Film exec Mitchell Thomas Goldman passes away at 74 after ‘long illness’

The film and stage communities are in mourning after the passing of longtime film executive Mitchell Thomas Goldman.

Goldman, who founded the distribution arm of New Line Cinema, passed away November 7 at his home in Los Angeles, after a ‘long illness,’ via Variety.

During his 16-year run at New Line, he oversaw the release of hits such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, Boogie Nights and many more.

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 from there.

He furthered his education at CW Post campus of Long Island University and graduated in 1970 before starting his career in the film business.

He started as a booker for the William Goldman Theatre Company in Philadelphia, before he became the 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 from there

He moved to Los Angeles in 1982 when he was promoted to vice president of distribution for Embassy, before moving to New Line Cinema.

Other films he helped oversee during his 16-year tenure as President of Marketing and Distribution for New Line include The Mask, Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles, Shine and Rush Hour.

He was said to be instrumental in launching several careers within New Line both on the creative and business sides of the company.

Hits: Other films he helped oversee during his 16-year tenure as President of Marketing and Distribution for New Line 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 senior home for those who’ve worked in the industry. 

After he left New Line, he served as a consultant for numerous production companies such as Miramax and Yari Films.

The Philly native also opened the restaurant South Street in an effort to bring Philly-quality cheesesteaks to the West Coast.

Inducted: 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 senior home for those who’ve worked in the industry

The original location opened in Westwood in 2000, with other locations opening in Hollywood and Burbank before they all shuttered 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, before the Jane Street Theater, we put on a brief, workshop style production of an unfinished version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. As we were getting ready to begin tech at the Westbeth, John and I found out that there was no money raised. Zilch! $0! And, if we didn’t have half the money in the bank by the next day, we would have to fold up shop,’ Trask began. 

‘I called up Mitch and Judy and explained the situation and, without a moment’s hesitation, they drove down to the Western Union office (as one did in those days) and became 50% shareholders in the show. I don’t think they’d ever heard more than two songs from it but without them, it simply wouldn’t have happened,’ 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