Dustin Hoffman

Cast · Director

Born

August 8, 1937 · Los Angeles, California, USA

Birth name

Dustin Lee Hoffman

“The only thing I really need to know about a character is what I’m going to do to make that character believable to myself. That’s my job, to make that person live.” Dustin Hoffman is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his diverse roles and compelling performances. Beginning his career at 19 after leaving music studies, Hoffman faced early struggles before gaining recognition through small television roles and Off-Broadway performances, winning an Obie Award. His breakthrough came with "The Graduate" (1967), where his portrayal of Benjamin Braddock established him as a leading man. This success was followed by "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), where he played the iconic character "Ratso" Rizzo. Throughout the 1970s, Hoffman excelled in roles like those in "Little Big Man" (1970), "Straw Dogs" (1971), and "All the President’s Men" (1976). His performance in "Kramer vs. Kramer" (1979) earned him his first Oscar for Best Actor, and he was nominated again for "Tootsie" (1982). The 1980s saw notable stage triumphs, including his acclaimed performance in "Death of a Salesman" (1984) and a Golden Globe-winning portrayal of Willy Loman. Hoffman won his second Best Actor Oscar for "Rain Man" (1988), showcasing his skill in playing complex, emotionally restrained characters. Though he faced some disappointing films in the 1990s, Hoffman's career rebounded with "Wag the Dog" (1997), earning him another Academy Award nomination. He continued to work in film and television, with roles in "I Heart Huckabees" (2004), "Stranger Than Fiction" (2006), and "The Meyerowitz Stories" (2017). He also lent his voice to popular animated films like "Kung Fu Panda" (2008, 2011, 2016). In 2012, Hoffman made his directorial debut with "Quartet" and was honored as a Kennedy Center honoree. His extensive career demonstrates a remarkable range and enduring impact on both stage and screen.