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.”
Mia Robertson is overcome with emotion.
Mia Robertson, the actress Missy and actor Jase Robertson’s daughter from Duck Dynasty, lost a very dear person this week.
Her longtime doctor, Dr. David Genecov, was killed in a car crash. Missy Robertson informed her Instagram fans that Mia underwent surgery to repair her fractured palate and lip.
Since Dr. Genecov had been Mia’s doctor for a number of years prior to his passing, his passing has impacted her life.
He not only provided her with medical care, but he was also incredibly compassionate and supportive throughout. His passing has upset Mia and her family, who have loved their time together over the years.
Mia Robertson has been fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and compassionate pediatrician all of her childhood.
She will always treasure her memories of him, even if his passing has left them all in disbelief and grief. Mia’s heart will always carry Dr. Genecov’s love as a continual reminder that he will never be forgotten.
Missy Robertson talks about how she and her daughter, Mia Robertson, were affected by her husband’s kindness and unwavering support.
His loving demeanor brought them comfort, and his words of encouragement inspired them to take on any challenge. In July, Mia underwent her fourteenth surgery, which she believes to be the final one she will ever require.
She established the “Mia Moo Fund” in order to provide healthcare to other kids and free them from having to cover up their smiles due to health issues. Thanks in part to the encouragement of their family and friends who have stood with them through thick and thin, Missy and Mia are more important than ever.
Missy’s husband was polite and helpful, which helped stabilize and bring tranquility to an otherwise chaotic situation. His presence gave Mia the support she needed to face an uncertain future, which enabled her undergo her fourteenth treatment in July without anxiety.
In addition, he helped them become stronger than either of them could have imagined before these difficulties; day by day, they felt more capable of facing any challenges that came their way with bravery and elegance.
As a result of this journey, Mia founded the “Mia Moo Fund,” a nonprofit dedicated to helping kids in need of medical attention by providing financial assistance so they won’t have to give up their smiles for want of funds.
Mia received the heartbreaking news from Missy Robertson. Dr. Genecov left a lasting legacy of elegance and beauty, as well as a passionate desire to involve his patients in decision-making, that those who knew him best will never forget.
Mia considers herself lucky to have connected with Dr. David Genecov. He made an unrivaled contribution to her experience with broken lip and palate, as well as numerous medical advancements that will benefit future generations.
Mia’s mother begged everyone to pray for people who were in agony as a result of this tragedy, saying that she could no longer remember life before her appointment with Dr. David.
The family will always be grateful for the doctor’s contributions to medical advancements that have improved lives all across the world, and they will always have a special place in their hearts for his work and kindness at this difficult time.
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