American actor Dustin Lee Hoffman was born in Los Angeles, California on 8th August 1937, is married and has 6 children.
During his teens, Dustin studied the piano, aiming to become a classical pianist. In 1955, he graduated from high school and then went to college as he wanted to study medicine. A year after, however, he left to attend a performing arts venue to pursue an acting career.
His first acting performance was at the same venue, together with another famous actor, Gene Hackman. Two years later, Gene travelled to New York and Dustin followed him. Hoffman appeared in some TV commercials and shows but that was it. Unable to obtain a proper role, Dustin took a break from acting and for a while opted for teaching.
From 1960 to 1966, Dustin took part in several stage productions and TV shows but real success arrived with a leading role in the film ‘The Graduate’ in 1967. He refused the roles that were offered afterwards as he considered himself as a theatre person and went back to performing on stage.
Albeit, he did return to acting on the big screen, so much so that in the last six decades, Dustin starred in about 60 films. These include big, famous movies like ‘Tootsie’, ‘Rain Man’, ‘Kramer vs Kramer’, ‘All the President’s Men’, ‘Sleepers’ and ‘Meet the Fockers’, amongst many, many others. He also appeared in more than 15 TV shows and series and performed in 6 theatrical productions.
During his +60-year career, Hoffman received several awards including 2 Academy, 1 Emmy, 3 British Academy Film, 6 Golden Globe, a Life Achievement and an Honorary Cesar Medal.
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