Mitchell Goldman, the former president of marketing and distribution at New Line Cinema who oversaw the launch of the studio’s distribution wing, died this past Monday at the age of 74, according to his son-in-law, Jim Margolis.
“He was a wonderful man who did so much for so many. He gave so many people their starts in the movie business,”Margolis stated that in a statement to
Goldman, a Philadelphia native and Long Island University graduate, started his career as a booker at the William Goldman Theatre Company. In 1978, he began his career in film distribution at Embassy Pictures, starting with east coast distribution in New York City before becoming vice president of the studio’s division four years later.
Mitchell Goldman joined New Line Cinema, as the studio was growing in Hollywood because of the horror movie. “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Goldman oversaw the creation of the studio’s distribution wing, aiming to release up to 12 films per year with at least five being in-house productions. Goldman would serve as marketingAnd distribution head for New Line for 16 years, overseeing the release of several ’90s pop culture classics like “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” “The Mask,” “Rush Hour” and “Boogie Nights.”
Goldman expanded his business ventures in the 2000s to include his Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. He opened a trio sandwich shops called South Street, Los Angeles, that operated up until 2015.
“A die-hard lover of all things Philadelphia, Mitch was unhappy with the quality of cheesesteaks available in Los Angeles,”Margolis, the owner of the business that has expanded to Burbank and Hollywood.
Meanwhile, after leaving New Line, Goldman served as a consultant for studios like Miramax and for films like Charlize Theron’s Oscar-winning film “Monster.”
Since 1986, he was an active participant in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. In addition, he was actively involved in the Motion Picture home.
Goldman is survived his 51-year-old wife Judy, his son Benjamin, his daughter Leslie and his grandchildren Leo and Lucy.
