Dustin Hoffman, a master of disguise, famously dressed in drag for Tootsie over 30 years ago. However, the celebrated actor also managed to hide a much more personal struggle – one that nearly claimed his life. In 2013, at the age of 75, Hoffman quietly revealed that he had undergone treatment for throat cancer, which was “surgically cured.” Despite this revelation, he never publicly spoke about his battle again.

In 1967, Hoffman, then 30 years old, had his breakthrough role in The Graduate. This romantic comedy earned him his first Oscar nomination, and he soon became a household name. Over the following years, he starred in iconic films like All the President’s Men and Kramer vs. Kramer, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in the latter.

In 1983, Hoffman took on the role of a struggling actor who disguises himself as a woman in the film Tootsie. While the movie was a comedy and became a massive hit, Hoffman had a profound emotional reaction to his character. He recalled in an interview that dressing up as a woman led to a personal epiphany about the societal pressures women face regarding appearance. Hoffman expressed how deeply it affected him when he realized that his female character wasn’t considered beautiful by conventional standards. This experience shifted his perception of how women are treated.

Despite Tootsie being one of the highest-grossing films of 1983, Hoffman didn’t find it humorous. He admitted that the film was never a comedy for him, but rather a personal and eye-opening journey.

By the time Hoffman earned his second Oscar for Rain Man in 1988, he had become one of Hollywood’s most respected and sought-after actors. In addition to his two Academy Awards, Hoffman has also won six Golden Globes and a Primetime Emmy.

In 2013, the actor took a step back from his usual public appearances, sparking curiosity among fans. Just months after making his directorial debut with Quartet and finishing production on Chef, his representative revealed the reason for his absence. Jodi Gottlieb, Hoffman’s publicist, informed the public that the actor had been successfully treated for cancer, which was detected early. She reassured fans that Hoffman was feeling great and in good health, though details about the type of cancer were not disclosed.

Reports suggest that Hoffman continued with preventative treatments to minimize the risk of the cancer returning. While it was not confirmed, some have speculated that Hoffman was treated for throat cancer.

More than a decade later, Hoffman remains active in his career. He has continued to voice the character of Master Shifu in the Kung Fu Panda franchise and appeared in films like Sam and Kate (2022) and the 2024 sci-fi drama Megalopolis. His resilience and continued success serve as a testament to his strength and determination.

In early 2024, Hello! reported that Hoffman and his wife of 43 years, Lisa Gottsegen, were spotted enjoying a stroll through London. The couple appeared relaxed and happy, sharing sweet moments in public. Hoffman, who has six children, continues to enjoy life alongside his family. The outlet noted that the actor looked much younger than his 86 years, a sign that he is thriving despite the health challenges he faced over a decade ago.

While Hoffman has remained private about his battle with cancer, his continued presence in Hollywood and his personal life suggests that he is doing well.