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.”
Patricia Krentcil: The Evolution of “Tan Mom”
Obsterscence dominates our lives and can provide long -term results, especially in our health. Patricia Clantis is a person who knows him well. Her tanning obsession has led her to internet fame, but it’s also brought her dangerously close to death with a condition called anorexia.
When Patricia was younger, tanning became an important part of her life: she would visit tanning salons five days a week and spend hours in the booths to achieve the perfect tan. This obsession intensified when she was accused of taking her 6-year-old daughter to a tanning salon and endangering her health.The incident made Patricia an internet sensation, with media outlets dubbing her “Tan Mama.” But it also shed light on the condition of tanorexia, where individuals become addicted to tanning and are unaware of just how much color they have. Health professionals warned of the dangers of excessive tanning and its link to skin cancer.
Despite the controversy, Patricia maintained her innocence, claiming that her daughter had been burned while playing outside. The charges against her were eventually dropped, but the public scrutiny took a toll on her and her family. They decided to start anew and moved to Florida.Unfortunately, Patricia’s struggles were far from over. In June 2019, she fell gravely ill due to complications from pneumonia. She was placed on life support, but thankfully, she pulled through. Today, Patricia is doing much better, although the scars from her past tanning are still visible.
In an interview, Patricia expressed that she no longer dwells on the negative aspects of her past. She has embraced her status as “Tan Mom” and even continues to tan twice a week in her own tanning bed. She sees herself as two separate people – Tan Mom, the celebrity, and Patricia Marie, the mom.The story of “Tan Mom” sparks a debate about the existence of tanning salons. Some may argue that they should be shut down due to their potential health risks, while others believe it should be a personal choice. What are your thoughts on this issue?
Regardless of where you stand on the matter, Patricia Krentcil’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of moderation and self-awareness. Let’s be mindful of our obsessions and ensure they don’t overshadow the other crucial aspects of our lives.Please share this article with your friends and family on Facebook and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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