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.”
From being the most prominent child star of the 1970s to now appearing quite worn, his latest look has sparked concerns among fans
Many people aspire to carve out a niche for themselves under the Hollywood spotlight, but few realize that dream. Ricky Schroder, who gained fame as a child actor, became a household name at a young age. However, recent images of him have raised concerns among fans.
Born on April 13, 1970, in Staten Island, New York, Ricky began his acting journey in the late 1970s with the film The Champ, a role that earned him a Golden Globe and opened doors to more opportunities. He became well-known for his role in the beloved sitcom Silver Spoons, which ran from 1982 to 1987, further solidifying his reputation as a talented young actor.
Throughout his career, Ricky has appeared in various popular shows, including NYPD Blue, Scrubs, and Strong Medicine. He also ventured into directing and producing, notably earning the Best Director Award at the San Diego International Film Festival for his 2004 project, Black Cloud.
Despite his professional success, Ricky faced challenges in his personal life. In 1992, he was arrested following allegations of domestic violence made by his girlfriend, Andrea Bernard. The couple later reconciled, married, and had four children: Holden, Luke, Cambrie, and Faith, but their marriage ended in 2016.
After the divorce, Ricky struggled with personal issues, including partying, and faced estrangement from his eldest daughter. He was arrested again for domestic violence, though the case was ultimately dismissed.
In recent years, Ricky has distanced himself from the public eye, opting to live on his farm. He occasionally connects with fans through social media, sharing glimpses of his life and home.
One recent video sparked considerable attention, with viewers commenting on his noticeable change in appearance. Clad in typical farmer attire, he reminisced about his youth and spoke about his uncle’s military influence while urging fans to stay vigilant against corruption in the federal system.
However, many comments focused less on his message and more on his looks, with some expressing concern over his “rough” appearance. “What happened to Ricky Schroder?” one viewer questioned, while others echoed similar sentiments.
Conversely, some fans defended him, attributing his rugged look to his hard work as a farmer. “He’s living an honest life”, one commenter praised. It’s heartening to see Ricky Schroder embrace life on his own terms.
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