Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Judy Honor Toni and Wendy Howard at Cedars-Sinai Luncheon

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The Women’s Guild of Cedars-Sinai enjoyed an extra radiance at their yearly spring gathering held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, courtesy of a duo of well-known sisters gracing the event with their presence.

Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Judy attended the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday for a special occasion, where they presented Toni Howard, an agent at CAA, and her sister, Wendy Goldberg (author and philanthropist), with Trailblazer Awards during a grand event hosted by Nischelle Turner from Entertainment Tonight.

Or, more informally:

Samuel L. Jackson and Judge Judy showed up at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday to award Toni Howard, an agent from CAA, and her sister Wendy Goldberg (author and do-gooder) with Trailblazer Awards at a fancy event hosted by Nischelle Turner from Entertainment Tonight.

One well-renowned agent from Hollywood’s circle is known for managing stars like Michael Jackson, Michael Keaton, James Spader, Edie Falco, Michael Sheen, Holly Hunter, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Diane Lane (currently present), Goldie Hawn, Tim Robbins, Catherine O’Hara, Nathan Lane, and Billie Lourd, to name a few. Howard Goldberg has been an active member of the guild for over four decades, dedicating his time to the organization’s service. She is the late wife of Leonard Goldberg, a network executive and producer who played a significant role in shaping productions such as Charlie’s Angels, Broadcast News, Brian’s Song and The Simpsons.

At the podium, Jackson, who had earlier received a Hollywood icon award from the Women’s Guild with his wife LaTanya Richardson Jackson, mentioned that this was his third time presenting at a Women’s Guild event. He jokingly added, “I attend the Academy Awards less frequently than I come to these events.” However, he made the most of his return appearance by praising Howard Goldberg as “kind, generous, and fearless,” and reserving special compliments for his long-term agent.

Jackson stated that he couldn’t conceive of his life without Howard. She’s not just his agent, but also a friend and advisor, a crucial figure in high-stakes blackjack as Superman is to comic book heroes. For at least three decades, she’s been like a hero to him. They’ve been connected for a long time, and it was Toni who kickstarted the fortune he’s talked about.

Following this, it was Jackson’s privilege to present Judge Judy, otherwise known as Judy Sheindlin, who engaged in a cozy conversation with the sisters. Regarding Sheindlin, Jackson referred to her as a groundbreaking figure for breaking new ground with her popular TV show, Judge Judy, and for being the sole television judge to win Emmys for multiple series. “Undeniably, she’s been charged with delivering us the finest courtroom television,” Jackson remarked, further stating that he never misses an episode of her show while in his trailer. “To be frank, I first encountered Judy in Toni’s backyard puffing cigarettes when I arrived in Hollywood, and she is directly responsible for my quitting smoking. She referred me to her doctor, and once she stopped, she made me stop too,” he added.

In her speech upon receiving the award, Howard expressed her delight at standing alongside her sister. “When Wendy was just twelve years old,” Howard reminisced, “our telephone would ring and my sister would answer it. A devoted volunteer, eager to make their pitch, would launch into a pre-rehearsed speech: ‘Millions of people are suffering. We’d be grateful if you could donate money to help find solutions in the battle against this terrible disease.’ Wendy would ask, ‘What are the symptoms?'” Howard recounted. “I can assure you that at twelve, Wendy was more knowledgeable about the disease than the person on the phone. I’d wager that at twelve, Wendy knew as much about the disease as the doctors.

Due to her constant preoccupation with medical matters, Howard frequently refers to his sister as “Dr. Goldberg,” as she’s almost always seeking a diagnosis. According to him, Wendy provides the best guidance and knows just the right person to consult, regardless of whether it’s a minor injury like a skinned knee or a significant issue such as major surgery. During the ceremony, Howard acknowledged Jackson and Sheindlin for their support, expressing that when he first met them, he felt an immediate desire to represent them. He went on to say, “I could have made a fortune with your talent, but what’s truly valuable is our friendship. I don’t think anyone else will hear this from an agent, but for me, your friendship means more than any amount of money.

Later, she specifically acknowledged the Women’s Guild and the dedicated medical team at Cedars-Sinai for the exceptional care they provided her 96-year-old husband, David Yarnell, who was admitted to the hospital on two occasions this year. “I was touched by the compassion and the zest displayed by your staff,” she said. “David enjoys interacting with people, and regardless of someone’s role, he would always strike up a conversation. Everyone was so attentive. They all seemed to pour their energy and happiness into their work. We even witnessed them cheerfully exchanging high-fives when they switched shifts,” she complimented.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but share Howard Goldberg’s heartfelt reference to a cherished term coined by businesswoman Lynda Resnick: resilience. In her own words, “resilience is the power to endure hardship and bounce back, the tenacity to regain form.” The city of Los Angeles, Women’s Guild, and today’s other awardees are living testaments of this remarkable quality. Furthermore, my sister is an undeniable icon, a pioneer, and one of the sharpest, most entertaining, and hardworking individuals I’ve ever encountered.

The money collected during the event is earmarked for two specific causes: the Women’s Guild’s neurology project and the establishment of a distinguished chair in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s. Additionally, renowned fashion designer Elyse Walker organized a temporary shop during the event, showcasing items from her brand, elysewalker, with 10% of the sales going directly to the Women’s Guild. To date, the Women’s Guild has successfully raised over $70 million for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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2025-05-04 04:54