MENU
SEARCHTony Beckerman was a key player in the Vidal Sassoon story. In the 1960s he started as an assistant and grew to be the Director of Training for the company. It was Tony who actually brought the Sassoon method of cutting to the United States. He attended the premiere of Vidal Sassoon the Movie and shares with MODERN SALON Beauty and Fashion Director Maggie Mulhern his feelings about the film.
premiered this past weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival in NYC. I am in Las Vegas and then on to LA, so I missed the opening (but I will be going next week!). However, we invited Tony Beckerman, one of Vidal's last assistants and then the Director of Training (who ultimately brought the Sassoon method to the United States), to give us his reaction.
Tony Beckerman
But first … a tiny bit of background:
The movie is produced by Michael Gordon, the legendary hairdresser, founder of Bumble and bumble and author of Hair Heroes (where Michael first met Vidal for his profile). The movie offers an intimate look into the life of Vidal from his early days in an orphanage to his recreation of the salon industry as we know it today. Filmed over the course of three years, the movie includes interviews with key Vidal insiders ... including Tony!
Michael Gordon Jackie GilbertJim Czarnecki
"The movie was amazing," Tony says. "Perhaps I am a bit biased, as I was in it, but truly it was brilliant. Michael Gordon, along with Jackie Gilbert-Bauer and Jim Czarnecki, did an incredible job of producing and directing. It not only told a condensed version of Vidal's life and career, but also the story of how he changed the way we cut hair ... forever!"
Tony joined Sassoon in 1960 and spent 17 years watching and being a part of this happening.
"I was hoping that the movie would show what really happened, and it did! Every hairdresser should see this to be inspired and proud. This profiles a man who can change the world. If you think about it, never in a million years would I have ever thought it could be a hairdresser ... but it was. Vidal was a visionary as well as an artist, his philosophies, techniques and mind-set changed the hair craft forever and influenced many other industries."
Tony was not the only important member in the audience that has been part of the Vidal story since the early days. "Among the famous people at the event were Vidal's son Elan and his daughter Eden," says Tony. "Also there was Charles Booth and his daughter Samantha, Christopher Pluck (one of the originals too), Richard Stein, Dwight Miller, Tabatha Coffey and John Frieda."
Tony believes this movie is "a must for every hairdresser, both young and old. And, especially for beauty school students."
Vidal SassoonVidal Sassoon the Movie
Most importantly, Tony was truly moved by the film. "I cried, I laughed, I had goose bumps and I left feeling so very proud that I have had the pleasure to know this man and to have been with him through part of his journey."
See more information on the movie at vidalsassoonthemovie.com!
Related:
The
Vidal Sassoon Interview: The Legend Talks About New Movie
Maya Smith, CEO, Founder and Creative Director of haircare brand The Doux, sits down with Nicole to chat about the brand's new Roblox game, My Salon Empire, inspired by salon entrepreneurship and celebrating all hair textures.
This global competition celebrates the artistry, energy, and creative PULSE of the professional beauty community.
Sofia Vergara, Lucy Hale, Alison Brie, John Salley, Brian Austin Green and more honored the best achievements in Science Behind Beauty, Health & Wellness at this glittering event.
Stress was the factor respondents blamed most often when their skin worsened, cited by 54%, followed by diet at 37% and hormones at 35%.
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
