Info about Dustin Hoffman
Date of Birth: August 8, 1937
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
Height: 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
Breakthrough Role: The Graduate (1967) – Played Benjamin Braddock, a confused college graduate caught in an affair with an older woman
Photos of Dustin Hoffman
Biography of Dustin Hoffman
Early Life & Education
Dustin Lee Hoffman was born on August 8, 1937, in Los Angeles, California. His father worked as a prop supervisor, but the family had no strong ties to Hollywood. Initially interested in medicine, Hoffman later switched to acting, enrolling at the Pasadena Playhouse.
In the 1960s, he moved to New York City, struggling as an unknown actor while sharing an apartment with future star Gene Hackman. He took odd jobs and trained under legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg in Method Acting.
Career Beginnings & Breakthrough
Hoffman’s breakthrough came in 1967 with The Graduate. His portrayal of an awkward, disillusioned college graduate resonated with audiences and earned him an Oscar nomination. The film’s "Mrs. Robinson" scene became one of the most famous in cinema history.
Rise to Stardom
In the 1970s and 1980s, Hoffman became one of Hollywood’s top actors, delivering iconic performances:
- Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Played Ratso Rizzo, a sickly con man (Oscar nomination)
- Lenny (1974) – Transformed into comedian Lenny Bruce (Oscar nomination)
- Marathon Man (1976) – Starred alongside Laurence Olivier in a tense thriller
- Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) – Won his first Academy Award, portraying a father fighting for custody of his son
- Tootsie (1982) – Played a struggling actor who disguises himself as a woman (Oscar nomination)
Hoffman became famous for his dedication to roles, sometimes going to extreme lengths for realism.
Oscar Wins & Later Career
His second Best Actor Oscar came for:
- Rain Man (1988) – Played an autistic savant, alongside Tom Cruise, in one of his most beloved roles
Other notable films include Hook (1991), where he played Captain Hook, Wag the Dog (1997), and Meet the Fockers (2004).
In recent years, he has done voice work (Kung Fu Panda) and TV projects.
Personal Life
Hoffman has been married twice and has six children. He is known for his perfectionism on set, sometimes clashing with directors.
Interesting Facts
- He stayed awake for two days straight while filming Marathon Man to look exhausted.
- He was roommates with Robert Duvall and Gene Hackman in his struggling actor days.
Dustin Hoffman remains one of the most respected actors in history, known for his versatility, method acting, and groundbreaking performances.