This legendary Hollywood actor, celebrated for his remarkable talent and versatility, has captivated audiences with nearly 100 unforgettable roles over a career that spans more than six decades. At 87 years old, this Los Angeles-born icon has twice taken home the prestigious Academy Award—in 1980 and 1989—cementing his status among the all-time greats. But recently, this star left fans doing a double take after being spotted in New York looking almost completely transformed. The mystery man? None other than Dustin Hoffman.
Looking worlds away from his polished red carpet image, Hoffman was seen out and about in a casual, low-key ensemble—sporting a full beard, dark sunglasses, a baseball cap, black slacks, white sneakers, and a breezy blue button-down shirt. Interestingly, he was flying solo for this outing, without his longtime wife, Lisa Hoffman, by his side. The couple, who tied the knot in 1980, share four children: Jacob, Rebecca, Maxwell, and Ali.
Their story begins decades ago in the most unexpected of places—a family barbecue. At the time, Lisa was just 10, and Dustin was 27. Their families were close friends, with Dustin’s mother being best friends with Lisa’s grandmother. At the gathering, the charismatic actor wowed Lisa and her brother with his piano playing and wit, even coaxing young Lisa into dancing.
Years later, destiny intervened once again. Lisa, then 22, ran into Dustin at her grandfather’s funeral. He was 38 and had recently ended his marriage to his first wife, Anne Byrne. That encounter turned into their first date, sparking a love story that has lasted for over four decades.
Lisa often reflects on the strength of their marriage. “They say a year in Hollywood is like seven anywhere else—so we’ve practically lived multiple lifetimes together,” she joked in an interview with Closer. She described their bond as stronger than ever, even after more than 40 years of love and life together.
Before Lisa, Dustin was married to Anne Byrne from 1969 to 1980. The couple had two daughters: Jenna, now 53, and Karina, 57.
Lisa still vividly remembers something she once told her grandmother as a young girl: “I hope he waits for me, because I want to marry him.” And, miraculously, that dream came true. “I always knew life with Dustin would mean constant change and travel, but we made it work,” she shared, crediting their lasting love to patience, commitment, and genuine connection.