Conventional Casting

At least 40--count ‘em 40--Hollywood celebs and execs will attend this week’s Democratic National Convention in Atlanta, perhaps the biggest contingent of starry observers since the 1972 convention that nominated George McGovern.

Flying down to Atlanta today and first thing Monday are three groups--put together by Assemblyman Tom Hayden’s activist Network group, Michael Dukakis’ campaign staff and the Jesse Jackson camp.

The roll call represents several generations of celebs--ranging from Lauren Bacall (who attended the ’52 convention that nominated her soul mate, Adlai Stevenson) to Brat Packer Ally Sheedy.

Hayden’s group includes Alec Baldwin, Leif Garrett, Justine Bateman, Hart Bochner, Rebecca DeMornay, Richard Cox, Morgan Fairchild, Jennifer Grey, Charlie Haid, Tom Hulce, River Phoenix, Judd Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Meg Ryan, Sheedy, Elizabeth Shue, Rod Steiger, Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner, Katie Wagner, Rob Lowe. (Mrs. Hayden, Jane Fonda, can’t attend: She’s working.)

Also, execs Robert Chartoff, Craig Zadan, Neil Meron, Danny Goldberg and director Randa Haines.

The Dukakis clan: Anne Archer, Ed Asner, Bacall, Ed Begley Jr., Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, Linda Lavin, Michelle Lee, Stephen Stills and directors Oliver Stone and Robert Altman.

Jackson’s troops: Margot Kidder, Willie Nelson and Stevie Wonder.

Given all this star power, there’ll also be a round of celeb shindigs (including receptions, benefits and breakfasts intime ) hosted by President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, John Portman and some Democratic senators.