Biographie
Randy J. Goodwin, originally named Ivan J., is recognized in Hollywood for his strong integrity, morals, and values. Raised in Omaha, Nebraska, he began performing at age 8, showcasing his talents in singing, dancing, and acting through local theater, church plays, musicals, and high school talent shows. Setting aside his Hollywood ambitions for a time, Randy attended the University of Nebraska's Architectural School before joining the US Air Force alongside his older brother. After completing his active duty, he returned to his passion for entertainment, performing stand-up comedy and acting in regional theater across Chicago and the Midwest.
Following his comedy career, Randy relocated to Hollywood, quickly landing roles in several TV commercials before securing a supporting part in "American History X," alongside Edward Norton and Stacy Keach. That same month, he earned his first series regular role as Kennedy Winslow, the first Black NASCAR driver, in Showtime's "Fast Track," executive produced by Larry Gelbart (creator of M.A.S.H.). His other notable roles include starring in "Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story," "The Old Settler," "Hyperion Bay," and "Linc's," his second Showtime series. He also appeared in the Showtime pilot "Insatiable," featuring Andie MacDowell, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Peter Facinelli. Randy is widely known for his portrayal of Davis on "Girlfriends," executive produced by Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), who cast him in "L.A. Sheriff's Homicide" and "Neurotic Tendencies" as well. Together, they collaborated on five projects.
Randy's guest appearances span numerous shows, including "24," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Navy NCIS," "Yes Dear," "Coupling," "Emeril," "The Steve Harvey Show," "Nash Bridges," "The Pretender," and "The Geena Davis Show." More recent television roles include a recurring part on the cult hit "Vampire Diaries," as well as appearances on "The Mentalist," "The Client List," "Love Thy Neighbor," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Rookie." He also joined Disney, guest-starring as Barry, Bennet's publisher, on the popular "Dog With A Blog," and as Vance Carroway on Disney's "Best Friends Whenever."
In film, Randy has appeared in "Down N' Dirty" with Fred "Da Hamma" Williamson and Gary Busey, "Flip the Script" starring Robin Givens and Miguel Nunez, Jr., and "Towelhead," directed by Alan Ball and featuring Aaron Eckhart and Toni Collette.
His upcoming projects include the soon-to-be-released "Ernesto's Manifesto," as well as appearances on FOX's "9-1-1," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Rookie."
Following advice from Quentin Tarantino and accumulating many scripts over the years, Randy has expanded his career behind the camera. He starred in and produced the indie film "Xander Cohen aka The Holy Man" (available on Amazon Prime). He also recently completed "The Job," a Christian/faith-based film he produced, starred in, and directed, which has received outstanding reviews from focus groups and private screenings.
Additionally, Randy served as the spokesman for the Chrysler PT Cruiser for two years.
