June 03, 2024

From Real Life to the Screen: Parenting, Masculinity and Friendship with Tony Goldwyn and Tony Spiridakis

1 hour 17 minutes

TW: discussions of depression and suicidal ideation || Spoiler Alert: Contains minor plot points from the film EZRA

Award-winning actor & director Tony Goldwyn and writer & director Tony Spiridakis explore the universal truths of friendship and parenting. They offer insights into acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of authentic human connections. Spiridakis shares his heartfelt journey of raising his autistic son, which inspired him to write the film EZRA (now in theaters everywhere), directed by Goldwyn.

The conversation highlights the duo's 30+ year friendship, and their shared commitment to advocacy and redefining masculinity. Goldwyn's reflection, "We all have an impulse to fit in, but true strength lies in embracing who we are," sets the tone for a discussion on overcoming societal pressures. Spiridakis candidly recounts his initial struggle with his son's diagnosis and the transformative realization, "I didn't stop until I realized it was a gift", providing a touching perspective on embracing the challenges and rewards of parenting neurodivergent children (and parenting in general).

Join us for poignant stories and valuable lessons, as Tony G and Tony S inspire us to cherish genuine relationships and approach parenting with compassion and understanding. Don't miss this deeply moving and insightful conversation.

ABOUT EZRA, THE FILM

EZRA now in theaters from Wayfarer Studios and Closer Media, distributed by Bleecker Street, directed by Tony Goldwyn and written by Tony Spiridakis.

EZRA is a heartwarming and hilarious road trip story about Max, a dad played by Bobby Cannavale, who’s learning to truly connect with his autistic son, Ezra, played by the amazing newcomer William Fitzgerald. Also starring Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, and Robert De Niro.

See EZRA — now playing in theaters everywhere!

ABOUT TONY GOLDWYN:

Tony Goldwyn’s latest feature directing project, EZRA, with Bobby Cannavale and Robert DeNiro is now open in theaters. Goldwyn also has a role in the film, reuniting him with GHOST castmate Whoopi Goldberg. Additionally, he can currently be seen in the Academy Award winning Best Picture OPPENHEIMER and in the original “Law & Order” series talking over as the new DA.

https://www.instagram.com/tonygoldwyn/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001282/

ABOUT TONY SPIRIDAKIS:

Tony Spiridakis is an award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and actor with nearly four decades in the film and television industry. His most recent film, "Ezra," which he wrote and produced alongside director Tony Goldwyn, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The comedic drama stars Bobby Cannavale, Robert De Niro, Rose Byrne and Whoopi Goldberg, and is being released theatrically by Bleecker Street nationwide in May 2024. Currently, Spiridakis is a writer and consulting producer on the MGM+ apocalyptic drama series “Earth Abides.” He is also adapting Sandy Greenberg’s acclaimed memoir, "Hello Darkness, My Old Friend" for Wayfarer Studios. Set in the early ’60s, it’s the inspirational story of a Columbia student who goes blind right before his senior year and, without letting anyone know he has lost his sight, is able to graduate.