EXCLUSIVE: Fallen Giant Films, the production company of actor and filmmaker Randy J. Goodwin, on Friday announced a new documentary project exploring the life and legacy of famed soap opera star Kristoff St. John.
Directed by Bobby Razak, Kristoff will chronicle St. John’s journey from child actor to his groundbreaking role as Neil Winters on The Young and the Restless — one of the most enduring Black characters on television — while offering a raw and intimate portrait of the man behind the screen. The documentary will delve deeply into his struggles with mental health, personal loss, and his enduring impact on television and the Black entertainment community.
St. John earned two Daytime Emmys and 10 NAACP Image Awards for his role on The Young and the Restless, which he played from 1991 until he passed in February 2019. He garnered two Daytime Emmy nominations for his role on NBC’s soap Generations and is also known for starring in ABC’s miniseries Roots: The Next Generations.
Kristoff is a personal project for Goodwin, who was not only close friends but also roommates with St. John, and told us, “Kristoff was more than just an incredibly talented actor. He was one of my closest friends, my brother. This documentary is both a heartfelt tribute and a truthful exploration of the amazing, complex person he was. With Bobby Razak directing, we’re confident this story will be portrayed with the emotional honesty and artistic vision Kristoff deserves.”
Kristoff’s ex-wife, Mia St. John, a five-time boxing champion and mother of two of his three children —including their son Julian, who tragically passed away — is also a key partner in the project. Pic is slated for release early next year. In addition to the documentary, a scripted biopic about St. John’s life is currently in development.
Past films from Razak include Mask on TapouT apparel’s Charles Lewis; Fallen Soldier, on middleweight champ Gerald McClellan; and Mexican Fighter, which examined the historical impact of Mexican fighters in mixed martial arts.
On the producing front, Goodwin’s credits include Look Like Somebody: The Ricky C. Simmons Story, The Job, The Call, and The Holy Man. As an actor, his recent credits include the likes of Star Trek: Picard, All American: Homecoming, Dynasty, and NCIS. He’s repped by Global Artists Agency and Rugolo Entertainment.
