Renowned actor Tony Goldwyn discusses his Hollywood roots, balancing acting and directing, and his latest film about a father and son with Autism. He shares insights on working with Christopher Nolan, his innovative directorial approach, and upcoming career projects.
Family legacy in showbiz influenced Tony Goldwyn's acting career.
Transition from actor to director showcased Tony's versatility in entertainment industry.
Challenges and rewards of working on 'Scandal' and directing 'Ezra' with Robert De Niro.
Deep dives
Tony Goldwyn's Family Show Business Legacy and Early Career Insights
Tony Goldwyn, a third-generation showbiz talent, recounts his family's illustrious history in the entertainment industry. From his father, a film producer, to his grandfather, Sam Goldwyn, a pioneer in the early movie industry, show business runs deep in his lineage. Despite initial disinterest in pursuing film, Tony's exposure to the theater through his mother's influential family led him to find his passion for acting, starting his journey in high school plays and later pursuing a career in the theater.
Transition into Acting Success with 'Ghost' and Beyond
Tony Goldwyn's breakthrough role in the iconic movie 'Ghost' marked a turning point in his career, propelling him into the limelight as the memorable villain, Carl. The unexpected success of 'Ghost' opened new doors for Tony, leading to various acting opportunities in films such as 'The Last Samurai' and TV series like 'Scandal.' Despite being initially typecast as a villain, Tony's diverse roles and layered performances earned him critical acclaim and paved the way for a successful acting career.
Diversifying Talents: Directorial Success and TV Industry Impact
Tony Goldwyn's directorial debut with 'A Walk on the Moon' showcased his multifaceted talents beyond acting. His foray into directing offered a new creative outlet, steering his career towards greater versatility and recognition in the entertainment industry. Transitioning smoothly between acting and directing, Tony's work on projects like 'Conviction' and his pivotal role as President Fitz in 'Scandal' underscore his adaptability and impact in both realms of entertainment.
Challenges of Working with Shonda Rhimes
Working with Shonda Rhimes presented challenges due to the last-minute script rewrites and demanding word-for-word accuracy requirements. Actors on 'Scandal' often received scripts the night before shooting, leading to intense preparation for complex, high-velocity monologues. Despite the pressure, the fast-paced rhythm of the show and Shonda's quality writing style made it easier for actors to deliver accurate performances.
Creating 'Ezra' with Robert De Niro
The process of creating 'Ezra' involved a close collaboration with Robert De Niro and intense casting efforts to find the perfect neurodivergent actor for the lead role. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to great reception and was picked up by Bleaker Street for distribution. The director expresses gratitude for the communal experience of sharing the film and discusses future projects and career outlook.
In front of an audience at the Boulder International Film Festival, the beloved character actor-turned-filmmaker reflects on his deep Hollywood roots, juggling acting roles like the ones he played in the film 'Ghost' and on the TV series 'Scandal' with directing gigs like 'A Walk on the Moon' and 'Conviction,' and his latest film — which he directed and stars in — about a boy with Autism and his protective father.
