‘Hannah Montana’ Casting Director Carol Goldwasser Has Passed Away at 67
Legendary casting director Carol Goldwasser has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67. According to Deadline, the news was confirmed by her friend and manager, Theodore Gekis.
Goldwasser was known throughout Hollywood for her warmth and sense of humor. She would greet friend and stranger alike with her signature “Hi, Doll!”
Born August 3, 1957, in Freeport, NY, Goldwasser was a star piano student at East Meadow High School. Eventually, she would earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music performance and education, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Buffalo.
Photo: IMDB
While Goldwasser initially thought she would teach music, she eventually found her calling in entertainment.
“Carol was passionate, caring, and funny, really, really funny,” her former partner Howard Meltzer remembered. “She will be missed by her dear friends, colleagues, and all the many child actors she discovered and whose careers she started.”
Work at Touchstone and Disney
After working as a casting associate at Melrose Place, Goldwasser was hired as the manager of casting for Disney/Touchstone Television. From there, she was promoted to Director of Casting for Disney/Touchstone Television in New York City, a role she served in until 1998.
Subsequently, she worked as an independent casting director for over a decade. During this period, she continued to work with Disney, casting for Hannah Montana, Austin & Allie, I’m in the Band, and Dog with a Blog.
Photo: Disney
Outside of Disney her casting credits included The Boy Who Cried Werewolf, The Hughleys, and Out of Jimmy’s Head.
“Goodbye Doll!”
Goldwasser is survived by her sister, Diana, her brother-in-law, Philip, and her beloved kitty, Nala.
Photo: Also Deadline
“After Carol’s long and successful career in casting, I was excited for her to forge a new path and find deep happiness in her retirement. She was thriving,” her friend Ann Maney said in a statement. “I will miss my dear friend. Goodbye, Doll!”
