Andrea Eastman, the legendary casting director, talent manager and longtime Hollywood agent, has died at the age of 86. Sources told Page Six that Eastman passed away on Wednesday. A family spokesperson later confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter, revealing that she died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Santa Barbara.
Eastman had been an important figure in Hollywood for several decades. She was closely associated with some of the biggest films, actors and television personalities of the industry. Her work as a casting director included the iconic film The Godfather, while her career as an agent and manager helped shape the journeys of several well known stars.
In the months before her death, Eastman had reportedly spoken about California’s End of Life Option Act, a law that allows mentally capable adults with terminal illnesses to access medical aid in dying under specific conditions. One person who had recently spent time with her told Page Six that Eastman had mentioned the possibility in a very casual manner, although she was seriously considering it. The source also said that Eastman appeared to be in good spirits despite the changes in her life.
The exact cause of Eastman’s death has not been revealed. A spokesperson for the family did not provide details about her health or the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Eastman had faced health problems in the past. Around six years ago, she underwent open heart surgery and reportedly spent about three months recovering at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2020. Her recovery also became the inspiration for a children’s book titled Trooper at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Published in 2022, the book was written by Susan McCauley and focused on Eastman’s beloved golden retriever, Trooper, and the important role the dog played during her recovery.
Speaking to Explore Big Sky in 2023, Eastman described her connection with Trooper and said, “I know for a fact I never would have healed so well and so quickly without the love of this dog.”
However, it was Eastman’s extraordinary career during Hollywood’s blockbuster era that made her a respected name in the entertainment industry. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she was credited with discovering Charlie’s Angels star Jaclyn Smith and bringing Steven Spielberg and Roy Scheider together for Jaws. She also played a role in helping Billy Crystal secure his memorable part in the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally.
Eastman also worked as an executive at Paramount and managed several major names, including Sylvester Stallone, Barbra Streisand, Katherine Heigl, Katie Couric, Dustin Hoffman, Brenda Vaccaro, Richard Gere and Tony Danza.
Her final birthday celebration took place in June through a Zoom gathering attended by several of her former clients and friends. Katherine Heigl, Katie Couric, Tony Danza, Billy Crystal, Marla Maples and Dyan Cannon were among those who joined the celebration.
Andrea Eastman leaves behind a remarkable Hollywood legacy, having worked with some of the industry’s biggest stars and played a role in several memorable careers and films.
