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.”
Joy Behar Calls Dolly Parton’s Jolene Anti-Feminist And Fans Come Unglued
There doesn’t seem to be a shortage of viewpoints these days, and people are willing to argue almost anything. The View, where the hosts explore some of the most fascinating subjects, is one venue where these discussions frequently take place.
Joy Behar, one of The View’s members, recently sparked a heated discussion by questioning the renowned country song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, implying that it might have anti-feminist connotations.
Behar even went so far as to declare that Beyoncé’s more current rendition of “Jolene” was better. People’s attention is being drawn to the intense conversation that has been ignited by this comment.
Joy Behar is not afraid to voice her opinions, and she made sure the show’s producer knew that she preferred Beyoncé’s performance of “Jolene.” Behar claims that Dolly Parton’s rendition of the song displays possessiveness and insecurity, especially when Parton is pleading with the mistress not to take her lover.
This notion, according to Behar, is antifeminist because it suggests that women should be worried that their men might cheat on them because they are attracted to other women. She feels that it undercuts women’s empowerment.
However, Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene,” known as “Cowboy Carter,” presents an alternative viewpoint. In the song, Beyoncé issues a warning to the other person, telling them to avoid her connection, instead of pleading with them.
Naturally, a lot of people—including country music icon Reba McEntire—had comments about the matter. McEntire just chuckled when asked about Joy Behar’s remark and complimented Beyoncé on her contributions to the country music genre.
Behar praises Beyoncé’s performance of “Jolene” for its strong message, but she still maintains that Dolly Parton’s song is anti-feminist. Behar claims that Beyoncé’s rendition shows a self-assured lady who is prepared to face the difficulties in her relationship head-on.
Fascinatingly, Dolly Parton appears to value Beyoncé’s rendition of the song, which adds another dimension to this continuing discussion.
As long as people are willing to talk about it, this argument will undoubtedly continue. Undoubtedly, Joy Behar evoked powerful feelings, and not everyone finds it amusing.
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