20 Candid Photographs Capture Everyday Life of the Rising Star Dustin Hoffman in 1969

In 1969, John Dominis photographed a 31-year-old Dustin Hoffman for LIFE magazine, capturing the actor at a pivotal moment in his rising career. These photographs came shortly after Hoffman’s breakout performance in The Graduate (1967), which had catapulted him to stardom.

John Dominis, known for his intimate and candid photojournalism, documented Hoffman in a variety of natural and relaxed settings. The series of photos shows Hoffman both at work and at home, offering a look into the life of a young, unconventional Hollywood actor navigating newfound fame.

At the time, Hoffman was starring in and directing the play Jimmy Shine in New York City, and was also filming the movie John and Mary with Mia Farrow. Many of the photos here captured Hoffman with his first wife, Anne Byrne, and her daughter, Karina, as he was just beginning to achieve widespread fame after the success of The Graduate and Midnight Cowboy. The article in the July 11, 1969, issue of LIFE quotes Hoffman saying, “I don’t think at 50 you should be doing what you did when you were 30,” and expressing a desire to become a director. He also admitted, “I don’t know many actors who enjoy the work of acting. I like the adulation, the money, the whole gimmick of it, but I don’t think I’m a natural actor.”

These images reflected the countercultural shift of the late 1960s. Hoffman’s non-traditional looks and quirky charm stood in contrast to the classic Hollywood leading men of previous decades. Dominis used natural light and close framing to emphasize Hoffman’s expressive features and unique charisma.

Dustin Hoffman, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman with his stepdaughter Karina, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman with his stepdaughter Karina, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman with his stepdaughter Karina, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman signs autographs outside the theater where he starred in the play (which he also directed), Jimmy Shine, New York City, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman in his dressing room for the play (which he also directed), Jimmy Shine, New York City, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman in his trailer during the filming of the movie, John and Mary, in which he starred with Mia Farrow, New York City, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman with his wife Anne and daughter Karina, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman and family, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman and family, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman naps between takes on the set, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman and wife, Anne, and their dog Ratso, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman with his dog Ratso, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman on the way to the theater with his dog, Ratso, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow on set of the film, John and Mary, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman plays tennis during filming of the movie, John and Mary, New York, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman asleep on the set of the 1969 movie, John and Mary.

Dustin Hoffman chases after his dog Ratso in New York’s Riverside Park, 1969.

Dustin Hoffman during filming of the 1969 movie, John and Mary.

On a rare day away from work, Dustin Hoffman browsed in Greenwich Village shops with Anne and later kissed her in a taxi (above), New York, 1969.

(Photos by John Dominis The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock)