Mitchell Thomas Goldman – longtime film exec who oversaw distribution of New Line Cinema hits like The Mask and more – dies aged 74 after ‘long illness’
The film and stage community mourns the loss of longtime film executive Mitchell Thomas Goldman.
Goldman, who founded New Line Cinema’s distribution arm, died Nov. 7 at his Los Angeles home after a “long illness,” Variety reported.
During his 16-year tenure at New Line, he was responsible for releasing hits like “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Boogie Nights,” and more.
Mourning: The film and stage community mourns the loss of longtime film executive Mitchell Thomas Goldman
Born in Philadelphia in 1948, Goldman graduated from Lower Merrion High School in 1966 – three decades before future NBA star Kobe Bryant would graduate there.
He continued his education at Long Island University’s CW Post campus, graduating in 1970 before beginning his film career.
He began as a booker for the William Goldman Theater Company in Philadelphia before becoming an East Coast distributor for Avco Embassy Pictures in New York City in 1978.
Born: Goldman was born in Philadelphia in 1948 and graduated from Lower Merrion High School in 1966 — three decades before future NBA star Kobe Bryant would graduate there
He moved to Los Angeles in 1982 when he was promoted to vice president of sales for Embassy before joining New Line Cinema.
Other films he helped oversee during his 16-year tenure as New Line’s President of Marketing and Distribution included The Mask, Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles, Shine and Rush Hour.
He is said to have been instrumental in launching multiple careers within New Line on both the creative and business sides of the company.
Hits: Other films he oversaw during his 16-year tenure as New Line’s President of Marketing and Sales include The Mask, Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles, Shine and Rush Hour.
After being inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1986, he remained active with the Motion Picture and Television Fund, which serves as a retirement home for those who have worked in the industry.
After leaving New Line, he worked as a consultant for numerous production companies such as Miramax and Yari Films.
The Philly native also opened South Street Restaurant to bring Philly-quality cheesesteaks to the West Coast.
Inclusion: After being inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1986, he remained active with the Motion Picture and Television Fund, which serves as a retirement home for those who have worked in the industry
The original location opened in Westwood in 2000, with additional locations opening in Hollywood and Burbank before all closing in 2015.
Goldman was also the uncle of musician Stephen Trask, who revealed in a touching Instagram tribute that Goldman and his wife Judy became early investors in his musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
“In 1997 we put on a short workshop production of an unfinished version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch in front of the Jane Street Theatre. As we prepared to begin the technique at Westbeth, John and I found that no money was being raised. zilch! $0! And if we didn’t have half the money in the bank by the next day, we’d have to go out of business,” Trask began.
“I called Mitch and Judy and explained the situation to them, and without hesitation they drove to the Western Union office (as they did back then) and became 50 percent shareholders of the show. I don’t think they’ve ever heard more than two songs from it, but it just wouldn’t have happened without them,” Trask revealed.
Uncle: Goldman was also the uncle of musician Stephen Trask, who revealed in a touching Instagram tribute that Goldman and his wife Judy became early investors in his musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch