pink and St. Elmo's Fire)
• Mother: Carol Schneider (Actress and Playwright)
• Breakout Role: Charlie Harding in Dead to Me (2019–2022)

Despite being the son of an '80s superstar, McCarthy has insisted that his pursuit of acting was an independent choice driven by passion, not nepotism. His early career saw him take on smaller roles before landing the part that would make him a household name.

The Latest Chapter: Sam McCarthy’s 2024–2025 Filmography

McCarthy's most recent and upcoming projects highlight a major diversification in his career, moving from dark comedy to horror and young adult mystery. His selection of new roles proves he is actively seeking out unique and unexpected collaborations.

Goosebumps: The Vanishing (2025)

One of McCarthy's most significant upcoming roles is as Devin Brewer in the new Disney+ and Hulu series, Goosebumps: The Vanishing. Set to premiere in January 2025, this installment of the popular franchise sees McCarthy co-starring alongside veteran actor David Schwimmer. The show is a major new addition to the young adult mystery genre, giving McCarthy a high-profile platform to showcase his dramatic range as a lead character.

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Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2 (2024)

In one of his most surprising and talked-about appearances of 2024, McCarthy had a role in the viral, low-budget horror sequel, Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey 2. The film, which reimagines the beloved A.A. Milne characters as grotesque slashers, saw McCarthy take on the small but notable role of a "Drunken man." This cameo demonstrates his willingness to participate in projects that generate significant online buzz, regardless of their genre or budget, proving a flair for the unexpected.

The Marshmallow Experiment (Post-Production)

McCarthy is set to star as the lead in the upcoming "raunchy" comedy film, The Marshmallow Experiment. The movie centers on an internet-addicted teen who embarks on a "wild, cringe" journey after a humiliating experience with his crush. His co-stars include an impressive ensemble cast featuring Steve Buscemi, Johnny Knoxville, Josh Lucas, Sarah Chalke, and Dafne Keen. Headlining a comedy with such veteran actors marks a substantial career step for McCarthy.

Breakout Roles and Career-Defining Performances

Before his latest string of projects, Sam McCarthy established his name with two major roles that defined the first phase of his career: a three-season run on a Netflix hit and a recurring part in a spy thriller.

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Dead to Me (2019–2022) as Charlie Harding

McCarthy’s most recognized role is undoubtedly Charlie Harding on the critically acclaimed Netflix dark comedy, Dead to Me. As the older son of Jen Harding (Christina Applegate), Charlie was a pivotal character, often serving as the emotional anchor and comic relief. His performance was praised for capturing the complexity of a teenager dealing with grief, secrets, and the turbulent relationship between his mother and Judy Hale (Linda Cardellini). The show's success on the streaming giant brought him international recognition and a dedicated fan base.

Condor (2018–2020) as Sam Barber Jr.

Prior to Dead to Me, McCarthy had a significant recurring role on the Audience Network drama series Condor. In the conspiracy thriller, he played Sam Barber Jr., a role that allowed him to explore a more serious, high-stakes narrative. This performance demonstrated his ability to handle intense, dramatic material early in his career, contrasting sharply with the comedic elements of his later work.

Other Notable Television and Film Appearances

McCarthy's filmography is rounded out by appearances in several other notable productions, showcasing his versatility across different genres:

• Them (2024): He appeared in the second season of the Amazon Prime Video horror anthology series, Them.
• 18 To Party (2019): An independent feature film where he played a role in a coming-of-age story set in the 1980s.
• All These Small Moments (2018): A film that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, where McCarthy played a supporting role.
• The Blacklist (2016–2018): He had a recurring role in the popular NBC crime thriller series.
• The Family (2016) and The Jim Gaffigan Show (2015): Early television credits that helped launch his acting career.

From playing the son of a beloved Hollywood figure to starring alongside a new generation of talent, Sam McCarthy has strategically built a filmography that is both diverse and compelling. His recent choices, especially in the horror and raunchy comedy genres, indicate a young actor unafraid to take risks and challenge audience expectations, making his career one to watch closely in the coming years.