What Does Dustin Hoffman Do? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Odd jobs while trying to break into acting

Dustin took classes intending to go into medicine, but dropped out. He then went to acting school at the Pasadena Playhouse in California, a world class theater often called the "Star Factory". Voted "Least Likely to Succeed", and treated like outsiders, Hoffman's friend dropped out. Hoffman followed him to New York City, slept on his floor, and refused to leave. To make ends meet, he strung Hawaiian Leis, taught, checked coats, tested fragrances for Maxwell House, did a few commercials, took classes and looked for acting jobs.

Answer: Gene Hackman

Fellow "Least Likely to Succeed" Gene Hackman was the guy. He invited Dustin into his New York apartment to stay for two days, and put up with him for three weeks. Hackman reportedly said Dustin was a terrible housemate. "We had to hose the place out." Hackman and Hoffman were big fans of Marlon Brando.

They'd go up on the roof at night and sing. Hoffman, Hackman and another new actor looking for work, Robert Duvall, shared rooms and supported each other until they got their first breaks.

Answer: Playing short but brave, "Little Big Man"

Hoffman is in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for the longest lifespan portrayed by one person in film. He plays character Jack Crabb from age 17 to 121. "I defy you to put on that make-up and not FEEL old," Hoffman apparently said. Jack Crabb's fictional adventures across the native and non-native west include connection with the Cheyenne (Cheyenne means "Human Beings").

This movie was the first, in Western films, to depict Native Americans as having rich speech and perspective, rather than "Me huntem big buffalo" as in previous Westerns.

Answer: I'm a victim of The Weather Underground

No one knew The Weather Underground was using the townhouse next to Hoffman, until they killed three of their members when a bomb accidentally detonated. They'd intended to use it in their on-going protests about the Vietnam war, perceived imperialism, and civil rights. In a documentary "The Weather Underground" Hoffman is seen standing in the street after the explosion.

Answer: Learning my role for "Lenny"

Hoffman "became" an enormously gifted maniac and drug addict, in order to play this part in 1974. Lenny Bruce was a stand-up comic, social critic and satirist. In the 1960s he was banned, blacklisted and tried for his use of obscenities. He wrote "How to Talk Dirty and Influence People", and died of an accidental drug overdose. He is listed as the third Greatest Stand-up of All Time.

Answer: Captain Hook in "Hook"

The 1991 movie "Hook" is the story of Peter Pan after he's grown up and become a corporate man. Dustin's Captain costume was so heavy he had to wear an air-conditioned suit underneath. After this movie, his friends all called him Hook.

Answer: Anne Byrne

Hoffman married Anne Byrne in May 1969, He was 41. They adopted Karina in 1966, and Jenna was born in 1970. They divorced in 1980. Hoffman married his second wife in October of 1980.

Hoffman won his first Academy Award for his 1979 performance in "Kramer vs. Kramer".

Answer: Mad City

"Mad City" is a 1997 film about a museum worker (Travolta) who took hostages after he was laid off, and then attempted to look out for his family. A journalist played up the bad situation to punch up his career (Hoffman).

Answer: Death of a Salesman

As a seasoned stage actor Hoffman was perfect for Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman", playing an aged salesman who tried to change his empty life. Hoffman won a 1985 Emmy Award for Outstanding lead actor in a TV movie or miniseries, adding TV accolades to his growing list of achievements.

Answer: Jewish

Hoffman's family was Jewish but did not practice, so he never practiced either. Once he had his children, he regretted not learning Hebrew, and he reared them in the faith.

Hoffman has earned a reputation for being difficult to work with. He's also earned 15 prestigious awards across stage, cinema, television and voice, as well as a Life Achievement Award. He is married. He has six children and two grandchildren. Not bad, for "Least Likely to Succeed".