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.”
Meg Ryan Drops the Hammer: Kicks Meghan Markle Out of Festival Over Shocking Drug Claims
The 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival was meant to be a big moment for Meghan Markle. It was her chance to come back into the spotlight after years of staying away from the public eye. This time away came after her dramatic exit from the British royal family.
Meghan Markle was invited as a special guest to the 2024 Sarajevo Film Festival. She was set to introduce a documentary she produced, hoping to revive her fading fame in Hollywood. However, the night took a surprising turn. Before she could walk the red carpet, security guards removed her from the event, shocking everyone. The crowd gasped as the former actress was escorted out.
The incident was shown live on TV and quickly became a major topic in Hollywood. Supporters of Meghan called the event disrespectful, while critics claimed it showed that Hollywood had turned its back on her.
So, what caused this situation? Meghan’s popularity has decreased in recent years. Her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she made serious allegations against the British royal family, stirred up a lot of controversy. While some felt sympathy for her, others thought she was being opportunistic and ungrateful. Her later projects, like the Spotify podcast with Prince Harry, didn’t get much attention either.
Hollywood insiders have said that Meghan’s relationships with important people in the industry have worsened. She hoped her royal background would help her career, but many now see her as more trouble than she’s worth. One film executive anonymously said, “There’s a sense that Meghan is more hassle than she’s worth. She brings a lot of baggage, and studios prefer less drama.”
Meghan Markle’s invitation to the Sarajevo Film Festival was seen as her last chance to regain public attention. She planned to showcase her documentary about the refugee crisis, a project that could help improve her image. However, things went wrong as soon as Meghan arrived. Sources say she made several demanding requests, such as a private jet, a luxury hotel suite, and a team of personal assistants.
One festival representative said, “It was just too much for us to accommodate.” Tensions rose on the red carpet when security guards surrounded Meghan, leading her away from the event. Witnesses reported that she was visibly upset, shouting, “You can’t do this to me! I’m the Duchess of Sussex!” Unfortunately, her protests didn’t help.
The fallout from this incident has been significant. Festival organizers released a short statement saying security concerns were the reason for Meghan’s removal, but they didn’t give more details. This event has caused controversy, with some people accusing Hollywood’s elite of trying to humiliate her.
Many people believe that the way Meghan was treated at the festival was a clear attempt to publicly shame her. One royal commentator said, “This was a way to knock her down a peg.” Others think that Meghan’s behavior and her security demands made her presence difficult to manage. A film critic mentioned, “They had to do what they had to do to keep everyone safe. Meghan brought this on herself with her outrageous requests.”
The aftermath has been tough for Meghan. The incident quickly went viral, with many memes and jokes appearing on social media. Late-night TV hosts have also made fun of the situation, and even some of Meghan’s former Hollywood friends have distanced themselves from her. This event has reinforced the idea that Meghan is not welcome in Hollywood. With her reputation damaged and her celebrity status declining, she faces a challenging path if she wants to regain her place in the industry. One industry insider said, “Meghan wanted a big comeback, but instead, she got the ultimate humiliation. Hollywood has spoken, and the message is clear: they don’t want her here.” It remains to be seen if Meghan can make a comeback, but for now, she finds herself struggling in a town where she once hoped to rebuild her life.
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