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One of the highly decorated actors to debut amid the height of blockbuster action movies, Tony Goldwyn has a cherished legacy to speak for himself. A career spanning decades had the actor collaborate with the likes of Tom Cruise, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Sharon Stone.
At 64 years of age, he remains active, having directed, produced, and sung for productions. Moreover, one of his recent movies happens to be the Oscar-winning King Richard, where he played the role of Paul Cohen, and Will Smith starred as Richard Williams. However, his filmography goes far beyond just one example.
Movies like The Last Samurai, Ghost, Tarzan, Ezra, and the Divergent series also featured him in the star cast. Goldwyn recently hosted the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention. As for his best works, below is a working list for the same.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
7 best movies and TV shows to admire at the legacy of Tony Goldwyn
Amid such widespread acclaim, choosing a handful of his best works would be quite the task. Yet, for those who wish to start witnessing his acting masterclass, here are seven of his best works, both movies and TV shows, that have consistently emerged at the top of ratings, reviews, and fans’ opinions:
- Ghost (1990)
- Scandal (2012-2018)
- Kiss the Girls (1997)
- Tarzan (1999)
- Law & Order (1990-present)
- The Last House on the Left (2009)
- The Mechanic (2011)
1) Ghost (1990) - Prime Video, Fubo, Paramount+
Tony Goldwyn played the role of Carl Burner in a cast that also had Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore as a couple named Sam Wheat and Molly Jensen.
The story of Ghost took the route of a supernatural movie filled with romance and thrill. Following the murder of Sam, his spirit roamed the Earth, eventually coming across a conspiracy hatched by Carl.
A plot for justice and love then takes over the setting as Goldwyn’s performance adds to the tension and drama.
2) Scandal (2012-2018) - Hulu, Tubi
Tony Goldwyn played President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III in all seven seasons of the political thriller, Scandal. Carrying themes of power, corruption, loyalty, and betrayal, the actor remained the key figure throughout the 124 episodes of this show.
The main plot centered around Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope and her complex romantic relationship with the President, one of several such 'scandals' of his time.
Goldwyn’s stern performance and emotional range breathed life into the role as he became inevitably responsible for the show’s depth and complexity.
3) Kiss the Girls (1997) - Paramount+, Fubo
A neo-noir psychological thriller, Kiss the Girls showcased the acting prowess of Tony Goldwyn as he played the complex and layered role of Dr. Will Rudolph. Involved in multiple abductions, his character’s motive made way for suspenseful and tense twists.
Moving around as a local plastic surgeon, the doctor’s acts of villainy became all the more chilling thanks to the actor’s portrayal alongside Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd, and Cary Elwes.
4) Tarzan (1999) - Disney+
An animated classic, Tarzan had Tony Goldwyn voice the titular character. Moreover, he managed to bring forth the true emotions of the character, from his innocence to inner conflict, making way for a box office success as the second highest-grossing animated film of the year.
The story, as widely known, follows a boy named Tarzan and his journey of self-discovery after coming in contact with humans for the first time, having been raised by gorillas in an African jungle for all his life.
5) Law & Order (1990-present) - Peacock
Tony Goldwyn stepped into the role of District Attorney Nicholas Baxter for season 23 of Law & Order. Airing in 2024, the season continued with its famed portrayal of complex criminal cases and legal battles.
Taking over as the new DA for episodes seven through thirteen, Goldwyn brought fresh dynamics to every scene he was in with depth and visible moral dilemma behind his actions and decisions.
The character’s weight drove many key plotlines of the season while also bringing in acclaim and viewership numbers.
6) The Last House on the Left (2009) - Prime Video, Apple TV
A horror-thriller, The Last House on the Left is a remake of a 1972 film of the same name. A gripping storyline had Sara Paxton as Mari Collingwood, a teenager who is abducted, assaulted, and left for dead.
In a twist, the same fugitives unknowingly take refuge at the vacation home of her parents, John and Emma Collingwood, played by Tony Goldwyn and Monica Potter, respectively.
Goldwyn’s switch from a caring father to a vengeful figure in seeking revenge and justice drove the plot, while his acting range demonstrated every emotion from love, to remorse, and unhinged vengeance.
7) The Mechanic (2011) - Prime Video, Apple TV
Tony Goldwyn played Dean in this action thriller remake of a 1972 flick, again, of the same name. Jason Statham as Arthur Bishop ran the plot as an assassin who went by as the “mechanic”.
Sworn by a strict code of conduct, the character showcased exceptional professionalism by hiding his traces and making his hits look like the acts of petty criminals.
The Ghost actor, however, played the primary antagonist of this movie and drove the central conflict by ordering the death of Bishop’s mentor and close friend, whose son then goes on a quest for revenge, not knowing that he was up against Statham’s character.
After more than three decades in Hollywood, Tony Goldwyn remains a critically acclaimed actor. Furthermore, his guest appearances in shows like Dexter and Grey’s Anatomy, as well as his directing adventures with Law & Order, have only added to his credibility. As such, the above seven of his projects should help cinema lovers explore some of the best works of such a talented persona.
