Dustin Hoffman, who famously dressed in drag for *Tootsie* 30 years ago, used his acting skills to keep a serious secret: a battle with cancer that almost took his life.
In 2013, the *Rain Man* actor, then 75, revealed that he had quietly undergone treatment for throat cancer, which was “surgically cured.” After that, he never spoke about it publicly again. Here’s more about the Oscar-winning actor’s journey with cancer.
In 1967, at 30 years old, Dustin Hoffman had his breakthrough role in the romantic comedy *The Graduate*, which earned him his first Oscar nomination.
Over the years, Hoffman starred in iconic films like *All the President’s Men* (1976) and *Kramer vs. Kramer* (1979), which won him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
In 1983, Hoffman played a washed-up actor who dresses as a woman to get a role on a soap opera in the movie *Tootsie*, showcasing his incredible versatility.
\In the hit film *Tootsie*, Dustin Hoffman’s character was called a “nottie” instead of a “hottie,” which brought him to tears, he shared.
“If I were going to be a woman, I’d want to be as beautiful as possible. But they told me, ‘That’s as good as it gets,’” Hoffman recalled in an interview.
When he realized he wasn’t considered attractive as a woman, the now 86-year-old actor had a life-changing realization about how society views women.
“I went home and started crying,” Hoffman says. “I thought, ‘I’m an interesting woman,’ but I knew if I met that version of myself at a party, I wouldn’t talk to her because she didn’t meet the physical standards we’re taught women need to have for us to approach them.”
Even though *Tootsie* was the second-highest-grossing film of the year—just behind *E.T. The Extraterrestrial*—Dustin Hoffman didn’t find it funny.
“That was never a comedy for me,” he added.
Despite his feelings about the film, Hoffman became one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood.
He earned his second Oscar for the 1988 film *Rain Man* and went on to win six Golden Globes and one Primetime Emmy.
In 2013, Hoffman, who had always been very active in his career, suddenly went quiet.
It was later revealed that his cancer had been detected early.
Just months after Dustin Hoffman made his directorial debut with the British comedy *Quartet* (2012) and finished filming *Chef* (2014) alongside Jon Favreau and Sofia Vergara, the reason for his absence became clear.
Hoffman’s publicist, Jodi Gottlieb, shared with *People* (through ABC News) that the beloved actor had been privately treated for cancer. She didn’t reveal many details but said, “It was detected early, and he has been surgically cured. Dustin is feeling great and is in good health.”
At 75, Hoffman underwent preventative treatments to reduce the chances of the cancer returning. While Gottlieb didn’t specify the type of cancer, it was widely believed to be throat cancer.
Even after the news, Hoffman’s career didn’t slow down. He lent his voice to Master Shifu in more *Kung Fu Panda* films (2008 to 2024) and acted in several other movies, including *Sam and Kate* in 2022 and the upcoming sci-fi drama *Megalopolis* in 2024. Hoffman, now 86, continues to remind us of his resilience and passion for acting.
In early March 2024, *Hello!* magazine reported that Dustin Hoffman and his wife, Lisa Gottsegen, were seen walking around London, showing some sweet moments of affection.
Hoffman, who married Gottsegen in 1980, added four children to his family, along with two children from his previous marriage to Anne Byrne.
The article noted, “The Hollywood legend looked much younger than his 86 years as he smiled and waved at the cameras. He appeared tanned and relaxed while strolling through the city and visiting shops with his wife of 43 years.”
You Won’t Believe Why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Left the UK – Fans Are Furious
Prince Harry’s decision to leave the UK surprised the royal family and sparked a lot of questions. Many people wondered what made them choose such a big change. Recently, Harry shared another shocking reason for their move, which has made many social media users very angry.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex once seemed to have everything—a beautiful royal wedding, a growing family, and fans all over the world. But behind the scenes, things were getting tense, and it didn’t take long for their fairy tale to come to an end.
The couple made a brave choice to leave their royal life and moved to another continent. Prince Harry’s reasons for their departure have caused a lot of anger, with many critics expressing disbelief and frustration.
They mentioned wanting financial independence and a healthier family life. However, Prince Harry later shared more personal reasons for their move. As more details came out, critics responded harshly, saying the couple had created their own problems.
They also shared their plans to become financially independent while spending time in both the UK and North America. In their statement, they expressed a wish to raise their son, Archie, with respect for royal traditions. They also talked about wanting the freedom to focus on a new chapter in their lives.
In his memoir, “Spare,” Harry revealed that their decision to leave the UK was not just about seeking financial independence or escaping media attention. It was motivated by a much more personal and painful reason: fear for their safety.
“My wife and I fled this place in fear of our sanity and physical safety,” Harry wrote. He explained that the pressures of royal life, especially the constant media attacks on Meghan, had forced them to prioritize their mental well-being.
Despite the criticism, Prince Harry defended his decision to leave, stating that his main goal was to protect his family. He emphasized that he was willing to cut ties with the royal institution that had shaped his life for so long in order to ensure their safety and well-being.
Leave a Reply