Ethel Winant

Casting Director

"It's harder to be a good casting director now because the world is so much bigger. I used to have this simple advice which was to watch a lot of television, watch a lot of movies, start making lists and every time you see somebody that you like, write their name down. Keep lists, keep cards, do all that. I don't know if it's possible anymore, but I think it's really what it's about -- seeing as many people as you can."

About This Interview

Ethel Winant (1922-2003) was interviewed for three-and-a-half hours in Beverly Hills, CA. Although Winant's background began in theater, she got her start in television as a volunteer for Studio One, produced by Worthington Minor. Winant talked about her shift into casting and her job with David Susskind's Talent Associates. Winant spoke about her experience as one of the first, high-ranking female executives in television, working for CBS and NBC. Winant's fondest memories in television focused on her work as a casting director for Playhouse 90, and the talented people she worked with: John Houseman, John Frankenheimer, Martin Manulis, Fred Coe and Hubbell Robinson. Additionally she talked about casting such ensemble shows as The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The interview was conducted by Sunny Parich on August 7, 1996.