Another Goldwyn Makes His Mark

Tony Goldwyn’s last name may be familiar, but he’s determined that it not be his calling card.

At 30 (as of today), the son of Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and grandson of mogul Samuel Goldwyn has been quietly building a resume of acting credits on stage and TV. This, after leaving Hollywood as a teen-ager for Brandeis University, where he earned a degree in theater arts, then three years of classical training in London, followed by six years at the highly respected Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts.

But his big break may be looming: He’s fourth billed in Paramount Pictures’ romantic comedy, “Ghost,” due in July, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg.

In the story, Swayze dies, then returns as a ghost to find his buddy Goldwyn romancing his girl (Moore). There are plot twists, “which I’d get in trouble if I revealed,” says Goldwyn, adding, “but I got a really cool part.”

He almost didn’t get it: He originally read the script when his wife, noted production designer Jane Musky (“When Harry Met Sally . . .”), got hired on the picture. But director Jerry Zucker was only talking to big names about the role.

Goldwyn persisted in “bugging” his agent, who in turn nagged the casting director. Finally, Goldwyn got to audition--on tape. “Jerry was only meeting personally with stars,” he laughs. Months passed--and Goldwyn got a call to audition, in person. The role followed.

Goldwyn has since signed with personal manager Neil Koenigsberg, who says he added the newcomer to his select list of clients (Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, etc.) because “I feel strongly he’s going to be a major, major star.”