Home / Arts and Entertainment / Godfather Casting Icon Andrea Eastman Dies at 86
Godfather Casting Icon Andrea Eastman Dies at 86
27 Aug
Summary
- She was instrumental in casting Al Pacino and James Caan in The Godfather.
- Eastman discovered actor Tommy Lee Jones.
- She advocated for animal welfare and outlawing horse slaughter.
Andrea Eastman, a trailblazing figure in Hollywood, passed away at her Santa Barbara home at the age of 86. She carved a path for women in the industry, becoming one of the first female "superagents" and reaching a senior vice president position.
Eastman's early career in casting was pivotal to the "New Hollywood" movement. She championed Al Pacino for the role of Michael Corleone in "The Godfather" despite initial executive reluctance, and also secured James Caan for Sonny. Her impact on this film is preserved by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Her influence extended to discovering Tommy Lee Jones for "Love Story" and overseeing the casting of "Goodbye Columbus." Eastman guided the careers of numerous stars, including Sylvester Stallone and Barbra Streisand.
In her later years, Eastman dedicated herself to animal advocacy in Montana. She founded a sanctuary for rescued horses and dogs and, with Robert Redford, helped pass California's Proposition 6, which banned horse slaughter for consumption. Her life and work were honored in "People We Know, Horses They Love" and "The Offer."
