**Dustin Hoffman (Los Angeles, 1937)** is an American actor, an iconic New Hollywood figure and among the most influential of his generation. He redefined the role of the cinematic hero, often portraying outsiders or the common man with profound psychological complexity.

His career exploded with *The Graduate* (1967), where he embodied the youthful disillusionment of Ben Braddock. Subsequently, he demonstrated extraordinary versatility in memorable roles such as the ailing Ratso Rizzo in *Midnight Cowboy* (1969) and journalist Carl Bernstein in *All the President's Men* (1976).

Winner of two Best Actor Academy Awards for *Kramer vs. Kramer* (1979), in which he played a divorced father, and *Rain Man* (1988), in the role of an autistic savant. Other notable performances include the brilliant comedy *Tootsie* (1982) and the charismatic Captain Hook in *Hook* (1991). Hoffman is known for his intense, methodical acting and his ability to completely transform into his characters.