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Casting Icon Who Discovered Stars, Shaped Classics, Dies
27 Aug
Summary
- Eastman discovered Jaclyn Smith and linked Spielberg to Jaws.
- She championed Ali MacGraw for Goodbye, Columbus.
- Eastman managed Stallone and repped numerous Hollywood stars.
Hollywood casting director and agent Andrea Eastman passed away recently at the age of 86. She was known for her sharp eye, discovering talent like Jaclyn Smith and orchestrating key casting decisions for major films.
Eastman was instrumental in connecting Steven Spielberg with Roy Scheider for the blockbuster 'Jaws' (1975). She also fought for Ali MacGraw to star in 'Goodbye, Columbus' (1969), a role that helped launch the actress's career.
Her influence extended to managing Sylvester Stallone during the height of his 'Rocky' fame. Eastman's career also included a significant period as an agent at ICM, representing a diverse roster of stars including Barbra Streisand, Christopher Reeve, and Dustin Hoffman.
Born in Connecticut, Eastman began her career at Paramount Pictures, rising through the ranks. After leaving the studio, she transitioned into talent representation, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry through her guidance and vision.