Andrea Eastman, casting director who secured Al Pacino for The Godfather, dies at 86

Andrea Eastman, who cast The Godfather against Paramount's wishes, died on 27 August 2026 at her Santa Barbara home, aged 86. She and Francis Ford Coppola pushed the then-unknown Al Pacino for Michael Corleone when studio executives objected. She also negotiated James Caan's casting as Sonny. Her work is recognised in the Academy Museum archives. (Variety)