This legendary actor is hailed as one of Hollywood’s most iconic talents, having portrayed nearly 100 unforgettable roles across a career that spans over six decades. A native of Los Angeles, now 87 years old, he has twice claimed the film industry’s highest honor—an Academy Award—in 1980 and 1989. But who is this screen legend who recently caused a stir after being spotted in New York looking almost unrecognizable? None other than the incomparable Dustin Hoffman.
The once instantly recognizable star was seen sporting a full beard, dark sunglasses, a casual baseball cap, black pants, crisp white sneakers, and a loose-fitting blue shirt—an ensemble that made him nearly blend into the crowd. On this outing, he wasn’t joined by his longtime wife, Lisa Hoffman, whom he married in 1980. Together, the couple has four children: Jacob, Rebecca, Maxwell, and Ali.
Their love story is as unique as it is enduring. Lisa and Dustin first crossed paths at a family barbecue when she was just 10 and he was 27. Their families were close—Dustin’s mother was a dear friend of Lisa’s grandmother. The young Lisa was instantly charmed by the actor’s playful humor and musical talent, as he entertained her and her younger brother by playing piano and cracking jokes. He even got her to dance that day.
Years later, fate intervened. They reconnected at her grandfather’s funeral when Lisa was 22 and Dustin was 38, newly separated from his first wife, Anne Byrne, whom he had married in 1969. That chance reunion turned into a first date, which blossomed into a lasting love that has endured for over four decades.
Lisa often reflects on their journey together with warmth and humor. “They say one year in Hollywood is like seven years anywhere else—so multiply that by seven,” she joked in an interview with Closer Weekly. She added that they are “more in love than ever,” crediting their success to patience, trust, and hard work. Before marrying Lisa, Dustin and Anne Byrne had two daughters, Jenna and Karina, now aged 53 and 57 respectively.
One of Lisa’s fondest memories is of a comment she made as a child: “I told my grandmother, ‘I hope he waits for me—I want to marry him.’” As destiny would have it, that’s exactly how things played out.
“I knew marrying Dustin meant embracing a life of constant movement and change,” Lisa shared. “But we’ve built something solid through love and commitment.” And through all the transformations—on screen and off—Dustin Hoffman remains not only a cinematic legend, but a devoted partner whose real-life story is as compelling as any of his roles.