Carol Goldwasser, a casting director known for her work shaping young talent on shows like “Hannah Montana,” died Dec. 5 at her home in Palm Springs after surgery. She was 67.
Goldwasser’s death was confirmed to Variety by her friend, manager Theodore Gekis.
Goldwasser worked in Los Angeles and New York for over two decades, bringing her expertise in casting to shows like “Hannah Montana,” “Austin & Ally,” “Dog with a Blog” and “Cousins for Life.”
Before landing those jobs, she made the move to Los Angeles in 1991 with no plan but landed a role as a casting associate on “Melrose Place” and the pilot of “My So-Called Life.” From 1994 to 1996, she worked as manager of casting at Disney/Touchstone Television and was promoted to director of casting, a role she held until 1998.
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“Carol was a wonderfully talented casting director and a delight to be in the same room with,” Marc Hirscheld, former Executive Vice President of Casting at NBC, said. “Always positive, enthusiastic and with an annoyingly sunny disposition. The world will be a little less sunny without her.”
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Goldwasser served as chairperson of the diversity committee for the Casting Society of America. She garnered 11 CSA Artios Award nominations and two wins, along with a nomination for the Heller Award for Television Casting Director of the Year. She was also a member of the Television Academy.
Her close friend Ann Maney reflected: “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. I will miss my dear friend. Goodbye, Doll!”
Goldwasser is survived by her sister, Diana Goldwasser and her brother-in-law, Philip Dorman.
