After his breakthrough performance as Benjamin Braddock in 1967's "The Graduate," Dustin Hoffman became one of America's most respected actors, appearing in such classic movies as "Midnight Cowboy," "Kramer vs. Kramer," and "Rain Man."
As the brash actor Michael Dorsey in "Tootsie," Hoffman once again immersed himself in character. While Dorsey may be similar to Hoffman in many ways, the transformation into Dorothy Michaels required Hoffman to venture into unknown territory, and he insisted on portraying Dorothy with dignity. "I was shocked that I wasn't more attractive," he admitted in a 2012 AFI interview, later concluding, "['Tootsie'] was never a comedy for me." The role earned him his fourth best actor Oscar nomination as well as a Golden Globe win. After a five-year break from movies, Hoffman co-starred with good friend Warren Beatty in the notorious flop "Ishtar" in 1987, but he redeemed himself the following year with the critically acclaimed box office hit "Rain Man" opposite Tom Cruise. The film won Hoffman his second best actor Oscar (his first was for "Kramer vs. Kramer").
In 2017, multiple women accused Hoffman of sexual misconduct or assault (via The Hollywood Reporter). "Tootsie" co-star Bill Murray came to Hoffman's defense. "Dustin Hoffman is a great man," Murray said during a talk at New York City's 92nd Street Y (via USA Today). "He's crazy, a 'Borscht Belt' flirt, has been his whole life. (But) he's a really sweet man." This came months after a heated discussion (at the same location) between Hoffman and John Oliver over the allegations (via The Washington Post).
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
