Andrew McCarthy cast in 'Gossip' spinoff

LOS ANGELES, March 6 (UPI) -- Andrew McCarthy, a popular film actor in the 1980s, is set to star in a new "Gossip Girl" spinoff set in that decade, The Hollywood Reporter said.

McCarthy's film credits include "Class," "Heaven Help Us," "Pretty in Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire," "Less Than Zero," "Mannequin" and "Weekend at Bernie's." He recently co-starred in the TV series "Lipstick Jungle," which reportedly hasn't been canceled or renewed for another season.

The Hollywood Reporter said the actor will play "Gossip Girl" character Lily Rhodes's music executive father, Rick, in the new Los Angeles-set spinoff.

"Hairspray" star Brittany Snow is to play Lily and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" sidekick Krysten Ritter her sister Carol, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Kelly Rutherford, 40, plays Lily on the contemporary series, "Gossip Girl."