Dustin Hoffman Bio
Dustin Lee Hoffman (born August 8, 1937) is an American actor and filmmaker. As one of the key actors in the formation of New Hollywood, Hoffman is known for his versatile portrayals of antiheroes and emotionally vulnerable characters. Among his numerous accolades are two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, five Golden Globe Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards as well as a nomination for a Tony Award. He was honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1997, the AFI Life Achievement Award in 1999, and the Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2012.
Early Life and Background
Dustin Lee Hoffman was born on August 8, 1937, in Los Angeles, California, the younger of two sons of Harry Hoffman and Lillian (née Gold). His father worked as a prop supervisor at Columbia Pictures before becoming a furniture salesman. Hoffman was named after stage and silent screen actor Dustin Farnum. He has an elder brother Ronald, who is a lawyer and economist. Hoffman is Jewish, from an Ashkenazi Jewish family of immigrants from Kiev, Russian Empire, and IaÈ™i, Romania. The family’s surname was spelled Гойхман (Goikhman) in the Russian Empire. His upbringing was nonreligious, and he has stated that he did not celebrate Jewish holidays growing up. Hoffman graduated from Los Angeles High School in 1955 and initially enrolled at Santa Monica College with the intention of studying medicine. However, he decided to pursue acting and left after a year to join the Pasadena Playhouse.
Path to Hollywood
Hoffman’s first acting role was at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he trained alongside future Academy Award-winner Gene Hackman. After two years, he followed Hackman to New York City, where they lived together while seeking acting jobs. During this period, Hoffman got occasional television bit parts, including commercials, but struggled to find steady work. He studied at the Actors Studio and became a dedicated method actor. In 1960, Hoffman was cast in an off-Broadway production, followed by a bit part in his Broadway debut in A Cook for Mr. General (1961). His film debut came in the black comedy The Tiger Makes Out (1967).
Dustin Hoffman Career
Early Career (1960–1966)
Hoffman’s early career was marked by a series of theater roles and small television appearances. He starred in the off-Broadway play Eh?, for which he received a Drama Desk Award. His breakthrough came when he was cast as Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate (1967), directed by Mike Nichols. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination and established him as a major star.
Breakthrough (1967–1969)
The Graduate was a massive box office hit, making Hoffman a household name. His portrayal of a confused college graduate having an affair with an older woman resonated with audiences and critics alike. Following this success, he starred in Midnight Cowboy (1969), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Hoffman’s performance as Ratso Rizzo earned him another Oscar nomination.
Notable Works and Milestones
Hoffman’s signature works include Kramer vs. Kramer (1979), for which he won his first Academy Award, and Rain Man (1988), which earned him his second Oscar. Both films showcased his ability to portray complex characters dealing with emotional turmoil.
Dustin Hoffman Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Dustin Hoffman has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including multiple Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.
Dustin Hoffman Awards Won
Hoffman has won two Academy Awards for Best Actor, among many other accolades, including BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards.
Dustin Hoffman Family
Dustin Hoffman was married to Anne Byrne from 1969 to 1980, and they have two daughters, Karina and Jenna. He later married Lisa Gottsegen in 1980, with whom he has four children: Jacob, Rebecca, Maxwell, and Alexandra.
Personal Life
Hoffman has been open about his Jewish heritage and has stated that he is more observant now than in his youth. He has also faced allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has publicly addressed, expressing regret for any discomfort he may have caused. In 2013, he was successfully treated for cancer. Hoffman remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, continuing to work on various projects, including his role in the upcoming film Megalopolis, set for release in 2024.
