Hoffman, Dustin (1937-…), is an American actor best known for his offbeat character roles in unusual and demanding motion pictures. Hoffman won Academy Awards as best actor for his performances in Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) and Rain Man (1988).
Dustin Lee Hoffman was born on Aug. 8, 1937, in Los Angeles. In 1958, he moved to New York City, where he appeared in several plays. Hoffman first won fame for his portrayal of a confused college graduate in The Graduate (1967).
Hoffman starred as the controversial comedian Lenny Bruce in Lenny (1974) and appeared in the political thriller All the President (1976). Hoffman played a man impersonating a woman in the comedy Tootsie (1982). Hoffman’s other films include Midnight Cowboy (1969); Straw Dogs (1971); Papillon (1973), Marathon Man (1976); Straight Time (1978); Hook (1991), Outbreak (1995); Wag the Dog (1997); Moonlight Mile (2002), Runaway Jury (2003); Finding Neverland and I Heart Huckabees (both 2004); Meet the Fockers (2004) and its sequel Little Fockers (2010); Perfume: The Story of a Murderer and Stranger Than Fiction (both 2006); Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007); Last Chance Harvey (2008); and Barney’s Version (2010). Hoffman also provided the voices for characters in the animated films Kung Fu Panda (2008) and its sequels, Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016), and The Tale of Despereaux (2008). Hoffman starred in the cable drama “Luck” (2011-2012). He directed the comedy-drama Quartet (2012).
Hoffman returned to the stage in 1984 to star in a highly praised revival of the American drama Death of a Salesman He also played Shylock in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice in London and New York City in 1989 and 1990. Hoffman became a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2012.
