Tony Goldwyn: The Basics
Anthony Howard Goldwyn (born May 20, 1960) is an American actor, singer, producer, director, and political activist. Tony Goldwyn was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of actress Jennifer Howard and film producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. Tony Goldwyn's paternal grandparents were mogul Samuel Goldwyn, a Polish Jewish immigrant from Warsaw, and actress Frances Howard, who was originally from Nebraska.
He made his debut appearing as Darren in the slasher film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986), and had his breakthrough for starring as Carl Bruner in the fantasy thriller film Ghost (1990), which earned him a nomination for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. He went on to star as Harold Nixon in the biographical film Nixon (1995), which earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination, and as Neil Armstrong in the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon (1998).
Tony Goldwyn voiced the main character in the Disney animated film Tarzan (1999), and portrayed Colonel Bagley in The Last Samurai (2003), Johnathon "John" Collingwood in the horror film The Last House on the Left (2009), Andrew Prior in the Divergent film series (2014–2015) and Paul Cohen in King Richard (2021), the latter of which earned him a second nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award. He starred as President Fitzgerald Grant III in the ABC legal/political drama Scandal (2012–2018) and directed a number of episodes for the series, for which he won a Peabody Award. Since 2024, he has played the role of the Manhattan district attorney Nicholas Baxter on Law & Order.
Tony Goldwyn: Beyond Divergent
Tony Goldwyn's career post-"Divergent" has been notably marked by his impactful role in the hit television series "Scandal," which concluded in 2018. As President Fitzgerald Grant, Tony Goldwyn captivated audiences with his portrayal of a complex and often morally ambiguous leader entangled in political and personal turmoil. His performance earned critical acclaim and solidified his status as a leading actor on television.
Following "Scandal," Tony Goldwyn transitioned to other notable TV projects. In 2019, he joined the cast of Netflix’s psychological thriller "Chambers," playing the role of Ben Lefevre, a grieving father grappling with mysterious and unsettling events following his daughter's heart transplant. Although the series was short-lived, Tony Goldwyn's performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth.
In 2020, Tony Goldwyn appeared in HBO's miniseries "Lovecraft Country," an adaptation of Matt Ruff's novel blending historical fiction, horror, and science fiction. His portrayal of Samuel Braithwhite, a powerful and malevolent leader of a secret society, showcased his ability to embody menacing and authoritative characters, further demonstrating his range as an actor.
He starred in the 2017 horror-thriller "The Belko Experiment," directed by Greg McLean and written by James Gunn. In the film, Goldwyn played Barry Norris, an executive who becomes embroiled in a deadly corporate experiment. His performance was noted for capturing the psychological tension and moral conflicts of the character.
In 2019, Tony Goldwyn starred in the biographical drama "The Last Full Measure," portraying Colonel Jack Hastings in a film that tells the true story of a Vietnam War hero's posthumous Medal of Honor. His performance added emotional weight to the narrative, contributing to the film's exploration of valor and sacrifice.
Tony Goldwyn has also been involved in more light-hearted projects, such as the romantic comedy "King Richard" (2021), where he played Paul Cohen, the renowned tennis coach who mentored Venus and Serena Williams. The film, which centers on the lives and careers of the Williams sisters, received widespread acclaim, and Tony Goldwyn's performance was a testament to his adaptability and charm.
Looking ahead, Tony Goldwyn shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to star in several upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated film "The Hot Zone: Anthrax," where he will portray Bruce Ivins, a microbiologist involved in the 2001 anthrax attacks investigation. This role promises to be another compelling addition to his diverse body of work.
Tony Goldwyn: Did you know?
Tony Goldwyn is a vocal advocate for the Innocence Project, an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system. This was sparked by the wrongful conviction of a family friend.
Tony Goldwyn is not just talented in the arts; he is also an accomplished athlete. He has participated in multiple triathlons, which involve swimming, cycling, and running.
Tony Goldwyn's grandfather, Samuel Goldwyn, was a pioneering film producer and a founding contributor to Hollywood's Golden Age. Samuel Goldwyn was one of the founders of Paramount Pictures and the Samuel Goldwyn Company, which played a significant role in shaping the early film industry.
Tony Goldwyn published a book of his own photography over the last 20 years!