Worcester native Caitlin McCarthy is an award-winning screenwriter, world-renowned DES (diethylstilbestrol) activist, and veteran educator for Worcester Public Schools. Her feature screenplay WONDER DRUG is heading towards pre-production with Rhino Films, producers Stephen Nemeth, Vanessa Hope and Mike S. Ryan, and Oscar-nominated director Matia Karrell. Caitlin has been recognized as an “Intelligent Optimist” by ODE Magazine; a “Woman to Watch” by Imagine Magazine; a “Person to Watch” by The Pulse Magazine; a “Woman to Watch” by Forty Over 40; a “Red Sox Most Valuable Educator” twice by the Boston Red Sox; and an “Unsung Hero” who rose to the challenge of working during a pandemic at Worcester Technical High School (2020-2021 school year). Caitlin was also featured in the book “The Top 100 Indie Writers In The World” by Del Weston & Theresa Coscarelli. Additionally, Caitlin won an MTA Human and Civil Rights Award from the Massachusetts Teachers Association; and a “Service to Community” Alumni Award from Regis College. She was also nominated twice (in 2011 and 2012) for a Presidential Citizens Medal for her work on the DES (diethylstilbestrol) tragedy; and selected for a 2021 Artist Fellowship in Dramatic Writing from the Mass Cultural Council and a Fellowship Grant Recipient from the Worcester Arts Council.
Please tell us about your current career and what you love most about what you do?
I’m an ELA instructor by day and screenwriter by night. Both careers are demanding, but nothing’s impossible when you really want it. I enjoy educating, enlightening, and entertaining audiences, whether they’re in a classroom or movie theater.
What is your favorite restaurant in Worcester, and what is your favorite dish?
El Basha on Park Ave. The El “PuPu” Platter is the best. I’m also a big fan of their Chicken Shawarma.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever met?
Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web. How often do we meet someone who literally changed the world? And bonus: he’s an incredibly nice man.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Australia. I’ve long dreamt of going to the land down under. I’m attracted to their unusual wildlife, stunning coastlines, and fabulous accent.
What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
ACDC with Bon Scott. The bagpipes in “It’s A Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)” slay me every time.
What is your best advice?
Early to bed, early to rise, work real hard and advertise!
What is one of the top three items on your Bucket List?
This is rather embarrassing to admit, but I’ve never been to Ireland despite all of my travels. I’ll get there!
Q: What current/former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Worcester?
Ralph’s Rock Diner. Crying in their parking lot over a thwarted romance is a rite of passage.
Q: Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative with whom would you love to have lunch? Why?
Gloria Steinem. I’d start off lunch with a “Thank you” — because without her activism, I wouldn’t be me today.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Accepting an Academy Award for Screenwriting — and I’ll be giving a big shout-out to everyone back home in Worcester.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you, even your friends or family.
I’m pretty good at palm reading.
Q: What 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Worcester (of course!). Love. Support.
Q: If a motion picture was made of your life, what actor/actress would you choose to play you?
Melissa McCarthy. We already share the same last name, and I think she’d perfectly capture the comedy and drama of my life.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about Worcester?
Orson, the inflatable polar bear on I-290. Whenever I drive past him after a long trip, I know I’m home.
Q: What is your favorite smell?
Rain on hot pavement.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My parents Albert and Ann McCarthy. My mom passed away in 2019, but I still feel her with me every day. And my dad continues to read every single draft of everything I write. The two of them gave me roots and wings.
